All cultures, past and present, have used mathematics to make sense of their lives. In this course we will explore some of the ways that different cultures have used mathematics for counting, trading, measuring, keeping track of time, scheduling religious practices,
recreation, passing on cultural traditions, and design.

This course for those 50 and over requires no expertise in mathematics but should interest those who are curious about other cultures and how they lived their lives. The course will be fun and lively with lots of hands on activities.

Joan Cohen Jones is Professor Emeritus of Mathematics at EMU, where she taught mathematics for teachers. She is interested in the history of mathematics, especially how different cultures have used mathematical ideas throughout history, both formally and informally.

This course will meet for two hours on Mondays from February 5 through February 19.