Spring, 2002 Course Announcement

Unique Number: 55580

Instructor: Smith

Intended audience: Upper division (or graduate) students interested in the teaching of Mathematics, Science, or Social Studies, at any level.

Prerequisite: Interest in teaching mathematics, science, or social studies; upper division (or graduate) standing; and consent of instructor. (Instructor may be contacted at mks@math.utexas.edu or 471-6142)

Time: Tu 5:00 – 6:00PM

Room: RLM 6.112

Topic: Quantitative Literacy

Course description: Many people in many fields are concerned about quantitative literacy. Just what is meant by this term varies, but the following description from Marygrove College President Glenda Price gives the idea well:

(See http://www.stolaf.edu/other/extend/Numeracy/defns.html for other definitions.)

Since quantitative literacy involves both mathematics and its application to m any fields, it needs to be taught across the curriculum: both in mathematics courses and in courses in other fields. In this class, we will examine what is involved in quantitative literacy and how it can be taught across the curriculum. We will start by reading and discussing topics from the book Mathematics and Democracy: The Case for Quantitative Literacy. Then we will study the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for various subjects to determine where quantitative literacy is included in them. Finally we will look at various curricula and units that have been developed to teach quantitative literacy in various subjects and at various grade levels.