Mathematics is important in the life of every individual. The Mathematics faculty
has contact with every Fisk student, whether in the mission of general education,
teacher education, support for client disciplines, or the mathematical education of
majors and joint majors. Course offerings are academically challenging, but it is
the belief of the mathematics faculty that all students can learn mathematics.
Mathematics is central for providing experiences to ensure that students gain
"proficiency in analytical reasoning and computational skills" necessary for
survival in a "technological society" as well as understanding connections between
mathematics and other disciplines. Clearly, mathematics has special responsibility
for support to other disciplines, such as those in the natural or social sciences and
business administration, as well as to students who select mathematics as a single
or joint major.
Goals of the mathematics area and the learning outcomes that flow from these
goals are as follow:
Goal I:
To provide a course of study for a mathematics major program
consistent with other colleges and universities as delineated by organizations
such as the MAA (Mathematical Association of America) Committee on the
Undergraduate Programs in Mathematics (CUPM) Guidelines and Programs at
Liberal Arts Colleges.
Outcomes: Graduates of the B.A. major program in mathematics must:
demonstrate knowledge of mathematics in the areas of elementary analysis
(calculus), higher algebra, and higher analysis at the undergraduate level;
" be able to apply the knowledge gained to solve problems related to various
disciplines;
demonstrate general knowledge in the areas of physics and computer s cience;
demonstrate the ability to develop and discuss a problem or narrow band
of knowledge of a subject in writing and orally; and
be able to connect the importance of mathematics historically and
presently to a technological society.
Goal II: To provide a course of study for a mathematics joint major program
that gives students adequate knowledge to combine two areas of knowledge for
work or further study in either discipline or a combination thereof.
Outcomes:
Graduates of the joint major program in mathematics must:
demonstrate knowledge in the cognate subjects selected;
demonstrate the ability to develop and discuss a problem or narrow band
of knowledge of a subject in writing and orally;
be able to connect the importance of mathematics historically and presently
to a technological society.
Goal III: To provide a course of study that supports other disciplines and majors
requiring mathematics beyond that required in the program of general education.
Outcomes:
Graduates of a client discipline must:
demonstrate awareness of the connection between prescribed mathematics
courses and their respective disciplines; and
be able to apply the principles of mathematics for problem-solving in their
respective disciplines and related disciplines.
Goal IV: To provide technological experiences in the learning of mathematics
using graphing calculators, computer algebra systems, and computer-aided
instruction.
Outcomes:
Graduates of any major program must:
be familiar with the operation and use of the above technologies in the
learning of mathematics; and
be aware of the role of technology in society presently and in the future.