This course has no prerequisites, and students at all levels and from all disciplines are welcome. The topic changes from year to year.
Topics for Spring 2003: Big Ideas: Mathematics is an extraordinary human achievement. This course will survey important ideas from the major areas of mathematics. Topics will be selected on the basis of their beauty and lasting impact. The goal will be to develop a sense of what mathematics is - its vitality and variety.
Topic for Spring 2002: Mathematics as art. Topic for Spring 2001: Mathematical Models and Problem Solving. Topic for Spring 2000: Mathematics as art.