"Petition to Waive the UNiversity Mmathematics Requiement"

"Petition to Waive the UNiversity Mmathematics Requiement"

"Petition to Waive the UNiversity Mmathematics Requiement"

For Eng. CompII.
Thursday, January 27, 2005
Petition to Waive the University Mathematics Requirement
This arguement was presented by one Gordon Adams, who, like most of us, are pursuing some form of higher education. He is writing to the Standards Committee arguing the mathematics requirement for undergraduate students in order for him to enter Law school. At first, I figured he would have a very viable arguement. He does. It doesn't take a rocket scientist for you to figure out that lawyers don't do algebra. Then, on the same hand, I am required to take classes that do not even pertain to my degree (Engineering), I mean, how do religious studies even remotely aid my skills as an engineer? Well, that question will be answered at the end of this blog. Mr. Adams even submitted proof that he has a high level of intelligence (referring to honors programs, gpa, etc). He had even referred to some previous jobs he had completed that required some form of higher intelligence. Yes, he proved to an extent his point about using algebra and "basic" math skills.
He neither addressed nor thought about the reason behind the math requirements. For some students, yes, they do need to learn that specific skill in order to be proficient in their chosen field, other students, well, it seems as nothing but a hindrance, burden, and another way for the university to get money. Mr. Adams had asked the University why he needed algebra? They replied, "for a well rounded education, and (2) to develop critical thinking...). I stop there. Think about it. You may not need algebra in your field (Religious studies, History, Law, etc), but what you do need is critical thinking skills. Not only do the math requirements teach you the math, but it also teaches you the proverbial "There is more than one way to skin a cat.".. So, yes, lawyers do need those critical thinking skills. Even though Mr. Adams had undertaken and completed...