Word: maths
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Dates: during 2000-2009
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...written in a language they understand, but those rusty on their calculus are perplexed by basic notation like delta, theta, and epsilon. As a result, many literature and history Core courses are deemed substantive enough to qualify for departmental credit. But no QR Core makes the cut for the math or statistics departments...
...While previous generations may not have required a strong background in math and science to be considered informed citizens, today’s world has lived up to the vision of H.G. Wells: It is one in which statistical thinking is “as necessary for efficient citizenship as the ability to read and write.” The relevance of mathematics to understanding contemporary policy issues, healthcare, and the modern conception of human nature is increasingly clear. Students who want an in-depth understanding of everything from behavioral economics to education policy require more than a superficial level...
...class teaches a range of foundational topics—from statistical reasoning to model building—for the non-concentrator to learn. Introductory statistics courses, which are required by many empirical social sciences, cover the former, but leave one unacquainted with the calculus needed to build models. Math departmental courses, on the other hand, are heavy on calculus, usually so much so that students who don’t have an intense interest don’t bother to take the class. These two poles leave students lacking a middle ground between the courses aimed at concentrators and fluffier...
...Rather than banish students to this no man’s land, the Faculty should aim to develop a foundational course required of all students not exempt from their QR requirement. Such a course would be devoted to equipping students with both the statistical vocabulary and the higher math techniques needed to navigate both policy- and model-oriented courses. Taken during students’ first year, this course would prepare students for the twenty-first century...
1/14/05: President Summers speculates that “issues of intrinsic aptitude” might account for the lack of females atop the science, math, and engineering fields...