COURSE DESCRIPTION:  The goal of the class is to help students learn to ask the right questions, and to gather and analyze the data needed to answer them, to understand the covid pandemic and the worldwide responses. Through local experts and numerous guest speakers playing key roles in these problems, we will discuss numerous aspects, from mathematical models for virus propagation to analyzing the economic, educational, social and emotional consequences of lockdowns and social distancing; from moral and legal dilemnas created by the pandemic and responses to the international political scene and relations between countries. Offered as Math 119 or Math 312 (those taking as Math 312 will have some of the readings replaced with more technical modeling papers and subsequent homework). 
Format: In-person when possible, synchronous and asynchronous participation possible
Prerequisites: For those taking 119: basic algebra. For those taking 312: linear algebra recommended

CONTACTING ME: You can reach me in Stetson 106D if you can be hired as a professor in the math/stats department. As that is unlikely, email sjm1@williams.edu (happy to set up zoom times, or if on campus a socially distant walk / coffee / meal).

OBJECTIVES: The goal is to prepare students to have rational conversations on difficult issues, in particular those related to covid-19. This includes reading high level mathematics and summarizing it, checking it and presenting it. For a fuller statement as to the objectives of this course, please click here. This includes some fascinating videos with some thought provoking comments about what you should get out of your education.

TEXTBOOK: There is no textbook; there will be numerous readings from all over the place (suggestions welcome!).

COURSE NOTES: TBD