Math:  Cult or Culture?

A Math/Writing Course


Eric Scott

escott@hcc.ctc.edu

Angie Caster

acaster@hcc.ctc.edu


Weekly Concepts:

·        Vector Fields

o       Basic idea:

o       How it became a part of mathematics:

o       Broader applicability:

o       Connection to our course:

·        Functions*

o       Basic idea:

o       How it became a part of mathematics:

o       Broader applicability:

o       Connection to our course:  Contents of Chapter 5, basic object of study in nearly all future math-related courses due to representation of cause-effect relationship.

·        Topology*

o       Basic idea:

o       How it became a part of mathematics:

o       Broader applicability:

o       Connection to our course:  Study of properties of sets – graphs we draw are a basic example of the types of sets under consideration.  Big part of optimization.

·        Linear Algebra*

o       Basic idea:

o       How it became a part of mathematics:

o       Broader applicability:

o       Connection to our course:  Systems of linear equations have geometric interpretations related to the structure of a space.  Linear algebra provides the tools and theories for analyzing such systems and spaces.

·        Probability

o       Basic idea:

o       How it became a part of mathematics:

o       Broader applicability:

o       Connection to our course:

·        Exponential Growth*

o       Basic idea:

o       How it became a part of mathematics:

o       Broader applicability:

o       Connection to our course:  Content of Chapter 6 provides the basis for studying the rapid type of growth known as exponential.  See Chapter 7 for more.