New Curriculum


In 1931, the college hired consultants to review the curriculum and make appropriate recommendations. The result was a new plan that was implemented in 1933 (compare to the "new design" shown in the image at the upper right from the 1931 Pikes Peak Nugget - a student publication). In the first two years, students took courses in the School of Arts and Sciences. Then they had to be admitted to one of three divisions: the School of Letters and Fine Arts, the School of Social Sciences, and the School of Natural Sciences. Mathematics belonged to the third division and the curriculum was divided between the School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Natural Science. The 1933 catalog presented the mathematics curriculum in this way:

The School of Arts and Sciences

  • 101 - Introductory College Algebra: Algebraic operations, linear equations in one unknown, factoring, fractions, systems of linear equations, exponents and radicals, quadratic equations, equations involving radicals, binomial theorem. - Albright (Prerequisite: an introductory course in high school algebra.)
  • 103 - College Algebra: Graphs, linear equations, exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, simultaneous quadratics, variation, binomial theorem, progressions, permutations, combinations, theory of equations, determinants. - Lyons (Prerequisite: one and one-half units of high school algebra or consent of the instructor.)
  • 109 - Solid Geometry: Planes and lines in space, polyhedra, the cylinder, cone and sphere, spherical triangles. - Lyons (Prerequisite: one unit of high school plane geometry.)
  • 112 - Mathematical Theory of Investments: Logarithms, simple and compound interest, annuities, amortization, valuation of bonds, sinking funds, depreciation. - Albright (Prerequisite: Mathematics 101, or 103, or one and one-half units of high school algebra.)
  • 114 - Elementary Statistical Methods: Sources, sampling, selection of units, time series, types of frequency distributions, graphs and their interpretation, averages, measures of dispersion and skewness, correlation, index numbers, trend, use of computing machines. - Lyons (Prerequisite: Mathematics 101, or 103, or one and one-half units of high school algebra.)
  • 121 - Trigonometry: Functions of one and two angles; inverse functions, logarithms, solution of triangles, applications. - Lyons, Sisam (Prerequisite: one and one-half units of high school algebra and one of geometry.)
  • 122 - Analytic Geometry: Plane loci of the first and second orders, higher plane curves, solid analytic geometry. - Sisam (Prerequisite: Mathematics 103, or consent of instructor.)
  • 203/204 - Differential and Integral Calculus: The theory and technique of differentiation and integration, applications. - Lovitt (Prerequisite: Mathematics 122, or registration therein, and sophomore standing.)
  • 205 - Advanced Statistical Methods: Multiple and partial correlation, business cycles, long time trend, seasonal fluctuations, price movements with special reference to stocks, lag, economic and social ratios, distributions of wealth and income, Pareto's law, finite differences, interpolation, moments, curve fitting, Lexis, series, Poisson exponential. - Lovitt (Prerequisite: Mathematics 114.)

The School of Natural Sciences

  • 301/302 - Mechanics: Concurrent and non-concurrent forces, centers of gravity, moments of inertia, flexible cords, motion of a particle, work and energy, friction, impact, dynamics of rigid bodies, applications to physics and engineering. - Albright (Prerequisite: Mathematics 203 and 204.)
  • 303 - Theory of Equations: Solution of cubic and quartic equations, properties of an algebraic equation in one unknown, determinants, linear equations, resultants, and discriminants. - Sisam (Prerequisite: Mathematics 203 and 204.)
  • 305/306 - Differential Equations: Methods of the solution of ordinary and partial differential equations, applications. - Sisam (Prerequisite: Mathematics 203 and 204.)
  • 308 - Solid Analytic Geometry: Equations of the plane and right line in space, quadric surfaces, special surfaces of higher order. - Lovitt (Prerequisite: Mathematics 203 and 204 or consent of instructor.)
  • 310 - Projective Geometry: The projective properties of primitive forms of the first and second orders. - Sisam
  • 311 - Vector Analysis: Vector symbolism, computation by means of vectors, applications to geometry and mechanics. - Sisam (Prerequisite: Mathematics 203 and 204.)
  • 315/316 - Advanced Calculus: Partial differentiation, multiple integrals, Taylor's theorem, elliptic integrals, line integrals, Fourier's series, calculus of variations, applications. - Sisam (Prerequisite: Mathematics 203 and 204.)
  • 401 - The Teaching of Mathematics: The history of mathematics and the aims and methods of teaching mathematics in the secondary schools. - Sisam (Prerequisite: Mathematics 101 and senior standing.)
  • 402 - Readings in Mathematics: Readings, discussions, and reports on selected topics in college mathematics. (Prerequisite: Senior standing and concentration in mathematics.)
  • 409/410 - Functions of a Complex Variable: Fundamental properties of functions of a complex variable, linear transformations, infinite series, analytic continuation, Riemann surfaces, multiple periodic functions. - Sisam

For further notes on the development of the mathematics curriculum, see Evolution of the Mathematics Curriculum.

 

Report an issue - Last updated: 05/22/2024