MATH 115 The Art of Math

MATH 115 is intended primarily for students majoring in non-STEM fields seeking knowledge of the nature of mathematics as well as training in mathematical thinking and problem-solving. The goal of the course is to demonstrate that math is not necessarily about formulas, but is rather a process of thinking which is relevant to them on a daily basis. Students will understand the continued impact of mathematics in shaping history, culture, logic, philosophy, and knowledge, as well as its role as a humanistic and aesthetic discipline. The topics of study will vary, and will be drawn from areas of mathematics such as geometry, number theory, or topology. Last but not least, the objective of the course is to make sure students will learn mathematics, see the real-life applications of it, and appreciate and inspired by it beyond the course.

In addition to these math topics, during the 1st month of the semester, students will read the Prof Brandt’s Creativity Book as a supplement. The purpose of this reading will be to support/inspire the semester long project (the project is a 10% weighted bonus credit). The project will be the art and music compositions created by students that are inspired by the math they learned as well as they started the recognize around them.

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This course is 3 Rice credit hours.

No

Yes, students will receive D3 credit for this course.

Priority Deadline: December 9, 2026
Final Application Deadline: February 15, 2027

For details on these two deadlines, please navigate to the How to Apply section of the Program Information & FAQs page.

For questions regarding the course content, please contact the course instructor (see below).

For questions regarding the program (budget, application process, financial aid, global awards), first read through the Rice Global Paris Summer Program Information and FAQs page on our website. If you cannot find the answer to your question, email us at globalowls@rice.edu.