SYNOPSIS: Introduction to topics in mathematical cryptography, and the role of cryptography within society, in both historic and modern contexts. Cryptographic systems studied will include: early historical ciphers; the Enigma machines of WWII; modern public channel cryptography. Students will learn: to encode/decode using each system; to quantify the complexity, strength, and weaknesses of each system; to use elementary techniques from combinatorics, graph theory, abstract algebra, and number theory; about the role cryptography plays in human society.
READER REQUIREMENTS: Lay readers with a general interest in cryptography.
WRITING ASSIGNMENT: A successful final paper will explain a mathematical topic in a way that is appropriate to a lay audience; explain a cryptographic system which uses that mathematical topic; situate the development of that particular cryptographic system historically; explore the interaction of that cryptographic system with modern society; include philosophical approaches encountered in class. The paper should be free of mathematical jargon unless appropriately explained.
INSTRUCTOR SUGGESTIONS FOR READERS: The main question is? Would I want to read that article if I saw it in a magazine?
IMPORTANT COURSE DEADLINES: First draft is due on or before 1. November 2020. Reader feedback and live conversation is requested on or before 10. November 2020. Final paper is due on 24. November 2020.
SYLLABUS: MATH165S_Pierce_Syllabus
