MTH 151 – Mathematics for the Liberal Arts I
Final Reflection Directions
Purposes
Are you familiar with the term synthesis?  Merriam-Webster online defines synthesis as “the composition or combination of parts or elements so as to form a whole” (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synthesis).  In this class, problem solving, geometry, set theory, logic, numeration systems and consumer math are the parts while you have the power and the knowledge to create the whole.  How do these different topics work together?  How do you see yourself using this new information?  This assignment will help you reflect on what you have learned in this course, which will help you better understand and remember it.  
Directions
Pick an option & write a substantive two or three paragraph essay:
Option 1:  
Describe a current or recent event or situation where you would apply a number of the tools presented in this MTH 151 course.  Think about your family and friends, your career, your education, your hobbies.  Is someone building a shed or a playhouse?  With the degree you are pursuing, for which careers will you be qualified?  If you are planning a family vacation, how will you get there, where will you stay and what will you do?  If you are buying a car, what are the expected costs of ownership and financing compared to public transportation, and how will you compare different car models?  How did you use the material in problem solving, geometry, set theory, logic, numeration systems, and/or consumer math to make your decision?
Option 2:  
Reflect on the bigger picture of math itself.  How do the different branches of math that you learned about in this course relate to each other?  What similarities and differences do you see in how the different branches of mathematics developed historically?  Who developed them and why?  What similarities do you see between different kinds of mathematics?  Do they all involve counting or measuring something?  Are similar operations used in two or more of the branches?  What are they?  Pick one or two of these questions and write an answer.
Post your essay to the Final Reflections discussion forum.
Grading Criteria	Points Possible	
The Presentation:
•	Is it a substantive, two or three paragraph essay?
•	Is it clear and well-written with proper grammar and correct spelling?	15	
The Content:
•	For Option 1: 
o	Does it apply to material covered in class?
o	Is the posting unique to the postings of other students and to your own application postings?
•	For Option 2:
o	Is (are) the selected question(s) answered in depth? 
o	Are the facts accurate?	25