Weinberg agreed to serve as committee secretary.
The chair presented a list of topics for consideration thru the year. These will be mentioned as they come up for discussion in future meetings.
Since every member of the committee reads e-mail regularly, it was agreed that as much correspondence as possible would be conducted electronically. Hard copies of the minutes will be distributed even though they are available on the Undergraduate Web page through the department.
The matter of selecting undergraduate and graduate student representatives to the committee was discussed. Weichsel will discuss the choice of the graduate representative with Gray. Weinberg was instructed to consult Monica Vandieren, the president of SUM, for the advice of the members of that organization.
Weinberg called to the committee's attention a letter from Bill Kubitz of Computer Science consulting this department on some minor changes proposed in the Math-CS curriculum. These changes involved two minor changes in the CS courses that could be used to satisfy requirements and a change in the requirements for graduation with distinction. The course changes were acceptable. The distinction requirements were modified to include the need to take an additional computer science course. The committee instructed Weinberg to point out to CS that since this is a joint major we are puzzled by the exclusion of mathematics as an option from the proposed list of extra courses, and to enquire as to whether they would like our recommendation for possible mathematics courses to add to the list.
Paley raised the question of the need to review our course offerings at the 300 level. To this end he is to acquire information about such offerings at other institutions, while Weinberg is to provide information about local offerings (course descriptions, syllabi, and enrollment data).
The matter of syllabi and control of courses was a subject for discussion. It was generally agreed that no syllabi changes are to be implemented without approval of the Undergraduate Affairs Committee.
Paley reported on correspondence and meetings with representatives of ECE and probablility theorists concerning proposeed changes in ECE 313. This would impinge on Mathematics by not allowing students credit in Math 361, endangering 1/3 of that course's enrollment and would effect Statistics because students would not be able to get credit for both ECE 313 and Stat 310/Math363. Gerry Janusz is drawing up a letter of response.
Respectfully submitted,
Elliot Weinberg, secretary
Syllabi for 300 level courses have been distributed of Area chairs. Detailed enrollment figures will be given to the committee at the next meeting. A preliminary discussion of declining enrollments took place.
Peressini will be asked about publicizing the new sections of Math 285 for the spring term.
The status of the revision of the Math Placement Exam was discussed. The proposed exam was revised and given again and we are waiting for the analysis. The committee has reservations about the revision.
Respectfully submitted,
Elliot Weinberg, secretary
Peter Braunfeld and Tim Hendrix were present to discuss the evaluation of Math 247. The aim of the evaluation is to attempt to answer the two questions: Does taking Math 247 generally help students to become more 'mathematically mature'? Does taking Math 247 help prepare students for more advanced courses? Last spring student surveys in 247 were taken and instructor questionnaires were distributed. Some additional measurements of current 247 students will be taken this fall. Students in advanced courses who have taken 247 will be surveyed and their work evaluated by current instructors. Tim Hendrix from the College of Education will help in evaluating the responses.
Linear Algebra courses were the subject of discussion. The new text by Tucker for Math 225 has some weaknesses which were not noticed earlier. Although there is still interest in seeking out a new text for Math 315, the committee was reminded that the survey that was taken of students in 225 and 315 found general satisfaction with the course..
The next meeting will be at 2PM on Tuesday, October 3, in 247 Altgeld Hall.
Respectfully submitted, Elliot Weinberg, secretary
A list, provide by Monica VanDieren, president of SUM, of nominees for Undergraduate representative on the committee was presented. Mark Schmitt, a candidate for a double degree in Mathematics and Engineering was selected.
Karl Schmidt was selected as the graduate student representative.
The most recent letter from ECE concerning ECE 313, Math 361, and Stat 310 was discussed. It was decided to advise Janusz, Chair of the Mathematics Department, to discuss the matter further with Adam Martinsek, new Head of the Department of Statistics, and to further communicate to ECE our concern that their course looks more and more like a mathematics or statistics course and to urge that, should their course revisions be approved, the three courses Math 361, Math 363, and ECE 313 be placed on an equal footing.
The committee approved a recommendation for the creation of four new undergraduate awards, one for each of the majors: Mathematics, Actuarial Science, Mathematics and Computer Science, and Teacher Education in Mathematics. The purpose is to recognize outstanding work of students within their disciplines. These are to be annual awards, although the department may decide not to make one or more awards in any year. A student will be eligible to receive an award in a major at most once, but will still be eligible for any other of the departmental awards (Selma Wanna, Brahana Prize, Undergraduate Teaching Award, Greenwood Prize.) A nominal cash prize should be attached to each award.
The next meeting will be at 2PM on Tuesday, October 10, in 247 Altgeld Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Elliot Weinberg, secretary
The chair introduced the Undergraduate Student representative on the committee, Mark Schmitt, a candidate for a double degree in Mathematics and Engineering, and the Graduate Student represenative, Karl Schmidt, a graduate student in Mathematics.
Currently the department does not make any faculty awards for teaching, although it does nominate individuals for college and university awards in teaching and research. The committee unanimously endorsed a proposal that the department automatically recognize any individual nominated to a college or university teaching award as the recipient of a comparable department award. For example, if a faculty member were nominated for The Amoco Instructional Award for Innovations in Teaching, we would immediately recognize this individual as the recipient of a Mathematics Department Award for Innovations in Teaching. This proposal is to be forwarded to the Executive Committee.
The report of the Honors subcommittee to plan an honors program was discussed and endorsed. It was decided to reconstitute the subcommittee in order to have it flesh out the proposal. The subcommittee is urged to maintain a flexible program so that students do not have to go lockstep through the program.
A committee consisting of Ken Stolarsky, Joe Miles, and Joe Rosenblatt will study Math 280.
The next meeting is scheduled for 2PM on October 17 in 247 Altgeld Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Elliot Weinberg, secretary
The meeting was devoted to a broad discussion of several issues.
Weichsel, in a response to a question as to how sections were assigned in various courses reported on Calculus and Mathematica, BioCalc, and the Harvard Calculus. The number of sections in these courses is dictated by the demand. We are in the process of applying for an NSF grant to help evaluate these nonstandard projects. (Committee includes Braunfeld,Peressini, Uhl, Travers, Weichsel, and Teri Jo Murphy.)
The chair raised the question of whether it was necessary to regularize the 285 offerings by separating it into two different courses. It was decided to wait to see how the new versions work out.
The question of looking at the total course offerings at the 300 level was raised again. Are the syllabi in order? Do we need to reconsider offerings for the major? Do the courses do what we intend? Do we need to look further at linear algebra and algebra offerings. The most concrete suggestion was that the algebraists consider a periodic offering of a 300 level second course in abstract algebra.
Respectfully submitted,
Elliot Weinberg, secretary
The committee discussed a question raised by Joe Rotman on the advisability of the split in material on multi-dimensional calculus between Math 130 and 242. Currently the material on parametric curves and vectors in the plane is covered in Math 130. The committee decided to leave this unchanged since it was only implemented this year.
Joe Rotman asked permission to teach Math 247 this spring using his own notes on geometry and algebra. The committee agreed since Braunfeld's committee report will be finished by then. A general discussion ensued. There was general agreement that any number of topics covered in 247 should serve the same purpose of preparing students for upper level courses.
Since they are no longer being offered it was decided to remove Math 121 and 131 from the Courses Catalog.
Math 319 was discussed. It was decided to ask if someone on the faculty would like to redo the course.
Weinberg reported that the proposal to make most 300 level courses available for unit credit was approved.
The linear algebra committee reported that the new 225 text by Tucker has proved to be something of a disaster. They are looking at the possibility of using a new book by Lay.
A proposal before the Executive Committee of the Engineering College would require Math 285 of all CS majors.
Jerry Uhl asked if he could offer a section of Math 225 using Mathematica. The committee agreed.
Respectfully submitted,
Elliot Weinberg, secretary
Joe Miles reported on progress with the placement exams. There has been further testing of the proposed exams. The Office of Measurement and Testing is still unhappy with the results on several questions and the poor spread of grades. There will probably be another version.
ECE asked to have another meeting concerning Math 361 with instructors, Martinsek of Statistics, Paley, and Weinberg. (Added after the meeting: the meeting reached a successful conclusion with ECE agreeing to drop restrictions on duplicate credit with their courses for Stat 310/Math 363 or Math 361)
Respectfully submitted,
Elliot Weinberg, secretary
The chair pointed out that the new calendar reduces the number of class periods available by one for three hour courses and by two for five hour courses. In particular, this reduces the total number of periods available in the calculus sequence by four out of 163, or 2%.
This led to a discussion of the calculus and possible shortcomings of the current text and syllabus. A committee to consider these questions was appointed consisting of Hiram Paley, Joe Miles, and Mark Schmitt.
Ken Stolarsky gave a preliminary report on Math 280. (Other members of the subcommittee are Joe Rosenblatt and Joe Miles.) A survey of previous instructors produced responses thus far from only 4.5 of 20 people surveyed. No one was in favor of a major overhaul, but there was a consistent report that the syllabus was too crowded. Various solutions were discussed. The committee will report back.
Respectfully submitted,
Elliot Weinberg, secretary
Joe Miles reported on the Placement Exam. After extensive testing the new exam is now in place and will be administered for the first time to incoming freshmen this spring. The exam is intended for determining whether a student is qualified to enter the calculus or a lower level course. It will be a one hour exam consisting of 40 questions (12 trigonometry, 5 geometry, 5 analytic geometry, and 18 algebra). It has been tested on Math 120 students and its level of difficulty adjusted to provide sufficient resolution to tell students apart. Calculators will be permitted. The committee originally consisted of Heini Halberstam, Jerry Uhl, Mary Lynn Reed, Larry Dornhoff, and Joe Miles. The latter two continued the work alone this year with advice from Tony Peressini. Joe singled out Larry for contributing much of the work this year.
Hiram Paley reported on a meeting of the calculus subcommittee (Paley, Miles, Mark Schmitt, and Weinberg). There seems to be a feeling that the standard calculus courses and syllabi should be returned to their state two years ago. Among other things, the syllabus is not working out, we need more applications, some omitted topics leave later problems undoable, the end of 130 and the beginning of 242 need adjustment, and we need to adjust to the coming loss of four class hours. Comments are invited.
Paul Weichsel reported that the final report on the 247 evaluation has still not been delivered.
The implications of the Rochester situation for undergraduate education were discussed. On a related matter Weichsel reported on his experiences at a recent meeting devoted to the nurturation and preparation of Teaching Assistants in Mathematics.
Elliot Weinberg reported on miscellaneous matters. The courses in Mathematics for Elementary Education, Math 200 and 201 have now had their reincarnations as Math 117 and 203 completely recognised by the university as open to all students for credit and available for satisfying the Quantitative Reasoning I general education recquirement. -- Computer Science has reconstituted CS 101 as a 3 hour course (formerly 2) in C. A letter to the college requesting corresponding changes in the requirements for various math majors has been sent. -- The final proposals for the redesign of secondary education programs are in the process of being submitted to college and senate committees. -- CBA has asked our opinion on revising their mathematics requirements to allow students to use Math 120 and 125. (Currently students may use 120 and 130, or 134 and 125, or 135.) -- Currently, the analysis option in the Teacher Education Mathematics minor includes Math 247. (This dates to the period when students could not receive credit for both 247 and 280.) Permission was asked and given to substitute Math 280 for 247.
Respectfully submitted,
Elliot Weinberg, secretary
The committee approved a proposal by Jack Wetzel for his Math 302 in the Fall
Mark Schmitt mentioned that some undergraduates complained about Math 242 being a prerequisite for 300 level courses which did not use any of the material of the course. Faculty commented that this prerequisite was intended to indicate a minimum amount of mathematical maturity required and that adventurous students could always risk taking courses in any order.
Dornhoff called attention to the fact that the University had pointers to the WWW pages of a number of courses, but only one of them was from the mathematics department. It was agreed to explore the idea of using computers in our classes as a means of delivering materials to students outside of the classroom setting.
Pat Coombs pointed out that we have, for several years, been incorrectly giving SU grades in Math 149 while designating it an honors section. It was decided to switch back to giving letter grades in order to be able to continue designating it as an honors course.
The committee discussed the situation at Rochester. It was decided to explore the question of whether we are maintaining adequate communications with the rest of the university and providing the level and quality of service our clients expect.
Respectfully submitted,
Elliot Weinberg, secretary
A meeting has been scheduled at 200 Ornamental Horticulture for a demonstration of how they use the Web as a vehicle for course materials.
Members had examined Rotman's material for Math 247 and authorized Weichsel to find one or more instructors willing to use it in the fall semester.
The committee discussed the Rochester situation and explored possible ways of increasing our interaction with other departments and colleges. Among the ideas presented were: making the liason committees function more effectively and frequently, monitoring others needs in our upper level offerings, encouraging the chair to maintain contacts with other department chairs, inviting speakers from other departments at levels other than that dealt with by the talks on Mathematics in Science and Society. The matter is to be presented to the faculty at the department's next faculty meeting.
Stolarsky and Miles discussed initial responses on a questionaire to instructors of Math 280.
Respectfully submitted,
Elliot Weinberg, secretary
The proposal of the chair to bring the problem of making liason committees more effective to the Faculty meeting was deferred.
The committee entertained the first discussion of The Braunfeld Report on Math 247. West and D'Angelo contributed to the discussion, with additional remarks by Uhl and Peressini.
The committee briefly discussed its meeting at ACES to see their use of the web in trying to increase the quality of undergraduate instruction. Peressini described the new project `MathLink' which is putting interactive material and archival material on the Web to enhance the tools and mathematical skills of high school teachers.
Respectfully submitted,
Elliot Weinberg, secretary
There was an interim report from the Calculus committee. With graphing calculators being used so frequently in the public schools, is it time that we require their use in our classes? A new text is being considered (Stewart)
The committee approved a new course proposed by Dan Grayson: Math 321, Symbolic Algebra
The 280 committee discussed its interaction with other members of the faculty.
The committee continued its discussion of the Braunfeld report on Math 247. It was generally agreed that the committee was favorably disposed to experimentation with this material. There are to be one or two sections in the Fall of each of the versions of the course currently in existence. The chair will try to present a statement of objectives for the course which expresses the committee's views.
Weichsel reported on a proposal by Boston to redesign the course Math 118, Numeracy.
Respectfully submitted,
Elliot Weinberg, secretary
There was an interim report from the Calculus committee. The choice of texts under consideration has been narrowed to Stewart and Thomas-Finney, both of which are amenable to use with a calculator or computer-algebra system. The committee will present a final report with prospective syllabus in June.
There was an interim report from the Math 280 committee. It expects to present a new syllabus in June.
With slight modifications the committee approved a statement of objectives for Math 247. The final statement allows for a flexible approach that would allow further experimentation.
A subcommittee was appointed to survey the faculty on its possible use of the Web in courses, and to consider further action. The subcommittee consists of Dornhoff, Karl Schmidt, Rosenblatt and Weinberg. Weinberg will serve as facilitator.
The chair raised the question of the adequacy of the prerequisites for Math 225.
Respectfully submitted,
Elliot Weinberg, secretary
The chair proposed increasing the prerequisites for Math 225 from Math 120 to Math 130. The committee reached no conclusion.
There was a discussion of the role of the liaison committees. It was proposed that the executive committee urge liaison chairs to have more extensive contacts with our client departments.
The committee discussed the recent correspondence with ECE.
Boston proposed planning an experimental section of Math 118, Numeracy, based upon real-life situations. The committee approved such an offering for Spring 1997.
Respectfully submitted,
Elliot Weinberg, secretary
This was a meeting of those members of the outgoing and incoming committee who were available.
There was a discussion of the two calculus texts under consideration: Edwards and Penney, Stewart, and perhaps Thomas-Finney. There was a strong sentiment for reverting to an earlier syllabus.
There was a discussion of possible mechanisms for involving our clients in planning the calculus.
Respectfully submitted,
Elliot Weinberg, secretary