Mathematics and politics
Lecture notes, 1/16/03
Office hours!
Everyone must come visit me at least once in the first couple of
weeks. Send email to scpresto@math.upenn.edu to
make an appointment, or come Wednesday afternoon.
Review:
Discussion:
- What is "math anxiety," and how common is it in the general public?
- Are women and minorities underrepresented in mathematics? If so,
why? What can be done about it?
Assignment:
For next Thursday, I would like you to write a short paper (two to
three pages) on some aspect of mathematics in society that we have discussed
in class. Use at least two scholarly references, and incorporate things that
other students said in class. Identify a difficulty that people have with
mathematics and propose a solution.
- Fuzzy math
- Math anxiety
- "Coping
with Math Anxiety"
- Why is there a difference between attitudes toward literacy and
mathematics?
- Is it anti-intellectualism in general, or is there something
specific about math?
- "Math myths"
To what extent do you think these are true?
- "Aptitude for math is inborn."
- "To be good at math you have to be good at calculating."
- "Math requires logic, not creativity."
- "In math, what's important is getting the right answer."
- "Men are naturally better than women at mathematical
thinking."
- Obstacles
Are there societal barriers to mathematics achievement?
(not necessarily just in education)
- Economic class?
- Race/ethnicity?
- Gender?
- Women and math
Review
of the literature by Jennifer Gutbezahl
- What effects do parents have on children's math experiences?
- Do males get more attention in math classes than females?
- Do females lack self-confidence in math?