MATH 110
MATH AND MODERN CULTURE
SPRING 2003
JOE MAILHOT
ROOM 411
EXTENSION 4353
TEXT:
The Annotated Flatland
by Edwin
Abbott, published by Perseus
COURSE
DESCRIPTION:
What is mathematics? In this course we will answer that question by looking at several disciplines within the field of mathematics. We will see that not all infinities are the same, not all triangles have 180°, and that sometimes 2+2=1! We will investigate curved space and the 4th dimension. We will have the opportunity to express our answers to the question through art, music and journals.
ATTENDANCE
POLICY:
You will be graded on participation and you can’t participate if you don’t attend!
GRADING:
I will assign homework for some of the topics we cover. I will expect you to keep a daily journal summarizing and discussing what is presented in class. I will collect the journal four times. The journal grade will be based on the content of one entry you are especially proud of and on the number of entries you have made. For some sections there will be group presentations of proofs. I will ask you to produce two art projects and a couple of response papers. You will also be graded on participation.
Summary:
|
Group Work |
10% |
|
Homework |
30% |
|
Journal |
30% |
|
Truth Paper |
10% |
|
Art Projects/Papers |
15% |
|
Participation |
5% |
ROUGH SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
|
Intro/Overview |
Jan 14 - 21 |
|
Art Project – “What is Mathematics?” |
Jan 23 |
|
Logic and Geometry and Flatland |
Jan 28 – Feb 25 |
|
Set Theory and Infinity |
Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
|
Groups and when 2+2=1 |
Mar 25 – April 8 |
|
Fractals and the 1.26th Dimension |
April 10 – 17 |
|
Senior Papers and How Does Math Reveal the Truth |
April 22 – May 1 |
FINAL EXAM:
Tuesday, May 6th 8 am or 1-3 pm Art Show/Party
LATE POLICY:
Since homework is to be presented in class, you need to attend class that day. If you cannot be in class that day, I will need to see your homework on or before that day. If you are sick that day, drop it in the mail with the postmark for that day or give it to someone who can get the homework to me. I will accept the homework for up to a week, but it will only count for half credit.
SPECIAL NOTE:
If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, if you have medical and/or safety concerns to share with me, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible
OFFICE HOURS:
Monday 9 – 10 