MATH4471W

This course will introduce you to quantitative literacy, critical thinking, and problem solving skills in socially relevant contexts. While students may be accustomed to thinking about mathematics as an abstract set of principles and proofs, this course will encourage thinking about mathematics in concrete contexts as a way to improve our communities and the world. Students will develop the ability and inclination to understand and develop realistic mathematical approaches to social, political, and economic issues. Examples of specific topics include: sea level change in an island community, student loans, and voting systems. The mathematical tools used will include basic statistics, modeling, and data analysis, among others. While most students in this class will be “good at math,” this class explores using math to do good and how some well-intentioned uses of math can have surprising implications.

003585

Every Spring