Using an Epic Finale in Mathematics Classes

ABSTRACT

In a recent article, Crider recommends ending a course with a memorable learning experience, called an epic finale, instead of a final exam. Here, we give the details of epic finales given in four mathematics courses: Discrete Mathematics, Information and Coding Theory, Real Analysis, and Complex Analysis. We describe how to reconfigure a course to allow for this type of closing activity and give suggestions for how to create an epic finale.

Keywords:

• Final exam
• discrete mathematics
• real analysis
• complex analysis

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lorelei Koss

Lorelei Koss is a professor in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. She received a B.A. in Computer Science from Columbia College, Columbia University, a M.A. in Mathematics Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of North Carolina. In addition to her interest in teaching undergraduate mathematics, she enjoys research on complex dynamical systems and ergodic theory.