Contact
cdoneill «at» sdsu.edu
GMCS Building, Room 570
5500 Campanile Dr
San Diego, CA 92182
U.S.A.
GMCS Building, Room 570
Math & Stats Department
San Diego State University5500 Campanile Dr
San Diego, CA 92182
U.S.A.
Math 296: Foundations of Mathematics (Fall 2026)
| Lectures: | TTh 11:00am - 12:15pm, GMCS 325 |
| Textbooks: | Exploring Mathematics: An Engaging Introduction to Proof (1st Edition), by John Meier and Derek Smith (optional but highly recommended) |
| Book of Proof (3rd Edition), by Richard Hammack (free, optional) |
A rigorous introduction to mathematical proofs, which are the foundation of higher mathematics. The primary focus of the course is proof techniques; other major topics include set theory, relations, and functions; additional topics covered as time permits.
Resources
The course syllabus (also as a plain text syllabus).
A tentative week-by-week lecture schedule (also as a plain text lecture schedule), which is subject to change without notice.
A description of the reading project.
Homework
There will be one homework assignment given each week, usually assigned on Thursday and due in class the following Thursday. There will also be one preliminary assignment given each week, usually assigned on Tuesday after class and due in class on Thursday.
I will post links to homework assignments here. If you have questions about course material, do not hesistate to ask me in/before/after class, stop by my office hours, or email me.
Preliminary Assignment 1,
due Thursday, August 27, 2026.
Preliminary Assignment 2,
due Thursday, September 3, 2026.
Preliminary Assignment 3,
due Thursday, September 10, 2026.
Preliminary Assignment 4,
due Thursday, September 17, 2026.
Preliminary Assignment 5,
due Thursday, September 24, 2026.
Preliminary Assignment 6,
due Thursday, October 1, 2026.
Preliminary Assignment 7,
due Thursday, October 8, 2026.
Preliminary Assignment 8,
due Thursday, October 15, 2026.
Preliminary Assignment 9,
due Thursday, October 22, 2026.