In spring 2026, I am running a seminar on commutative algebra on Thursdays 12:55–2:10 in Ayres 406. We will cover most of the first two parts of David Eisenbud's Commutative Algebra. All are welcome to attend, but please note the next section!
About the classroom
The classroom is accessed by going through Math 405, which has a class during the same time. Please arrive a few minutes before 12:55 and do not plan on leaving until after 2:10 out of respect for their class.Format
To get the most out of this reading course, you should do the reading in advance of the meeting every week. The job of the presenter is not to cover everything from the given section, because there just isn't enough time. The presenter's job is to highlight the most important results. An important step in preparing to present is to consider which definitions, results, examples, and possibly proofs are central to the topics. It would be especially good to present examples that aren't even in the text because this would be useful for everyone!
I had wanted to keep the class to 50–60 minutes, even though it is on a Thursday, to keep the presentation focused. However, due to the classroom situation noted above, we should stay in the classroom for the full 75 minutes. Nonetheless, I recommend that speakers plan on having 50–60 minutes to present and the remaining time will be for free-form discussion.
Course credit: 559 Section 003
If you wish, you may enroll in Math 559 Section 003, but it is not necessary to either attend or present. If you do enroll, enroll for 1 hour. You will be expected to attend almost every meeting and present multiple times in order to get credit.
Schedule of topics and presenters
The schedule of topics and presenters is shown in the spreadsheet below. Please schedule yourself to present by editing the spreadsheet.