Math Studies
Mathematics is not about numbers, equations, computations, or algorithms: it is about understanding.
William Paul Thurston
Welcome!
What is Math Studies?
Math Studies looks at mathematics not normally explored at a high school level. We will be skipping through many branches of mathematics, such as set theory, formal logic, number theory, graph theory, probability, statistics, non-Euclidean geometry, finance, and voting. Many of these branches of mathematics are hidden in real world situations that could be encountered at home, work, or leisure. We will investigate how these branches impact our daily lives.
This course is recommended for students who are planning on a course of study geared towards the liberal arts. It concentrates on math that can be applied to real world situations at home, work, and leisure, and includes projects involving a math investigation, research, evaluation, analysis, and written work. Math topics include problem solving, set theory, formal logic, number theory, graph theory, probability, statistics, finance, and voting.
Participation
Daily participation is expected from all students. This includes bringing your supplies (pencils, notebook(s), and textbook), taking notes, and following the class expectations and policies. I also expect students to ask questions when they have them and provide feedback to their classmates as appropriate. Math is about jumping in and getting messy, trying possibilities out, learning from mistakes, and being engaged with the subject.
Academic Dishonesty
Any action or attempted action that may result in creating an unfair academic advantage for oneself or an unfair advantage or disadvantage for any other member of the academic community will not be tolerated.
(http://sa.berkeley.edu/conduct/integrity/definition/)
Communicating Mathematically
One often-neglected piece of mathematics is communicating your results. During the course you will be given multiple opportunities to practice communicating mathematically, both in writing and orally. I believe the ability to communicate mathematically is as important a skill as being able to do the mathematics itself.
My Beliefs
I believe everyone can, and should, learn mathematics. I feel mathematics is more about the thought processes, which occur while solving problems rather than just getting the right answers. We will be using technology to expand our abilities to solve problems, however, it is important to understand what the technology is doing, to ensure accuracy in our work.