Notes
- In order to get full credit in the open ended questions, you need to spend some time reflecting upon and writing your answers. In most of these problems, the probability that a one-sentence answer will get full credit is close to 0 (and so will be what you learn from the exercise)
- Make sure you show all your work on the problems that require it so. Otherwise, even if you give a correct answer, if you do not explain how you obtained it, you'll get very little or no credit.
- It would be great if you discussed ideas with your classmates. The write-up, however, must be done individually.
- Recall that the slides of the lectures can be found here.
- Follow the AI policy.
Problems
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Course Overview for Non-Mathematicians (200–300 words)
- What is this course about?
- Why might a math department require it?
- Name one recurring theme in how mathematics develops and illustrate it with two brief course examples (cultures/eras/topics).
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Your Topic, Explained (200–300 words)
- Historical context (when/where/who)
- The core mathematical idea
- Why it matters (then or now)
- Include one concrete mathematical example you worked to understand
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Problem-Solving as a Catalyst (150–200 words)
- Give 1–2 cases where a practical need (e.g., commerce, astronomy, construction, navigation) led to a new concept or tool
- State the problem, the new idea, and the after-effect
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Simons Center Iconic Wall (2 photos + 100–150 words)
- A selfie with the wall and a photo of one historical diagram
- Explain what the diagram shows and what idea/moment it represents
Sample Quiz 5
You will answer ONE of the following (A or B):
- Explain what this course is about and why a math department would require it. Name one general pattern in how mathematics develops and illustrate it with one example we studied.
- Explain your paper/presentation topic to a non-mathematician: historical context, the core mathematical idea, and why it matters. Mention one specific example you learned while preparing.
Format: ~10–15 minutes
Target length: 120–180 words
Closed notes
Scoring focus: Clarity for a non-specialist; a coherent thread; specific.