Math:  Cult or Culture?

A Math/Writing Course

Eric Scott

escott@hcc.ctc.edu

Angie Caster

acaster@hcc.ctc.edu

WHO AM I, MATHEMATICALLY??

We want you to tell us:

• Your experience with mathematics—both content and feelings 
• Who taught you?  Where did you learn? What have you learned? When was the last time you learned it?  [4 W’s]
• How do you feel about mathematics?
• A phobia is an unreasonable fear—are you math-phobic?
• Why do you think so many people in the U.S. hate math—to the point that it is almost “ok” to be bad at math and even be “proud” of  that inability ?
• What careers seem to require math?  What careers do not need math?
• What is your major?  Your career goal?
• Are you a 101 or 105 Writing student?

Writing is meant to be read; this mini-biography will be read by your peers in this classroom, a writing teacher and a math teacher.  We are interested in your opinions about and your experiences with mathematics (a case history), which should take up about two pages.  To make sure your writing is easy for us to understand,  carefully type or wordprocess this essay in double-space format, using a clever title to catch our eye and proofreading your work to eliminate error.  You may organize the information in any way you like, but make sure all of the bulleted information above is included.