> For one thing, it uses extensive mathematical jargon that won’t make any sense to beginners In Germany this is the usual style for lectures for absolute begi

> For one thing, it uses extensive mathematical jargon that won’t make any sense to beginners In Germany this is the usual style for lectures for absolute beginners from 1st semester on - even commonly for people who don't major in math. This style is even not uncommon for 1st semester math lectures for student who don't major in mathematics or physics. Hardly any faculty has a problem with this - they love it that the math departments weed out "unsuitable" students in their lectures so they don't have to If you don't believe me and know a little German, here are two common German textbooks about linear algebra covering about 1.5 semesters of linear algebra for math majors: - Gerd Fischer - Lineare Algebra: Eine Einführung für Studienanfänger (note the title "Linear Algebra: An introduction for freshmen" - I am really not kidding) - Siegfried Bosch - Lineare Algebra Even more: I know a lecturer from Hungary who had very direct words about how relaxing he considers the curriculum for math majors in Germany (he is used to a Sowjet-Russian-style-inspired math program).