I originally proposed a course ``Math and Society'' several years ago but this will be my first opportunity to teach the class. In the interim, the course developed in a direction rather different from what I had in mind, and this semester I will go back to my earlier concept.
Students will learn some math and see how it can be applied to a few specific problems of social importance. They will discover various ways in which mathematical thinking is effecting the world. My goal is for you to have an appreciation of mathematical thinking and an idea of how it can be used by those in policy-making, administrative, and professional-level positions.
Below is an outline of what the course will cover. For a more detailed syllabus, see Math 004-syllabus .
We will begin with some mathematical content - graph theory. This is the math that underlies networks (highway, rail, air , telecommunication, social, biochemical, molecular, ...). Most people seem to find this type of mathematics much easier to grasp than more abstract areas such as in algebra and calculus. The basic concepts of graph theory can all be drawn with paper and pencil, and it is quite simple to check that you have assimilated various definitions. I'll give a few examples on the first day of class.
I will not require you to prove theorems but I will expect students to be able to apply some of the theorems and concepts in ways that have been demonstrated in class. The emphasis will be on how graphs and networks are important to society.
During the first several weeks of class, there will be frequent quizzes (often without specific warning) and homework. This will ensure that everyone is up to speed with the fundamental concepts and tools. But then we will turn to our main topic - the application of these ideas to various areas of society.
In the second phase of the course, we will read some papers and book chapters related to the mathematical theory's applications to selected examples - e.g., scheduling of airline crews and equipment, optimal routes for delivery and services, etc. Again, there will be some quizzes and homework to make sure you are understanding the material.
In the third and final portion of our class, you will each write a term paper involving the application of mathematical concepts to social problems. There will not be a final exam, so your grades will depend on quizzes, homework, and the term paper. There is a ``formula'' with the syllabus but in my experience, any student who makes a good effort (and is smart enough to be here in the first place) has an excellent chance to make at least a B+ and many will earn A's.