Math, Art, and the Human Experience

This course is designed to engage students in an exploration of the relevance of mathematical ideas to fields typically perceived as "non-mathematical" (e.g. art, music, film, literature). Equally important will be an exploration of how these "non-mathematical" fields, in turn, influence mathematical thought. In each case, course activities and assignments have been designed to illuminate the fact that even the most complex mathematical concepts grow out of real people's attempts to understand better their world.

Two assignments require use of the library’s makerspace:

1. Modular Origami Sculpture. Working in teams of two, students will cut design templates and construct a 20-unit modular origami icosahedron sculpture.
2. Fractal Tessellation Woodcut. Working individually, students will use Adobe Illustrator to design and cut a Fractal tessellation jigsaw puzzle.

Learning Outcomes

1. Design Praxis; does the student…
   • illustrate that they can analyze the problem and break it into component parts?
   • acquire reliable and relevant background information for the project?
   • identify and works effectively within project constraints?
   • takes intelligence risks and learns from failures?

1. Effective Teams; does the student…
   • seek assistance when needed from team members/classmates who have skills that fulfill specific project requirements?
   • assist team members/classmates when his/her skills are sought and valued?
   • seek advice, knowledge, and specific skills from experts when needed?