My set thoery course doesnt have a book?

  • Context: Courses 
  • Thread starter Thread starter anonymity
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Book Course Set
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the absence of a textbook for a proof-based set theory course. Participants express concerns about the implications of not having a book for reference and self-study, while also considering the potential for alternative resources provided by the instructor.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the lack of a textbook and questions whether the course could actually proceed without one.
  • Another participant suggests that the absence of a required book may not be problematic, indicating that lecture notes could suffice.
  • A different viewpoint emphasizes the importance of focusing on course assessments rather than extensive additional reading, cautioning against spending too much time on unassessed material.
  • Some participants mention that instructors might provide their own materials or recommend supplementary texts, which could alleviate concerns about not having a formal textbook.
  • One participant notes that a friend had a textbook for the same course with a different instructor, highlighting variability in course structure.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the necessity of a textbook for the course. While some believe it may not be an issue, others express uncertainty and concern based on previous experiences.

Contextual Notes

There are references to differing practices among instructors regarding the provision of course materials, which may affect students' expectations. The discussion reflects varying levels of comfort with the absence of a textbook.

anonymity
Messages
162
Reaction score
0
Hey,

This fall I am taking my first proof based course, in set theory, and there is currently "NO BOOK" available from our bookstore. All of the other books are listed, and the math department's publication also listed as "NO BOOK". I knew someone who took this course last spring, and they had a book.

I don't really want to pester the professor, because this will likely be discussed when class starts, but I am a little curious/disconcerted.

I really like having a book for reference/self teaching myself if something happens and I miss lecture or something.

What do you guys think? Do you think that the course could actually not have a book?

I think I am going to call the math department, not the professor. Do you think they could answer the question?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I don't think they're going to be able to answer the question, to be honest, but you can try anyway. I'm sure you'll get recommended literature at the beginning of the course, but I don't see a problem with there being no required book. If that's going to be the case, you're just going to need lecture notes, so what. And I don't see why you'd be "disconcerted" by that. You seem to be making a mountain out of a mole hill. Relax.
 
Wait until you start is my advice.

The lecturer might give you a subject handout or tell you some references to other books that complement the material you are getting.

If they don't then no harm in asking.

Just one thing that I want to point out: sometimes doing extra reading is not a good idea if you don't keep focused on what is being assessed. If you spend heaps of time learning the subject, but not enough time on what is being assessed, you might not go as well as you could.

I'm not advocating that you don't use other resources, but rather that you realize the domain of your subject and what is being focused on: this way, you can focus on what you need to and not risk spending an inordinate amount of time learning something that you won't be assessed on.
 
Yea you guys are right I'm just going to wait and see
 
anonymity said:
Hey,

This fall I am taking my first proof based course, in set theory, and there is currently "NO BOOK" available from our bookstore. All of the other books are listed, and the math department's publication also listed as "NO BOOK". I knew someone who took this course last spring, and they had a book.

I don't really want to pester the professor, because this will likely be discussed when class starts, but I am a little curious/disconcerted.

I really like having a book for reference/self teaching myself if something happens and I miss lecture or something.

What do you guys think? Do you think that the course could actually not have a book?

I think I am going to call the math department, not the professor. Do you think they could answer the question?

Some professors provide a 'book' they wrote themselves, I know that in the physics and math department at my school for specific courses 2 professors provide their own notes but give the names of the books they used as references to write the notes so you could always check them out at the library or something.
 
It just seemed peculiar because my friend took it last semester and did have a published text (Granted, it was a different teacher).
 

Similar threads

Courses Math Course Advice -- Harvard freshman planning to double major in physics and mathematics
  • · Replies 41 ·
2
Replies
41
Views
9K
Studying Is the suggestion for self-learning mathematics from books wrong?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Any online courses (like Coursera) recommended for analog electronics?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Courses Should I take a group theory course before QFT?
  • · Replies 43 ·
2
Replies
43
Views
7K
Courses Is Dropping Out of a GR Course a Smart Move for a Future PhD Applicant?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Looking for learning resources for Computer Operating Systems
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Other How can I fill course requirements for Physics Master's program?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Studying Successful Study Strategies for Machine Design and Shigley's ME Design Book
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Programs I want to enroll in a beginning programming course
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Re-Learn Math for Physics Olympiad
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K