First Year Seminar
Problem Solving Through Recreational Mathematics
Writing Projects
Choose one of the following two writing projects. The papers should be double-spaced and the word count should be between 1000 and 1500 words (4 to 5 pages). The papers are due by 3:00pm on 28 April.
  1. My Automathography: This paper should answer the question: "What is mathematics?" You should reflect upon your your own life in mathematics and formulate an answer to this question. Do not merely list a series of courses that you have taken. What is important here is to discover what it is that is common to all of these experiences. Why is it that we identify all of these experiences as "mathematics"?
  2. Polya's Method: The goal here is to explain Polya's plan for problem solving. You must put this plan into your own words, reflecting upon your own experience. Choose a significant problem from the text and use it to explain Polya's plan. You must also incorporate at least 5 words or concepts from Polya's dictionary. Place these words in bold face in your text.