CCOG for MTH 105 archive revision 202304

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Effective Term:
Fall 2023

Course Number:
MTH 105
Course Title:
Math in Society (MTH105=MTH105Z)
Credit Hours:
4
Lecture Hours:
30
Lecture/Lab Hours:
20
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Explores present-day applications of mathematics focused on developing numeracy. Includes quantitative reasoning and problem-solving strategies, probability and statistics, and financial mathematics; these topics are to be weighted approximately equally. Emphasizes mathematical literacy and communication, relevant everyday applications, and the appropriate use of current technology. This course is part of Oregon Common Course Numbering. MTH 105 and MTH 105Z are equivalent. Audit available.

Addendum to Course Description

Math in Society is a rigorous mathematics course designed for students in Liberal Arts and Humanities majors.  The course provides a solid foundation in quantitative reasoning, symbolic reasoning, and problem solving techniques needed to be a productive, contributing citizen in the 21st century.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

  1. Use formulas and perform relevant calculations pertaining to personal finance in order to make informed financial decisions.
  2. Make and interpret calculations and graphical displays of numerical data in order to perceive and infer patterns within data sets.
  3. Calculate and interpret theoretical and empirical probabilities in support of making predictions and decisions in the presence of uncertainty.
  4. Use logical reasoning to describe and critique arguments and recognize common logical fallacies.
  5. Support conclusions using logical thought, reflection, explanation and justification.
  6. Use appropriate representations to effectively communicate, orally and in writing, quantitative results and mathematical processes.

Quantitative Reasoning

Students completing an associate degree at Portland Community College will be able to analyze questions or problems that impact the community and/or environment using quantitative information.

Course Activities and Design

All activities will follow the premise that formal definitions and procedures evolve from the investigation of practical problems. It is the goal of this class that the investigation of practical problems will drive a desire to learn the mathematics necessary to understand and explain the practical application.   In-class time is primarily activity/discussion emphasizing problem solving techniques. Activities will include group work.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

  1. At least one individual or group project culminating in a written report and/or an oral presentation. 
  2. In-class exam: proctored, closed book examination
  3. At least two of the following additional measures:
    1. Take-home examinations
    2. In-class exams
    3. Graded homework
    4. Quizzes
    5. In-class activities
    6. Portfolios
  4. Optional Additional Assessment Strategies
    1. Individual student conference
    2. Attendance

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

COURSE CONTENT:

  1. Logical Reasoning and Problem Solving (roughly 10-20% of the course)
    1. Describing and Critiquing Arguments
    2. Understanding the Language and Rules of Logic
    3. Recognizing Common Logical Fallacies
    4. Non-Algebraic Problem Solving Strategies
  2. Probability and Statistics (roughly 30% of the course)
    1. Counting Rules
    2. Calculating and Interpreting Basic Probabilities
    3. Expected Value (e.g., Lotteries, Raffles)
    4. Measures of Central Tendencies and Spread
    5. Interpreting Graphical Displays of Data
    6. Understanding Margin of Error and Polls
    7. Interpreting Distributions
    8. Recognizing the Misuse of Data
  3. Financial Literacy (roughly 20% of the course)
    1. Percent Sales and Income Tax
    2. Simple and Compound Interest
    3. Annuities
    4. Loans and Credit Cards
  4. Additional Math Topics - At least one of the following topics should be covered in some depth (roughly 30% of the course)
    1. Apportionment
    2. Fair Division
    3. Voting Theory
    4. Exponential Growth/Decay Models
    5. Logistic Growth Models
    6. Game Theory
    7. Queuing Theory
    8. Coding/ Code Checking (Error coding)/ Code Breaking/Cryptography
    9. Set Theory
    10. Counting techniques – Combinations, Permutations
    11. Boolean Algebra
    12. Graph Theory
    13. Fractal Geometry
    14. Non-Euclidian Geometry
    15. Tilings
    16. Symmetry and Shapes in Nature
    17. Math in Art
    18. Math in Music
    19. Cryptography
    20. Sequences and Series
    21. Fermi Approximations
    22. Historical Numbers
    23. Proportional Reasoning
    24. Scheduling