ABSTRACT
Mathematics Appreciation is a terminal course designed for non-science majors, to fulfil their general education requirement in mathematics at New Mexico State University. This case study uses the development of this course as a theme and presents observations on how to motivate mathematically disinclined students by placing mathematics in the context of non-mathematical experiences. Course development has utilized numerous comments from the students. In closing, it is argued that the appreciation of mathematics is in fact a concept to be emphasized in any mathematical course.
The author explains how placing mathematics into its broader environment including its historical and social context, acts to inspire students to learn within a subject which they have previously rejected as too abstract or irrelevant.
