Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2023 - EDUC 313 D200

Numeracy and Society (3)

Class Number: 4869

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • 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:

EDUC 313 is NOT a mathematics course. It does not review the high school curriculum. Numeracy enables people to understand and use numbers and involves much more than calculations. Since the advent of calculators and computers, it is much more relevant to focus on how we can use numbers to quantify various phenomena in the world. We will examine the evolving conceptions of numeracy, investigate how educators can enhance it, and reflect on personal experiences as learners. The intent is for students to witness how mathematics can improve the teaching and understanding of other subjects.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

After completing EDUC 313, the students should be able to articulate the essence of numeracy and its impact on contemporary society and the curriculum. The course will help students explain how people assign meanings to numbers, how to use them, and how to think mathematically.

Grading

  • Assignments 50%
  • Journal 10%
  • Presentation 10%
  • Term Paper 30%

REQUIREMENTS:

Participation is mandatory for this course and will include attendance, group work, and involvement in discussions. If students miss a class, they would study the material independently and submit the weekly assignment. A large portion of every lesson is small group work and class discussions. Students will prepare, present, and discuss their written reflections on the study material. Participation in class discussions is not optional. Students will also prepare a presentation and write a term paper. There is no final exam for the course.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There is no dedicated textbook, and the instructor will provide the material. The reading assignments will include a combination of journal articles and book chapters to support the aims of the course.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.