HSCI-201: Visual Math

This course debunks topics usually called "mathematical" by revealing their use in other fields, with a particular focus on those concepts that have a visual bent (geometrical, cultural, textual). Lectures are each built around a concept drawn from the field of mathematics that connects to other subject areas: classical and modern visual arts, economics, science (astronomy, physics), music, optics (color, lenses), and numerical studies (infinities, "special" numbers, mystical preconceptions, "unexplainable" phenomena). A goal of the course is to demonstrate these manifold connections, but also to uncover that which is compelling about mathematical concepts; special attention is given to those concepts that have "unexplained beauty." All mathematical skill required for analytical techniques will be taught in the course.