Freshman Seminar Entrance Survey

In this Freshman Seminar, we will discuss the latest developments of issues related to mathematics and science in the media and in popular culture. In this context we will focus on what math and science is, strategies for success in these fields, diversity issues, ethical considerations, public perceptions, and applications to daily tasks. Students will present a short oral report from an article of their choice, and discussion and debate will be encouraged when complex issues arise. For example, we may discuss breakthroughs such as human cloning and genetic engineering of food and animals, debate Lawrence Summers' comments about the innate ability of women in mathematics, and explore articles about whether we still need to learn multiplication tables, the representations of math and science on television, and the relationship to American competitiveness and the global economy. We will also reflect about math and science connections in our daily lives and on this campus. This course will be linked with Calculus (Mat 1110).

  1. What do you hope to get out of Freshman Seminar?










  2. Next fall, every incoming freshman will be required to take a thematic freshman seminar course like this one, but for now this serves as an elective. The Director of General Education placed you here because you chose this specific learning community or were curious about issues related to our topic. What interests you about mathematics or science?











Scientists

  1. A scientists work looks like fun to me
    strongly agree           agree           not sure           disagree           strongly disagree          

  2. I have met a scientist
    strongly agree           agree           not sure           disagree           strongly disagree          

  3. There is a scientist who I identify with (that you've read about, seen on TV or in the movies, met...)
    strongly agree           agree           not sure           disagree           strongly disagree          

  4. Scientists usually work alone
    strongly agree           agree           not sure           disagree           strongly disagree          

  5. I would never think of becoming a scientist
    strongly agree           agree           not sure           disagree           strongly disagree          

  6. Sketch a rough picture of a scientist at work. Then write a brief explanation of the drawing so that anyone looking at it will understand what it means and who is in it.













Mathematicians

  1. A mathematician's work looks like fun to me
    strongly agree           agree           not sure           disagree           strongly disagree          

  2. I have met a mathematician
    strongly agree           agree           not sure           disagree           strongly disagree          

  3. There is a mathematician who I identify with (that you've read about, seen on TV or in the movies, met...)
    strongly agree           agree           not sure           disagree           strongly disagree          

  4. Mathematicians usually work alone
    strongly agree           agree           not sure           disagree           strongly disagree          

  5. I would never think of becoming a mathematician
    strongly agree           agree           not sure           disagree           strongly disagree          

  6. Sketch a rough picture of a mathematician at work. Then write a brief explanation of the drawing so that anyone looking at it will understand what it means and who is in it.