St. Cloud State University
General Education Goal Area 4
Mathematical Thinking & Quantitative Reasoning
Academic Affairs Use Only:
Response Date:
Effective Date:
1.
Proposal Number:
Prepared by: Daniel Scully
Phone: 308-6740
Email: djscully@stcloudstate.edu
2.
Requesting Unit: Mathematics
3.
Department, Course Number, Title: MATH 196. Finite Mathematics
4.
New Course
5.
Will this course be flagged as a diversity course?
Already Designated as Diversity
6.
Will this course also satisfy another General Education Goal Area?
If “Yes” specify which goal area.
Existing Course
No
Diversity Proposal Accompanying This Form
No
Yes
7.
Course bulletin description, including credits and semesters to be offered:
Functions (linear, quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic), simple and compound interest,
annuities, introduction to linear programming, and probability. Mathematical modeling and
applications related to business and economics. Intended for all business majors. Prereq.: MATH 072 or
high school advanced algebra with a satisfactory math placement score. 3 Cr. F, S, SUM.
8.
Indicate the clientele for whom this course is designed. Is the course for general education only, or
does it fulfill general education and other program needs for this or another department? Obtain
signatures from any affected departments.
Business majors. Fulfills general education and other program needs for this college.
9.
Indicate any changes that must be made in offerings or resources in your department or other
departments by offering this course.
None.
10.
For new courses or courses not yet approved for General Education, indicate any other SCSU departments
or units offering instruction that relates to the content of the proposed course.
12/11/2009
11.
Courses designated as General Education are included in the assessment plan for the Goal Area(s)
for which they are approved. Courses for which assessment is not included in the annual GE
assessment report for two years will be removed from the General Education Program.
The Requesting Unit understands and recognizes the above conditions.
12.
Provide a concise explanation of how the following goal is a “significant focus” of the proposed course.
Goal Area 4: Mathematical Thinking & Quantitative Reasoning
Apply mathematics to analyze numerical relationships, solve problems, explain processes and interpret
results.
As the business math course, MATH 196 is designed specifically to teach business majors how to apply
mathematics to analyze numerical relationships, solve problems, explain processes and interpret results in the
areas of business and economics. Mathematical analysis and mathematical problem solving aren’t just a
significant focuses of the course. Every topic in this course meets the criteria for goal area 4.
13. In order for a course to be designated as fulfilling Goal Area 4, it must address at least 4 of the 4 student learning
outcomes (SLOs) below. Check the SLOs below that are focused on in the proposed general education course.
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic theories and methods of mathematics.
2. Use quantitative methods to test hypotheses or to construct quantitative solutions to problems.
3. Apply mathematical skills and knowledge in other academic disciplines.
4. Communicate quantitative ideas, both orally and in writing.
14.
Discuss how each Student Learning Outcome checked above is achieved in this course. (Note: Although
descriptions of typical assignments or types of assignments may be part of this discussion, it is not
appropriate to submit copies of actual assignments.)
(1) Students demonstrate knowledge of linear, quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions, simple
and compound interest, annuities, linear programming, probability and methods of solving systems of
equations and inequalities;
(2) Students model problems using their knowledge of the functions and theories (above), and
construct the quantitative solutions to related problems;
(3) Students apply their knowledge of functions, equations, etc. to construct quantitative solutions
in business and economics;
(4) Students communicate their knowledge of functions, equations, etc., both orally (i.e. class
discussions) and in writing (i.e. written assessments).
In Math 196, both oral and written assessments are used to determine if students have achieved each of
these student learning outcomes. The oral assessments are both formative and informal, occuring
throughout class discussions. The written assessments are both formative (i.e. textbook assignments,
projects) and summative (i.e. written exams).
12/11/2009
15.
List or attach the Course Outline (adequately described and including percentage of time to be allocated
to each topic). Curriculum Committees may request additional information. Topics larger than 20% need
to be broken down further. Indicate in your course outline where the Student Learning Outcomes
checked above are being met.
A. Basic Algebra
15%
SLO:1,2,4
B. Functions and applications
SLO:1,2,3,4
1. Linear (Cost, Price-Demand, Price-Supply)
5%
2. Quadratic (Revenue, Profit, Break-Even analysis)
5%
3. Exponential (Compound interest)
5%
4. Logarithmic (Solving exponential equations)
5%
C. Interest and annuities
SLO:2,3,4
1. Simple interest
5%
2. Compound interest and annual percentage yield
10%
3. Present and future values of annuities
10%
D. Introduction to Linear Programming
SLO:2,3,4
1. Systems of linear equations and inequalities
5%
2. Optimization of two-variable objective functions
5%
E. Counting and Introductory Probability
SLO:1,2,3,4
1. Sets, counting principles
5%
2. Permutations, and combinations
5%
3. Probability with business related applications
15%
4. Expected value
5%
12/11/2009
St. Cloud State University
General Education Transmittal Form
Academic Affairs Use Only:
Response Date:
Effective Date:
Proposal Number
Department: Math
Course or Course(s): 196
Dale Buske
Department or Unit Chair Signature
1/28/10
Date
Department forward to Academic Affairs for publication and electronically to Chair of General Education Committee, Chair
of College Curriculum Committee, College Dean
Recommendation of General Education Committee:
Approve
Remarks:
Disapprove
Chairperson
Committee
Signature
Date
Recommendation of University Curriculum Committee:
Approve
Remarks:
Disapprove
Chairperson
Committee
Signature
Date
Recommendation of Faculty Association:
Approve
Remarks:
Disapprove
FA Senate
Signature
Date
Action of Academic Vice President:
Approve
Disapprove
Signature
Entered in Curriculum Data File
12/11/2009
Remarks:
Date