The Continuing Value and Relevance of Mathematics Appreciation Courses

Abstract

In today’s information and data-driven society, it is vital for an informed citizen to have: (i) working competency in quantitative reasoning, and (ii) and general awareness of math – its true nature, role in society, strengths and limitations, and connections with other disciplines. Mathematics appreciation courses seek to address these two needs. In this paper I will share my experiences teaching a course in the general education program of our university, called Mathematics, Culture and Society. The course focuses primarily on the second goal as it lays the groundwork for students to acquire needed mathematical and quantitative skills with confidence. The course provides a view of mathematics as a dynamic human endeavor that is regarded as both a science and an art. It aims to give students a feeling for the mathematical way of thinking and why mathematicians see it as an intellectually exciting discipline. Remote teaching has led to some adjustments in course implementation, but also introduced some pleasant surprises. The covid-19 pandemic may have disrupted the global landscape of academia, but whether we teach traditionally or in this new normal, I believe such a course will go a long way in improving not only mathematics skills, but also mindsets and attitudes.