MATH 1332 0310 - CONTEMPORARY MATHEMATICS

Introduction

NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE

COURSE SYLLABUS

 

 

Course Title:

Contemporary Mathematics

Course Prefix & Number: 

MATH 1332

Section Number: 

0310

Semester/Year:

Fall 2020

Semester Credit Hours:

3

Lecture Hours:

48

Lab Hours:

 

Course Description (NCTC Catalog): Intended for Non STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) majors. Topics include introductory treatments of sets and logic, financial mathematics, probability and statistics with appropriate applications. Number sense, proportional reasoning, estimation, technology, and communication should be embedded throughout the course. Additional topics may be covered.

Course Prerequisite(s): Meet TSI college-readiness standard for Contemporary Mathematics; or equivalent.

Required or Recommended Course Materials:

Thinking Mathematically, Robert F. Blitzer, 7th edition, Pearson, 2019

Scientific calculator, TI-30X IIS is recommended

Phone calculators will not be allowed on exams.

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:

Sara Cooper

 

Campus/Office Location:

Online Canvas Conferences

 

Office Hours:

WebEx Monday-Thursday noon-2pm Wednesday 6-7 pm

 

Telephone Number:

Google Voice you can text 903-347-8472 (give name and class)

 

E-mail Address:

sacooper@nctc.edu (give name and class) or use Canvas inbox

 

 

OFFICE HOURS

All office hours will be held online this semester.  Students can schedule an appointment with their instructor by selecting the Cisco Webex option in Canvas and navigating to the “Office Hour” tab.  The times that the instructor is available will be displayed there and a student may schedule a meeting by choosing a time and selecting “Confirm Meeting” at the bottom of the page.

 

GRADING CRITERIA

# of Graded Course Elements

Graded Course Elements

Percentage or Point Values

33

Homework

10

6

Quiz

20

5

Test

50

1

Final Exam

20

Grade Scale:   90 – 100% = A;   80 – 89% = B; 70 – 79% = C;  60 – 69% = D;  Below 60% = F

 

MyMathLab is an online system where you will be spending most of your time working on homework, quizzes, and tests.  You will access MML through the Canvas course page using the MyLab and Mastering tab.  It has video lectures, podcasts of lectures, PowerPoint notes, and other means of helping you learn the material.  It also gives you access to the ebook, so you don’t need to purchase a textbook.  MML is where you will work on homework, quizzes, and tests. 

Homework

Homework is 10% of your grade.  It will be divided into sections based on the sections of the textbook.  For most of the homework problems, except some multiple choice problems, you will have 3 chances to get the problem correct.  If you are not correct on the third try, it is marked wrong.  However, you can click on the button at the bottom of the homework window that says “try again”.  You will get a whole new problem (similar to the original), that you can have another 3 chances at (and if you get this one correct, then it is not marked wrong anymore).  In other words, you have 15 chances to get most problems correct.  So there really is little reason why you cannot get near 100% on all the homework assignments!

At the end of the semester, I will drop your 5 lowest homework grades.

Quizzes

Quizzes are 20% of your grade.  You cannot check each problem separately in the quizzes as you can in the homework.  You must complete the entire quiz and submit it.  Then you will be told your grade, and you can review problems you missed.  You may take each quiz five times, and your highest grade will be the one recorded.  It is a good idea to try your quizzes without your notes to help you prepare for your exam.  At the end of the semester, I will drop your lowest quiz grades.

A scientific calculator is required for this class.  The recommended one is the TI-30X IIS.  You may not use your cellphone (iPad, tablet, etc.) calculators for tests.

Exams

Exams will be 50% of your grade.  The exams will be on MML You are expected to do your own work.  I reserve the right to schedule a conference with you and ask you to work a similar problem. You are expected to do your own work, notes are not allowed, except for 1 note card that is 3 inches by 5 inches. You may take your test anytime between 7 am and 11 pm on the day of the test.  You will have 2 hours to complete your test and should do so in one attempt.  You will submit your scratch work which will be neat and numbered.  If you fail to submit your work, your test grade may not be accepted.  Tentatively, exams will be given on the following days.

Exam #1:  September 16 (Chapter 1 & 2).

Exam #2:  October 7 (Chapter 3 and 4.2).

Exam #3:  October 28 (Chapter 8)

Exam #4:  November 11 (Chapter 11)

Exam #5:  November 24 (Chapter 12)

 

Final exam will be 20% of your final grade.  It will also be given on MML and you will submit your scratch work. The final exam may also be used to replace the lowest unit test grade. 

 

Final Exam:  December 9 (Comprehensive).

 

 

 

See Canvas for the tentative schedule.

 

 

 

 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1

Apply the language and notation of sets.

2

Determine the validity of an argument or statement and provide mathematical evidence.

3

Solve problems in mathematics of finance.

4

Demonstrate fundamental probability/counting techniques and apply those techniques to solve problems.

5

Interpret and analyze various representations of data.

6

Demonstrate the ability to choose and analyze mathematical models to solve problems from real-world settings, including, but not limited to, personal finance, health literacy, and civic engagement.

 

STUDENT EMAIL

All students at NCTC are assigned a student email address, also known as Lion Pride email. Lion Pride email can be accessed on the NCTC home page by clicking on MyNCTC, then the link “Lion Pride Email” to the left. After clicking the Lion Pride Email link, the Microsoft Office 365 window will open.
1. Enter your NCTC student e-mail address. (for example, Smithj123456@student.nctc.edu)

2. Enter your password (your NCTC Student ID Number, either 7 or 9 numbers).

3. From the list of Microsoft icons, choose MAIL.

4. You will be asked to set your language and local time zone (Central Time). Your account is now activated.

 

**It is the student’s responsibility to activate and regularly monitor the assigned NCTC (Lion Pride) e-mail account. Important announcements and notifications from the Admissions office, Financial Aid, or other college staff will be sent via the Lion Pride student email system.

 

For communicating with classmates and instructors, students also have an option to communicate through Canvas. Canvas messaging is NOT the same as Lion Pride e-mail. Failure to read and/or receive NCTC e-mails (either in Lion Pride or in Canvas) is no excuse for not complying with any school policy. Be sure to regularly check BOTH the Lion Pride email as well as the Canvas inbox for important messages and information.

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students in all classes for which they have registered. All absences are considered to be unauthorized unless the student is absent due to illness or emergencies. It is the student’s responsibility to provide documentation as to the emergency for approval by the faculty member. Approved college-sponsored activities are also excused absences. The instructor is responsible for judging the validity of any reason given for an absence. Valid reasons for absence, however, do not relieve the student of the responsibility for making up required work. Students will not be allowed to make up an examination missed due to absence unless the absence is documented and excused by the instructor. Student will be dropped from a class by the Registrar upon recommendation of the instructor who feels the student has been justifiably absent or tardy a sufficient number of times to preclude meeting the course’s objectives. Persistent, unjustified absences from classes or laboratories will be considered sufficient cause for College officials to drop a student from the rolls of the College. From Board Policy FC (LOCAL)

TESTING POLICY

All testing will be online this semester except for classes that meet face to face.  Testing may be administered in a variety of ways and the mode of testing may change during the semester as deemed appropriate by the instructor.  Students may be required to use a webcam while testing.  Students may be asked to demonstrate knowledge/skills in a one-on-one conference if deemed necessary by the instructor. 

 

TENTATIVE TEST SCHEDULE

This schedule is tentative and will most likely change as the semester progresses.  It is provided so that you have a general idea of the order and speed with which we will be covering the material.

 

LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW

Last day to withdraw from a 16-week course with a “W” is Monday, November 2, 2020.

 

MATH LAB

Students who need help with any math class can visit the NCTC Mathematics Lab to receive assistance. Sign up for an appointment or see the most current tutoring hours for all campuses at http://www.nctc.edu/student-services/student-success/tutoring/mathematics-lab.html. 

 

DISABILITY SERVICES (Office for Students with Disabilities)

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides accommodations for students who have a documented disability. On the Corinth Campus, go to room 170 or call 940-498-6207. On the Gainesville Campus, go to room 110 or call 940-668-4209.  Students on the Bowie, Graham, Flower Mound, and online campuses should call 940-498-6207.

North Central Texas College is committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, ADA Amendments Act of 2009, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-112).   https://www.nctc.edu/catalog/student-services/office-students-with-disabilities.html

 

CORE CURRICULUM FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREA (For classes in the Core)________       

 

             Communication

x             Mathematics                    

             Life and Physical Science

             Language, Philosophy & Culture

             Creative Arts

             American History

 

             Government/Political Science

             Social and Behavioral Sciences

             Component Area Option

 

 

REQUIRED CORE OBJECTIVES (For classes in the Core)

 

x             Critical Thinking

x            Communication

x             Empirical and Quantitative

 

             Teamwork

             Personal Responsibility

             Social Responsibility

 

COURSE TYPE

             Academic General Education Course (from ACGM but not in NCTC Core)

             Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course

             WECM Course

 

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the student handbook. https://www.nctc.edu/_documents/academics/student-handbook.pdfl. 

 

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, academic falsification, intellectual property dishonesty, academic dishonesty facilitation and collusion.  The use of online math solvers with submitted work is considered academic dishonesty.  Faculty members may document and bring charges against a student who is engaged in or is suspected to be engaged in academic dishonesty.  See Student Handbook, “Student Rights & Responsibilities: Student Conduct ([FLB(LOCAL)]”. 

Consequences for academic dishonesty may include:

  1.  Zero on the assignment
  2. Failing grade for the course

 

Name of Chair:

Ben Owens

Office Location:

Corinth 236

Telephone Number:

940.498.6209

E-mail Address:

bowens@nctc.edu

Name of Instructional Dean:

Mary Martinson

Office Location:

Gainesville 1404

Telephone Number:

940.668.7731 ext. 4377

E-mail Address:

mmartinson@nctc.edu

 

INFORMATION FOR ONSITE (FACE-T0-FACE) CLASSES

Potential Conversion of Onsite Classes to Online/Remote Format: North Central Texas College students should be aware that in the event of a college closure due to COVID-19, onsite classes will be converted to an online/remote format. Students should plan ahead to ensure they have access to the computer equipment (either PC, MAC, or tablet), webcam, and internet connectivity to continue their classes in an online/remote format. Please read all your official North Central Texas College student emails as the transition from onsite to online/remote might require a reorganization in your personal situation. Students will be granted a 72-hour transition and grace period. Online classes will continue as scheduled without disruption. Wear a mask, stay safe, and contact your Instructor as the situation arises. These policies and procedures were updated on July 30, 2020 and are subject to change.

 

Face Coverings: Per the North Central Texas College guidance on face coverings on campus, in the instructional setting, faculty and students must wear face coverings, such as masks or face shields. Students without coverings, or those who do not comply with the rules relating to face coverings, will not be able to participate in on-campus classroom activities. To request an exception to this requirement, students should contact the NCTC HR Office of Enrollment Management (ccove@nctc.edu). Failure to comply with the face coverings requirement may result in the Instructor directing the student to leave the classroom. Any student asked to leave the classroom may be referred to the student conduct officer. These policies and procedures were updated on July 30, 2020 and are subject to change.

 

Temporary COVID-19 Attendance Policy for Face-to-Face Meetings: We are facing an unprecedented situation in which all of us must be flexible and make prudent decisions in the best interest of our families, our campus, and our community. In light of this, North Central Texas College is temporarily establishing the requirement that faculty keep records of student attendance for face-to-face course meetings as well as a documented seating chart. In addition, students who are sick or need to quarantine should not attend classes. Students will not be required to provide formal documentation from a health care provider and will not be penalized for COVID-19 related absences when proper notification to campus health officials is made in accordance with the guidelines stated below.

 

Faculty will:

  • Notify students about important course information and delivery changes through Canvas and campus email.

 

Students should:

  • Provide notification to campus officials (via NCTC Daily Health Check protocol through Canvas) if they have tested positive for COVID-19 or have to quarantine so we can confirm reported absence with instructors, monitor, and assist the campus community.
  • Notify instructors in advance of the absence.
  • Connect with that class through Webex if the class session is being transmitted in a hybrid fashion.
  • Keep up with and/or make up missed classwork or assignments.
  • Submit assignments digitally through Canvas or other means as announced by your instructor.
  • Work with their instructors to reschedule exams, labs, and other critical academic activities described in the course syllabus.
  • Check Canvas and campus email daily to receive important announcements pertaining to the course.

During this period, faculty with face-to-face meetings will establish assigned seating/work stations to facilitate roll-taking, and, if necessary, contact tracing. Additionally, we ask all members of the College community to be attentive to their health, and safeguard others, by following the CDC’s guideline to “stay home when you are sick.” You should stay home if you have symptoms. More information on what to do if you are sick is available at the CDC’s website.

Additional NCTC information is available at http://www.nctc.edu/coronavirus/index.html

 

CAMPUS POLICIES

Tobacco-Free Campus:  NCTC restricts the use of all tobacco products, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco, on campus property.

 

Campus Carry: Effective August 1, 2017, a license holder may carry a concealed handgun on or about the license holder's person while the license holder is on the campus of an institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education in this state. For more information, see the website at https://www.nctc.edu/campus-safety/campus-carry.html.

 

Parking Permits: The North Central Texas Community College District has managed traffic and parking regulations in order to ensure the safety of the campus community related to the operation and parking of vehicles on campus. These regulations apply to all operators of motor vehicles on campus. For parking permits and more information, see the website at https://www.nctc.edu/campus-safety/transportation-parking.html.