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by Kednicma 2169 days ago
As somebody who's studied some advanced maths, I think that their point is that abstract algebra is effectively a sort of secret maths techniques, sitting in plain sight but somehow sprayed with repellent or maybe equipped with a Somebody Else's Problem field.

I have had more than one afternoon where I learned a concept wholly from this sort of lecture. The ability to ask the professor questions can be useful, but almost all of my questions are actually answered by being more careful about listening to what they are saying the first time.
1 comments
throwgeorge 2169 days ago
>abstract algebra is effectively a sort of secret maths techniques

abstract algebra (rings, groups, fields) is taught in absolutely every undergrad math program in the country (in the world?). there's nothing unique to harvard in this aspect.

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sukilot 2168 days ago
Harvard teaches a lot more than the average undergrad program.

A Harvard undergrad degree covers a depth of knowledge that matches a master's degree at an average program.

You can read the definitions of algebra in 1 day. That's not what a class is about.

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