Skagit Valley College

Catalog Course Search Details

 Course Title:   Math in Society

 Title Abbreviation:   MATH IN SOCIETY

 Department:    MATH&

 Course #:    107

 Credits:    5

 Variable:     No

 IUs:    5

 CIP:    270101

 EPC:    n/a

 REV:    2018


 Course Description  

A terminal course in mathematics for non-math or non-science majors. The course fulfills the quantitative reasoning requirement for the AA-DTA degree and for transfer. Topics may include logic, probability, statistics, geometry, modeling, linear algebra, finance, trigonometry, problem solving, and the history of mathematics. A graphing calculator may be required.

 Prerequisite  

Prerequisite: MATH 98 with a grade of C or higher, or equivalent math placement score.

Additional Course Details

Contact Hours (based on 11 week quarter)

Lecture: 55

Lab: 0

Other: 0

Systems: 0

Clinical: 0


Intent: Distribution Requirement(s) Status:  

Academic Natural Sciences, Quantitative  

Equivalencies At Other Institutions

Other Institution Equivalencies Table
Institution Course # Remarks
OTHER Meets GUR at 3 BIS
U of W 107
WSU 210
WWU T To meet GUR, student must take MATH 102

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Construct and interpret appropriate display of data.
  2. Recognize evaluate, and perform statistical reasoning.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of pervasive use and misuse of statistics in our society.
  4. Use modeling to solve problems in economics, communications, group dynamics, and other real world situations.
  5. Explore mathematics through art, computers, and the use of a graphing calculator.
  6. Apply alternative mathematical techniques, from a historical perspective, where appropriate.
  7. Understand how mathematics is used in other fields and occupations.
  8. Understand the use of mathematics cross-culturally.

General Education Learning Values & Outcomes

Revised August 2008 and affects outlines for 2008 year 1 and later.

1. Information Literacy

Definition: Recognizing when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
1.1 Determine the extent of information needed.
1.2 Access the needed information effectively, efficiently, ethically, and legally.

2. Critical Thinking

Definition: The ability to think critically about the nature of knowledge within a discipline and about the ways in which that knowledge is constructed and validated and to be sensitive to the ways these processes often vary among disciplines.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
2.1 Identify and express concepts, terms, and facts related to a specific discipline.
2.3 Identify, interpret, and evaluate pertinent data and previous experience to reach conclusions.
2.5 Identify similarities and differences in the ways in which data is collected and analyzed in different disciplines.
2.7 Identify and evaluate connections and relationships among disciplines.
2.9 Apply and/or create problem-solving strategies to successfully adapt to unpredictable and/or changing environments.

8. Mathematical Reasoning

Definition: Understanding and applying concepts of mathematics and logical reasoning in a variety of contexts, both academic and non-academic.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
8.1 Analyze problems to determine what mathematical principles apply.
8.2 Correctly apply logical reasoning and mathematical principles to solve problems.
8.3 Interpret information and reasoning expressed mathematically (for example in spreadsheets, diagrams, charts, formulas, etc.).
8.4 Communicate mathematical information effectively.

10. Technology

Definition: Understanding the role of technology in society and using technology appropriately and effectively.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
10.3 Use technology appropriate to the context and task to effectively retrieve and manage information, solve problems, and facilitate communication.

Course Contents

  1. Statistics: descriptive statistics; statistical reasoning
  2. Probability
  3. Geometry
  4. Metrics: algebra; linear systems; Markov chains, linear programming; simple game theory
  5. Graph Theory: problems; the modeling process; graphs and diagraphs; matrices and graph theory
  6. Boolean Algebra: logic; digital circuits; sets
  7. Functional Models: linear models; quadratic models; exponential models; limits; difference equation
  8. Games and Decision
  9. Art
  10. History
  11. Finance
  12. Trigonometry