Standards for Quantitative Work

Hamilton expects that every student will demonstrate facility in quantitative and symbolic reasoning by completing one or more courses in at least one of the following three categories:

1. Statistical Analysis. The use of statistical analysis to describe data and to make inferences.
2. Mathematical Representation. The use of mathematical models such as those based on graphs, equations and geometric objects to represent patterns, relationships and forms.
3. Logic and Symbolic Reasoning. The use of formal logic or symbolic reasoning such as in the following examples: the proper construction of a computer program or a formal proof; the analysis of language in linguistics; or the study of music theory.

Courses across the curriculum that fulfill this requirement are described as Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning courses under Courses of Instruction. They are also listed online in Student Planning. The College offers tutoring in the area of quantitative and symbolic reasoning through the Quantitative & Symbolic Reasoning Center and the Peer Tutoring Program. This requirement should be fulfilled by the end of the second year at Hamilton. Matriculated students must complete the quantitative and symbolic reasoning requirement through Hamilton coursework; transferred credit, including study away, may not be used.

Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Students will successfully perform discipline-specific quantitative or symbolic manipulations.
2. Students will accurately interpret disciplinary arguments made using quantitative or symbolic rationalizations, whether of an analytical or visual nature.
3. Students will employ appropriate quantitative data or symbolic representations to support an argument.