Math 135, Patterns of Phenomena, Spring 2013
Patterns of Phenomena, sometimes called "Math for Poets", is a freshman level math course aimed towards humanities majors. Some of the topics covered in the class include: sets of numbers, the idea of the infinite, proofs of the Pythagorean Theorem, concepts in graph theory, and probability. Class sessions consisted of lectures, class discussions, and hands-on activities which allowed students to explore new ideas and to create their own hypotheses.
Course Syllabus
Textbook: The Heart of Mathematics: An Invitation to Effective Thinking, E. Burger and M. Starbird
(See www.heartofmath.com for more information)
Textbook: The Heart of Mathematics: An Invitation to Effective Thinking, E. Burger and M. Starbird
(See www.heartofmath.com for more information)
Course Enrollment: 9 students
Student Course Survey
Scored on a 5 point scale: (0 = Strongly Disagree, 5 = Strongly Agree)
QuestionsHow do you rate the instructor's enthusiasm for teaching the subject?
How do you rate the availability of this instructor to help students outside of class? How well did the instructor create an atmosphere that was respectful of student opinions, ideas, and differences? How do you rate this instructor? |
Weighted Average4.71
4.86 4.86 5.0 |
Student Comments
"This is a math class for people who are terrified of Math, and Cory understood that from the outset. She was very respectful and did a good job of teasing the answers out of a reluctant and small group of students. Cory is a great instructor and you can see her passion for the subject, but more importantly in this context she was patient and never seemed frustrated by the lack of student response."
"I honestly loved your class! You were an exceptional professor, and you definitely made me enjoy mathematics much, much more! Thank you so much for explaining everything - even the little things - so clearly, it helped a lot!"
"Cory is a great prof. She is very instructive and good at facilitating actual student learning. Her class sessions were always well organized, and she always knew what she was talking about. She makes sure to take the time to make sure the student understands what is going on in, and outside of class. She is also very hands on, which really helps create new ways of learning and understanding the curriculum better. Her grading system is fair in that she grades based on the overall process and not whether it is simply right or wrong. Overall, this was a very instructive class and I actually enjoyed taking a math class. Thanks!"
"For the past 15 years I have hated math due to the teachers who do not teach effectively and have passed me through the system. I have never had the tools to be good at math until this year. Cory is the most patient, kind, and understanding professor I've ever had. She takes the time to explain concepts and never makes students feel stupid. I could not speak highly enough of Cory and wish I could take more classes with her."
"Coming into this semester I felt that I could never do well in a math class, but now I'm going into the final with a 100%. This is due to Cory's teaching style. I can't thank you enough."
"Great class; I learned a lot and appreciate your teaching style."
"You were really clear in your teaching. Kind of elementary subject for a lot of it but you were really thorough. Also you made stuff as interesting as it could be! Thanks."
"I honestly loved your class! You were an exceptional professor, and you definitely made me enjoy mathematics much, much more! Thank you so much for explaining everything - even the little things - so clearly, it helped a lot!"
"Cory is a great prof. She is very instructive and good at facilitating actual student learning. Her class sessions were always well organized, and she always knew what she was talking about. She makes sure to take the time to make sure the student understands what is going on in, and outside of class. She is also very hands on, which really helps create new ways of learning and understanding the curriculum better. Her grading system is fair in that she grades based on the overall process and not whether it is simply right or wrong. Overall, this was a very instructive class and I actually enjoyed taking a math class. Thanks!"
"For the past 15 years I have hated math due to the teachers who do not teach effectively and have passed me through the system. I have never had the tools to be good at math until this year. Cory is the most patient, kind, and understanding professor I've ever had. She takes the time to explain concepts and never makes students feel stupid. I could not speak highly enough of Cory and wish I could take more classes with her."
"Coming into this semester I felt that I could never do well in a math class, but now I'm going into the final with a 100%. This is due to Cory's teaching style. I can't thank you enough."
"Great class; I learned a lot and appreciate your teaching style."
"You were really clear in your teaching. Kind of elementary subject for a lot of it but you were really thorough. Also you made stuff as interesting as it could be! Thanks."