| The purpose of this study was to design, teach, and evaluate an undergraduate interdisciplinary mathematics course based on certain patterns, primarily the Fibonacci sequence. Rationale for the course includes the benefits of connected learning and the scarcity of liberal arts courses based on mathematics. The purpose of the course is to improve an individual's ability to make connections between mathematics and other disciplines such as the arts, sciences, and humanities.;Course design includes a syllabus, student textbook, and sample lesson plans. The student textbook explores mathematical connections with the Fibonacci sequence such as the golden ratio, Pascal's triangle, Pythagorean triples, combinatorics, and fractal geometry. Historical background of Leonardo Fibonacci's life and times in the High Middle Ages is used to introduce the course. Applications of Fibonacci numbers and the golden ratio in art, architecture, music, literature, nature, and economics are explored. Students are asked to assess the meaning of these connections in fight of their liberal arts experience.;Evaluation of the course in its pilot offering consisted of analyzing pre- and post-course responses to questions, student performance on class assignments, and final student essays. These responses indicated that the overall goal of the course was achieved. |
