About

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Overview

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The Directed Reading Program is an initiative to pair undergraduate students with graduate student mentors to work on independent study projects in the field of mathematics. The graduate student will mentor the undergraduate student and guide the student through a topic decided by the undergraduate, the graduate, or both. This program is informal and is motivated by the individuals participating in it. Among other goals, this program seeks to involve undergraduates in the larger mathematical community, foster independent learning strategies, and develop mathematical communication skills. The concept of a directed reading program in mathematics was founded at University of Chicago in 2003.

Logistics

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The program is structured on a semester format. The structure for a general semester is as follows:

• Undergraduate and graduate students indicate interest to the organizing committee

• The organizing committee pairs undergraduate students with graduate students based on common interests or possible topics of study.

• This pair meets once a week to discuss

• The semester of study will ideally result in an oral presentation by the undergraduate student at the Graduate and Undergraduate Student Seminar (GAUSS) or a directed reading program event at the end of the semester

Ideas for Topics of Study

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• Read through an introductory text on some advanced topic

• Read a paper or a series of papers

• Discuss a series of notes

Expectations

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Participants are expected to meet “frequently” to discuss the reading. By frequently, we mean once a week or even once or twice a month, depending on your schedules. Remember to be nice and respectful of the opinions and ideas of your mentor or mentee.

Questions or Concerns

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The Directed Reading Program is organized by graduate students and is not officially affiliated with the University of Iowa Department of Mathematics. Please direct any questions or concerns towards the graduate student organizers.

Resources

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Previous Website

Directed Reading Program Network