数理科学広域演習I

Mathematical writing has been an essential part of the mathematical enterprise almost since the very beginning. It therefore takes place in a cultural context that is quite specific to mathematics, steeped in tradition and with its own conventions. Fortunately, this rather special cultural context makes that, with sufficient practice, mathematical writing skills can be acquired quite easily by anyone sufficiently motivated. The importance of oral communication in mathematics is something that has been recognized only more recently. This however does not make oral presentation skills any less important for a mathematician than traditional writing skills.

The main emphasis of this course will be placed on understanding the general publishing culture in mathematics, as well as the structure and basic construction of a `well-written' mathematics paper and a `clear' and well-organized mathematics presentation. This will include explanations of mathematical vocabulary and special usage, but given the enormous proliferation of sub-fields and specific jargon we have seen over the last decades, these explanations will only concern basic elements common to all or most fields in mathematics.