- Amie Bray
- July 11, 2024
- 11:17 am
Courses Offered in Fall '24
Dr. Amie Bray will be teaching Math 101: Euclidean Geometry, online, for Rosary College this fall. This foundational math course will work through Euclid’s Elements to lay the foundation for understanding mathematics as a whole and how to grow in logical and disciplined thought. To find out how to apply, read through to the end of our interview with Dr. Bray about her approach to teaching math in the Catholic tradition, what to expect for her fall geometry course, and her thoughts on liberal education.
Academic and Professional Background and Experience in Liberal Arts Education
Dr. Amie Bray started her academic career with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics with an Emphasis in Secondary Teaching from the University of Northern Colorado. She then went on to complete both a Master’s of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics at Colorado State University. She maintains an active research program in number theory and, as of Fall 2024, teaches Advanced Placement and upper level mathematics courses at Saint Mary’s Academy in Englewood, Colorado. While at CSU, Dr. Bray taught a variety of mathematics courses including Mathematics for the Liberal Arts. Dr. Bray is committed to high quality mathematics education from elementary school through college and enjoys organizing mathematics outreach events for the whole family.
With a deep devotion to Jesus through Mary, Dr. Bray is excited to join the faculty at Rosary College and hopes to instill in her students a dedication to the truth rooted in Christ’s love.
Outside of research and teaching, Dr. Bray enjoys finding beauty in the everyday, spending time with her family, and creating art. With a deep devotion to Jesus through Mary, Dr. Bray is excited to join the faculty at Rosary College and hopes to instill in her students a dedication to the truth rooted in Christ’s love.
Here’s what Dr. Bray had to say in response to our questions about her views on math, geometry, teaching, and Catholic liberal arts education…
What most excites you about the opening of South Carolina's first Catholic College?
I am excited that there are students who want to increase in their faith and engage in the intellectual tradition!
What is your area of expertise and how did you come to specialize in this area?
I study mathematics, but more accurately, number theory. My research area is related to the proof of Fermat’s Last Theorem, which asserts that there are no integer solutions to the equation x^n +y^n =z^n for n>2.
I just wanted to keep learning mathematics and I decided that I would study number theory before I even knew what that meant. More importantly though, I always wanted to be a teacher and I felt that becoming an expert would ultimately benefit my students.
What was one of the most profound experiences of your own college/ university education?
There are two equally profound experiences that stick out in my mind. First, I have always been blessed with good teachers. Second, as I learned to conduct research in math, I realized that I cannot dictate what is true. Instead, I must have a posture of openness. Even more, I realized that I am never really “done;” there is always more to learn on any given problem. In this way, research is a great analogy for prayer.
What ought to be the value of a liberal arts education? How does this influence your teaching?
My favorite thing about the liberal arts tradition is the interplay between rigor and imagination. In my teaching, I try to strike this balance by giving open-ended questions for my students to explore and providing them with precise definitions and theorem statements, while explaining how to read like a mathematician.
How do you plan to integrate course material from other disciplines into your own courses to promote the integrated humanities aspect of Rosary College's Integrative Catholic Studies degree program?
While mathematics is not typically considered part of the humanities, it does require both precision of language and creative thinking. Practicing these skills is essential in all areas of study and benefits our understanding of the human story.
Why is it essential that Catholicism is present in your course?
This generation needs to know that their lives are valued beyond measure. They need the “human community animated by the spirit of Christ,” that a Catholic university seeks to provide through a “common dedication to the truth [Ex Corde Ecclesiae].” Mathematics teaches us to recognize this truth while Christ teaches us to love.
How to apply for Dr. Bray's online course, Math 101: Euclidean Geometry
We at Rosary College are so grateful to have Dr. Bray teaching for us this fall. We are currently accepting applications for Fall ’24, and Dr. Bray’s course, Math 101: Euclidean Geometry, is being offered online at an affordable price. If you are a degree-seeking student, Rosary College offers a 2-year Associate of Catholic Studies (ACS) in Integrated Humanities. Learn more about Tuition and Costs here.
Rosary College also has agreements in place with Thomas More College of Liberal Arts and Ave Maria University to transfer credits for students who would like to continue on into a 4-year Bachelor degree program. And stay tuned to see what other colleges will be accepting Rosary College credit transfers!
You can visit this link at Rosary College to apply and register today.
by: Dr. Amie Bray
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