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 193. Mathematical Thinking
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.
7.
Course bulletin description, including credits and semesters to be offered:
Development of problem solving and decision making strategies using mathematical tools from
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, probability, and statistics. Skills to communicate and defend
solutions and decisions. Prereq.: MATH 070 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.
The course is for general education only.
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
Existing Course
No
Diversity Proposal Accompanying This Form
No
Yes
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 a math course designed to satisfy a general education math requirement, MATH 193 is designed
specifically to teach students who are not in quantitatively oriented majors how to apply mathematics to
analyze numerical relationships, solve problems, explain processes and interpret results in everyday life
situations. Mathematical analysis and mathematical problem solving aren’t just a significant focuses of the
course. They are the entire focus. 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 problem solving and decision making strategies using
mathematical tools from arithmetic, algebra, geometry, probability, and statistics;
(2) Students model problems using their knowledge of these mathematical tools and construct the
quantitative solutions to these problems;
(3) Students apply their knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, probability, and statistics to
construct quantitative solutions to problems in voting and apportionment, business management, personal
finance, the life sciences, and other disciplines;
(4) Students communicate their knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, probability, and statistics,
both orally (i.e. class discussions) and in writing (i.e. written assessments).
In Math 193, 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.
Math 193 – Mathematical Thinking
Part I. Introduction: The topics below will be introduced early and will permeate the course.
A.
Basics of Problem Solving
SLO:1,2
B.
Reasoning as a Tool for Problem Solving
20 – 25%
SLO:1,2
C.
Connections and Communications
SLO:3,4
Part II. A Mathematical Toolkit: Each of the mathematical tools below will be introduced, connected to real
world problems, and used to solve those problems.
A.
Numbers
12 – 15%
SLO:1,2,4
B.
Algebra – a Language of Change
12 – 15%
SLO:1,2,4
C.
Geometry – the Language of Size and Shape
12 – 15%
SLO:1,2,4
D.
Probability – Living with the Odds
12 – 15%
SLO:1,3,4
E.
Exponential Growth
12 – 15%
SLO:1,3,4
F.
Understanding Statistics
12 – 15%
SLO:2,3,4
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): 193
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