SMRI Special Semester with Francis Su -- Perspectives on Mathematics: Its Humanity, Culture, & Communication

SMRI Special Semester with Francis Su Perspectives on Mathematics: Its Humanity,
Culture, & Communication 

Sydney Mathematical Research Institute Special Semester 

1 March - 31 May 2024 

https://sites.google.com/view/perspectives-mathematics-2024/ 

Theme One What is Mathematics? 

Fri 1 March Introduction: Establishing Important Questions 
14:00-16:00 AEDT Law Annex Seminar Room 346 

Fri 8 March What is Mathematics? 
14:00-16:00 AEDT Law Annex Seminar Room 346 

Intermezzo One International Day of Mathematics: 14 March Public Lecture by Milena
Radnovic 
18:00-20:00 AEDT Messel Lecture Theatre, Sydney Nanoscience Hub 

Theme Two Cultures of Research in Mathematics 

Mon 18 March The Culture of Mathematics Research 
14:00-16:00 AEDT Carslaw 535 

Mon 25 March Panel Discussion in conjunction with the IMU-SMRI event 
16:00-17:30 AEDT Quad Board Room S445 

Intermezzo Two Universities Australia Easter break 

Theme Three Our Cultural Understanding of Mathematics 

Fri 12 April Our Cultural Understanding of Mathematics 
14:00-16:00 AEST Carslaw 535 

Fri 19 April Indigenous Mathematics (with Rowena Ball and Jared Field) 
14:00-16:00 AEST Law Annex Lecture Theatre 024 
Abstract: Rowena Ball (ANU) and Jared Field (UMelbourne) join us in week 6 of the 
Perspectives Seminar, in which we discuss questions like these: Why is it important that 
Australians understand the cultural history of mathematics done by Indigenous peoples? 
How might a better appreciation improve both the way we teach and learn maths, as well 
as the content of maths itself? What can Indigenous Mathematics teach us about the place 
of Western mathematics in human knowledge? All are welcome, even if you’ve not attended 
the seminar before.  Readings are not required to engage in discussion, but we encourage 
you to do some of the suggested readings (in the "Our Cultural Understanding of 
Mathematics" section) to enhance your experience.  

Intermezzo Three Further discussion 

Theme Four Becoming Inclusive Maths Communities 

Fri 3 May Women in Mathematics (with Catherine Greenhill and Ben Burton) 
14:00-16:00 AEST Law Annex Lecture Theatre 026 
Abstract: Catherine Greenhill (UNSW) and Ben Burton (U. Queensland) join us in week 7 
of the Perspectives Seminar. We will learn about their efforts to make math communities 
more inclusive of women, such as in the formation of WIMSIG (Greenhill) and in 
diversifying math competitions (Burton). They will help us to think about how we, in our 
own roles, can inspire changes in our own spheres of influence, through changes in 
structure, climate, and the development of community.

All are welcome, even if you’ve not attended the seminar before. Readings are not 
required to engage in discussion, but we encourage you to do some of the suggested 
readings (especially the recent article by Cheryl Praeger and Lesley Ward and nearby 
articles) to enhance your experience.
https://sites.google.com/view/perspectives-mathematics-2024/readings
  

Fri 10 May Towards a Fully Inclusive Mathematics Profession 
14:00-16:00 AEST Law Annex Lecture Theatre 026 

Intermezzo Four International Day of Women in Mathematics: 12 May 

Theme Five Impact on Teaching and Communicating Mathematics 

Fri 24 May Improving One’s Teaching Practice (with Amie Albrecht and Eddie Woo)
14:00-16:00 AEST Law Annex Lecture Theatre 024 

Wed 29 May Public Lecture (TBC): Po-Shen Loh, topic TBA 
17:30-18:30 AEST 

Fri 31 May Communicating Maths for the Public (with Po-Shen Loh) 
14:00-16:00 AEST 

Course Description 

This interactive seminar series will explore and illuminate the human side of
mathematics - the culture(s) of mathematics, how we teach and do research in it, who we
include, and the impact of how we communicate maths to students and the broader public.
Discussions and invited presentations will help participants envision how they can
improve the culture, practices, and communication around maths to better serve their
communities.  We imagine the topics will interest mathematicians, educators, and
practitioners.  

Seminar 1: Important Questions 

In this first session to open the Perspectives Seminar, we will establish important
questions we would like to tackle over the course of the term around the humanity,
culture, and communication of mathematics.  Meet others interested in exploring these
topics, hear the organisers talk about the goals of the seminar, and participate in
interactive activity and discussion.  Suggested readings will enhance one’s experience
in the seminar.  

Seminar 2: The Relationship Between Humans & Mathematics 

The seminar comprises five two-week blocks centred on a theme, and will meet 14:00-16:00
AEST on Fridays in those weeks (except for the Theme Two).  Each block is followed by an
intermezzo, a "free week" that allows participants to explore the theme further or to
attend aligned events.  Location is at the University of Sydney.  See the calendar below
for topics, dates, and rooms (some details still to be finalised).  An abstract will be
posted prior to each session.  

We invite you to join us for rich discussions and interaction, especially in Week 1,
when we set the stage for what will come, and you can connect with others interested in
pursuing a holistic approach to maths and maths education.  

We encourage you to register your interest in the series at this form (optional, but
helps us to plan).  If you have other questions, write to Francis Su.  All talks are
free and open to the public.  

The special semester leads up to the International Congress of Mathematical Education
that takes place in Sydney from 7-14 July 2024.