Math in the Museum: On the Road in London

Course Description

London is an important city of intellectual, scientific, and artistic development. In particular, London and its
environs have played a significant role in the history of applied mathematics, including navigational advances like the Harrison Clock, Greenwich Mean Time, the first use of statistical modeling for improved public health by Florence Nightingale, and codes and code breaking at Bletchley Park. These mathematical

stories are told through museum exhibitions, which create visually engaging narratives of mathematical innovation. London is also home to works of art and architecture that demonstrate key mathematical foundations, including the Parthenon Marbles (systems of proportion) and St. Paul’s Cathedral (complex structural engineering). Museums and cultural heritage locations play an important role in teaching students of all ages about these concepts. In Math in the Museum: On the Road in London, we build upon the content delivered in Math in the Museum (MA 116) to explore the concepts and ideas as they are manifested in museums, architecture, and sites of display in and around London. Students will visit sites such as The National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery, Greenwich and the Royal Observatory, Bletchley Park, and the Tate Modern and they will write about, discuss, and deliver oral presentations on specific exhibitions, artworks, and/or structures that use the mathematical concepts discussed in MA 116.

Course Goals

• Explore London as a vital center of scientific and artistic inquiry both historically and in the present
• Synthesize the concepts and ideas from Math in the Museum (MA 116) on site in London
• Chronicle their observations and critiques in clear and effective prose that communicates their
  understanding of mathematical and artistic concepts covered in the on-campus class
• Finalize and deliver presentations on specific exhibitions, artworks, and/or structures that use the
  mathematical concepts covered in MA 116

Tentative Itinerary*

May 18 - Travel Day

May 19 - Arrive in London, London Eye

May 20 - British Museum, Wellcome Collection

May 21 - St. Paul's Cathedral, Museum of London, Sky Garden, Bank of England Museum

May 22 - Bletchley Park and Museum of Computing

May 23 - Winton Gallery, Science Museum, Tate Modern

May 24 - Greenwich, Royal Observatory

May 25 - Victoria and Albert Museum

May 27 - Transport Museum and National Gallery, final presentations

May 28 - Travel Day

*final itinerary is subject to change based on availability and travel schedule

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Dates: May 18 - May 28, 2025 (inclusive of travel)

Pre-/Corequisite: Students are required to take MA 116: Math in the Museum for spring 2025. If approved for the travel seminar, OCSE will enroll you in both the on-campus course and the travel seminar. If a student has previously completed MA 116: Math in the Museum, they will be eligible for the travel seminar. 

Credits: 3 credit experience (2 credits for MA 116 and 1 credit for TX-100A) 

Program Fee: The anticipated fee is between $3,800 - $4,200 (depending on enrollment). The program fee includes Skidmore tuition; round-trip airfare between New York area airport and London, UK: ground transportation for program excursions; on-site accommodations in shared rooms; some meals and a meal stipend; international medical insurance; entrance fees; excursions and activities; and Skidmore faculty. Financial aid is available for eligible students. 

Meals and Accommodation: Students will stay in double rooms in local hotels. Some group meals are included and students will receive a meal stipend for additional meals.

Flights: Roundtrip airfare from a New York City area airport to London, UK is included in the program fee. Students are required to make their own way to/from New York City. 

Application Process: The deadline for applications is October 15, 2024 Students are required to apply for Travel Seminars through the MyOCSE portal.  Applications will be reviewed and students will be notified of acceptances before spring 2025 course registration. 

QUESTIONS?

Stop by the OCSE office (Starbuck 202) or contact Professor Rachel Roe-Dale or Rachel Seligman