Mathematics for Liberal Arts

Curriculum guideline

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Course
MATH 1234
Discontinued
No
Course code
MATH 1234
Descriptive
Mathematics for Liberal Arts
Department
Mathematics
Faculty
Science & Technology
Credits
3.00
Start date
End term
Not Specified
PLAR
No
Semester length
15 weeks
Max class size
28
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Contact hours

Lecture: 4 hours/week

Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Learning activities

Lectures, group work, assignments

Course description
This course for liberal arts students explores mathematics topics in order to improve quantitative reasoning and decision-making in everyday life, as well as to develop an appreciation for the power and beauty of mathematics in the world around us. Topics of study vary by term and by instructor. Good English writing and communications skills are recommended.
Course content

The course is intended as an opportunity for students to be exposed to a survey of interesting mathematics. As such, instructors will generally be free to choose the topics they think will most engage students, usually from the following: 

  1. Attitudes about mathematics and why they matter
  2. Critical thinking and logic
  3. Problem solving
  4. Units and measurement
  5. Accuracy and precision
  6. Percentage, ratio, and number sense
  7. Statistical reasoning
  8. Probability
  9. Linear and exponential growth and modelling
  10. Mathematics in art and music
  11. Mathematics in sport and sport science
  12. Financial mathematics
  13. Other topics as determined by the instructor
Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • reflect on the role that mathematics has played in their lives, both past and present;
  • explore the potential role of mathematics in their future;
  • discuss the importance of mathematical literacy in modern society and the pitfalls of mathematical illiteracy;
  • identify and discuss common misconceptions about mathematics;
  • apply mathematical knowledge, techniques, and critical thinking skills to solve a variety of mathematical problems;
  • apply technology effectively in the completion of mathematical tasks;
  • identify contributions made to mathematics by cultures other than one's own;
  • reflect on mathematics as a universal language, used to communicate between otherwise diverse communities;
  • use mathematics as a lens through which global issues can be examined.
Means of assessment

Assessment will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. 

Instructors may use a student’s record of attendance and/or level of active participation in a course as part of the student’s graded performance. Where this occurs, expectations and grade calculations regarding class attendance and participation must be clearly defined in the Instructor Course Outline.  

The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. Evaluation will be based on the following:

Homework/quizzes 0-30%
Participation/in-class assignments 10-20%
Term project, portfolio, and/or paper   10-30%
Term tests  20-50%
Final exam 0-30%
Total 100%

Note: Students may be required to pass the final exam to be eligible to receive a final grade of D (or higher) in the course.

Textbook materials

Consult the Douglas College bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. Example textbooks and materials may include:

Bennett and Briggs. (Current Edition). Using and Understanding Mathematics:  A Quantitative Reasoning Approach. Pearson.

Lippman, David. Math in Society. Open Education Resource.

Prerequisites

One of Precalculus 11

or

Precalculus 12

or

Foundations of Math 11 with a C or better

or

Foundations of Math 12

or

MATU 0410