An Ethnomathematics Course and a First-Year Seminar on the Mathematics of the Pre-Columbian Americas

Abstract

As mathematicians know—but, unfortunately, many students don’t—mathematics can be both fun and culturally relevant. One way to reach more students is to teach ethnomathematics, i.e., mathematical thinking found among such non-Western peoples as the Maasai of Kenya and Tanzania, and the ancient Maya. This chapter describes, and provides a rationale for, two different courses in ethnomathematics: an undergraduate ethnomathematics course for non-STEM students, and a first-year seminar on the mathematics of pre-Columbian Americans. Also included are aspects of the development and structure of the courses, examples of ethnomathematics topics, and lists of projects. Feedback from students, alumni, and colleagues regarding the value of such courses is provided.