Math "Ma?"

Math has never really been FlyBy's best subject, so there are limited options when it comes to fulfilling the dreaded QR requirement--or, excuse us--the Empirical and Mathematical Reasoning category under the "new" Gen. Ed. curriculum. On the one hand, there are classes like "Bits" and "The Magic of Numbers" that seem geared to the fluffier humanities types, and on the other, there are the departmental courses, which, yes, provide solid, mathematical instruction but are basically just harder versions of the math you couldn't even handle in high school.

The one departmental QR-fulfilling course that was always welcoming, however, especially for those who balk at the sight of numbers, was Math Xa, the basic introduction to calculus offered every fall. But now Math Xa is nominally no more, having been replaced this fall with Math "Ma." The reason for the name change? So far no response from the math department, so for now, our theories—after the jump.

UPDATE: Math preceptor Jameel Al-Aidroos writes in an e-mail that the name change came "at the request of students and administrators" because students didn't like the name. How they arrived at M? Still unclear.

The "Math Ma" syllabus seems very similar (if not identical) to "Math Xa," so it's difficult to determine what exactly this new title means.

Maybe "X," a letter often used as a variable in mathematics was a little too intimidating.

Maybe it reminded too many freshman last year of the blood-red ink and sweaty palms of high school math tests.

Or maybe "Ma" connotes a more maternal, welcoming, and loving environment that will be implemented in the course this year. And who knows? Maybe there will eventually be a spring semester sequel course called "Math Pa" that really lays down the law and separates the men from the boys....

Maybe they have too much time on their hands.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Della Robbia