Mathematical Views: A Cultural Sampler
MATH 113
Fall 2011
| Section:
01
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This course is designed to provide students with a sampling of mathematical delicacies, interesting and unusual thoughts that have been developed over tens of centuries. We shall follow the work of mathematicians, beginning with the ancient Greeks, who attempted to come to terms with the concept of infinity. We shall address mathematical questions about how large things are, how many, how fast, how often, as well as the amazing discovery that such questions do not always make sense. Paradoxes will be discussed, both in apparent forms and in irrefutable guises. We shall play mathematical games that will require us to learn something of probabilities and that, in turn, will require us to learn when to count and when not to count. We shall also discuss the personalities and motivations of great mathematicians through their biographies and autobiographies. The course aims to sharpen students' intellect by challenging them with problems in which the recognition of ideas is central. Students' imagination will be stimulated, and they will be encouraged to ask questions in areas about which we know little or nothing. Above all, students will marvel at the wonderfully surprising world of mathematical thought. |
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Essential Capabilities:
Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning |
| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
NSM MATH |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: None |
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Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 | | Special Attributes: FYI |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
There will be no required textbook for this course. Extensive use of online references will be made.
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Examinations and Assignments:
An assignment will be due at the beginning of each class (one written page). There will be a midterm quiz and a final presentation concerning the influence of mathematical thought on society will be assigned. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
Attendance is required at every class. The only prerequisite is curiosity about mathematics. No technical mathematical background is presumed. |
| Instructor(s): Keane,Michael S. Times: ..T.R.. 09:00AM-10:20AM; Location: SCIE618; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 19 | | SR major: X | JR major: X | | |
| Seats Available: -3 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: X | JR non-major: X | SO: X | FR: 19 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 2 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 1 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 1 |
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