Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2020 - EDUC 313 D100

Numeracy and Society (3)

Class Number: 1441

Delivery Method: Distance Education

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    EDUC 401/402 or corequisite EDUC 403.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Conceptions of numeracy in contemporary society; consequences of innumeracy; enhancing personal numeracy skills; examination of numeracy across the curriculum. This course is designed for students NOT working in a Mathematics or Science specialization. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will be delivered remotely.  Students are expected to be online and available on Wednesdays from 9:30a to 12:30p.


Numeracy is an ability to understand and work with numbers. It involves much more than just having a knack with numbers or a competency with calculation. Since the advent of calculators and computers, it is much more relevant to focus on various ways in which numbers can be used to quantify an increasingly wide range of phenomena in our world. It is much more important to understand what mathematics is doing than it is to do mathematics.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

The focus of this course will be to familiarize the student with what numbers are, ways in which they can be used, what it means to be able to think mathematically, and thereby to remove much of the mystery that is shrouded by mathematical symbolism. The aim is to remove that veil, go behind the scenes, and to grasp the grandeur of mathematics.

Grading

  • Written Reflections 40%
  • Online class discussions 30%
  • Term Paper 30%

NOTES:

In addition to punctual attendance, students will prepare, present, and participate in discussions on 10 written reflections based on assigned study material, worth up to 4% each for a total of up to 40% of your final grade. There will be 11 online class discussions based on the assigned study material, of which only the best 10 will be counted, worth up to 3% each for a total of 30% of your final grade. There will be a term paper, worth 30% of your final grade. Participation in class discussion is mandatory, not optional.

REQUIREMENTS:

Class participation is not optional. For excused absences, arrangements may be made with instructor to make up for lost marks.

All of your writing must result solely from your own effort.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There will be no text requirement for this course. Selected study material provided.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Stewart, I. (2017). The Beauty of Numbers in Nature: Mathematical Patterns and Principles from the Natural World. MIT Press.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2020

Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.