First-Year Writing Seminar (105-8-51)

Instructors

Thomas Aloysius O'Hare

Meeting Info

Schapiro Hall 101: Mon, Wed 12:30PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

MATH 105-8 First-Year Writing Seminar (1 Unit) Small, writing and discussion-oriented course exploring a specific topic or theme, and focused on the fundamentals of effective, college-level written communication. Not eligible to be applied towards a WCAS major or minor except where specifically indicated.

Title: Mathematics in the Cultural Imagination

Description: What do we imagine when we think of mathematics, and how does that compare with the experiences of those who practice it? Mathematics has been celebrated as a source of beauty, truth, and progress, while simultaneously being seen as inaccessible, intimidating, and useless. Where do these perceptions come from, and how do they shape its place in society?

This seminar explores the interplay between mathematical culture and the wider world. We will consider what mathematical work involves, how mathematics influences society, how the surrounding culture shapes developments in mathematics, and how public perceptions of mathematics compare with the experiences of mathematicians. Class meetings will center on discussion of the readings, providing opportunities to examine authors' arguments and develop our own responses.

This course has no mathematics prerequisites. Rather than studying mathematics directly, we will focus on a skill essential both within and beyond mathematics: communicating ideas clearly through writing.

Class Materials (Required)

No required materials.

Class Materials (Suggested)

No suggested materials.

Class Attributes

WCAS Writing Seminar

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Weinberg First Year Seminars are only available to first-year students.
Add Consent: Department Consent Required