2017-2018 Academic Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2017-2018 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

MATH 127 - The Mathematics of Voting and Elections


Who should have won the 2000 Presidential Election? Do any two senators really have equal power in passing legislation? Should there be multiple rounds of voting to determine the winner in an election?  While these questions are of interest to many social scientists, a mathematical perspective can offer a quantitative analysis of issues like these.  In this First-Year Intensive (FYI) course, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various types of voting systems and show that, in fact, any such system is flawed.  Along the way, we will enhance the critical reasoning skills necessary to tackle any type of problem, mathematical or otherwise.  Please note: this course does not use calculus. Therefore students without a math background, or those whose primary interest is in political science or behavioral economics, are absolutely welcome to attend.

Anticipated Terms Offered: Fall 2017