CRITERIA FOR COURSES IN THE MATHEMATICS DIVISION OF GENERAL EDUCATION

To be accepted in this category, the course must:

1. be in the field of mathematics, statistics, or symbolic logic.  Mathematics is the study of patterns and structures, and the expression and description of these in terms of a language which allows for understanding, deduction and calculation.  Statistics addresses methods for collecting and summarizing data, and drawing conclusions from data using arguments based on probability.  Symbolic logic studies formal systems for deductions.

2. be at a level of mathematical reasoning at or above the level of College Algebra;

3. examine, at least heuristically, the theory and reasoning behind the methods;

4. employ a diverse set of examples to show the power and usefulness of the methods;

5. though applications may be selected from certain disciplines in order to fit the interests of students, the methods themselves should be of general interest in a wide variety of fields.

Typically, courses in this field will address the following general education outcomes.  They may also address other outcomes.

IID.  Mathematical and Quantitative Reasoning

1.  Students should be able to demonstrate general knowledge of the breadth, power, and development of major areas of mathematics.

2.  Students should be able to demonstrate proficiency in solving problems using mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning.

 

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