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In this class we will investigate the ideas of patterns and symmetry – how butterfly wings look like mirror reflections of each other, how certain flowers look the same after rotating them a bit, how the beginning of a row of symbols can look the same as the end, and even how patterns are identified and described in probability. We will investigate the symmetries in fabric patterns, such as those found in Caribbean traditional textiles. We will also use Carnival and Caribbean festival arts as a place of grounding for examining concepts of patterns and symmetry.

All reading materials will be posted on the course Canvas site. Artists – painters, musicians, poets – use symmetry in their work. Each student will find examples and present them in class. A final project will be to investigate and report on how patterns and symmetry are found and used in everyday life or to create a piece of art that incorporates symmetry. In all cases, students will identify the mathematics involved in the symmetry they have found and/or made.

Students registering for 4-credits will attend the first half of each class session.  Students who register for 8-credits will attend each full class session and receive some additional assignments. 

Anticipated Credit Equivalencies:

4 or 8 - Mathematics of Symmetry