It might become harder for students to fulfill their Quantitative Studies requirements.
Members of the Arts and Sciences Council revisited possible changes to the Quantitative Studies requirement—which were originally proposed at the October meeting.
The amendment to the Trinity College of Arts and Sciences curriculum would require that students obtain at least one of their two QS credits through a class offered by a QS department—mathematics, statistics or computer science. Currently, Trinity students may take the two courses in any department as long as the courses have QS designations—such as courses in economics or environmental science.
The proposal, which was presented by the Quantitative Studies Requirement Review Committee, aims to increase students’ proficiency in quantitative thinking.
The Academic Council is expected to vote on the proposal at its December meeting at the earliest, Chair Ruth Day said. She emphasized that changes to the curriculum are driven by an open discussion that includes student input.
“The proposal speaks to the importance of academic exploration,” said senior Kaveh Danesh, Duke Student Government vice president for academic affairs. “This changing curriculum has to be accompanied by an effort to make sure the right courses are available.”
Danesh, who attended the meeting and also serves on the QS review committee, said he believes the members of his DSG committee are generally in favor of the proposal.
Danesh said the members of the DSG committee also believe keeping introductory level QS classes small and free of overqualified students is important.
Clark Bray, assistant professor of the practice of mathematics, suggested that proficiency in quantitative thinking might not be fostered by departments other than mathematics, statistics or computer science. Based on data about the QS departments, Bray found that very few courses are cross-listed with any Area of Knowledge other than QS.
“What I think this points to is that there is a very significant difference in disciplinary style,” Bray said.
Carlo Tomasi, chair of the computer science department, said he does not believe that there is a pressing need to reform the curriculum.
“There really isn’t a problem that needs to be fixed,” Tomasi said. “Students who want to benefit from quantitative approaches can do so now.”
Danesh said he is unable to predict the outcome.
“I think there are a lot of views, and it’s hard to put a number [on the faculty support for this proposal,]” he said.
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