Contemporary Mathematics I Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

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As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

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The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

MATH-1332-001 Contemporary Mathematics I

Prerequisites

MATH 0303-minimum grade of C, an Accuplacer score of 75, a THEA score of 270, an equivalent score on a state-approved test or Department Chair consent

Course Description

Logic; sets and counting; metric system; probability; statistics; geometry; math of finance; and exponential and logarithmic functions.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

\N

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ Thinking Mathematically, Fifth Edition.  Author: Robert Blitzer,  Pearson Education, Inc.

Supplies

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1. \ Thinking Mathematically, Fifth Edition. Author: Robert Blitzer, Pearson Education, Inc.
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2. \ TI-83, TI-83 Plus, TI-84, or TI-84 plus graphing calculator  (no TI-89’s or TI-92’s)
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3. \ Blue-li

   Student Performance

   \ After completing this course, the student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the following topics as evaluated by the faculty in the department/program:

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   1. \ Investigate and apply sets and set operations, Venn diagrams, and combinatorics.
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   2. \ Demonstrate an understanding of basic terms and rules, independent and conditional probability.
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   3. \ Interpret population, sample, and data, measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, and normal distribution.
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   4. \ Correct application of deductive and inductive reasoning, symbolic logic, conditionals, and truth tables.
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   5. \ Review exponential and logarithmic functions, properties of logarithms, and investigate their applications in exponential growth and decay.
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   6. \ Compute and evaluate perimeter, area, volume, and surface areas.
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   7. \ Evaluate simple interest, compound interest, annuities, amortized loans, and annual percentage rate.
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   Students Rights and Responsibilities

   Student Rights and Responsibilities

   Log in using the AC Connect Portal

   In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

   If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

   Expected Student Behavior

   \ Math & Engineering Department Behavior Policy:

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   \ Students are expected to behave in the classroom in a manner that is supportive of the learning environment. Behaviors that are not supportive include, but are not limited to: tardiness/leaving early; electronic device noises; talking during the lecture; abusive, offensive, and/or disrespectful language or demeanor toward AC faculty, staff, students, and/or Amarillo College property.
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   \ In order to receive credit for a course, all material listed on the syllabus must be covered. The instructor sets the pace to ensure that these requirements are met. Complaining about the pace will not result in less material being covered.
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   \ Students who fail to comply with the standards outlined in the syllabus and/or AC’s Student Rights & Responsibilities document will be subject to disciplinary action which may include, but is not limited to: removal from the classroom; consultation with the Math & Engineering Department Chair and/or other AC authority; withdrawal from the course and/or Amarillo College.

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   \ Cheating/Plagiarism/Academic Dishonesty Policy:

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   \ Cheating/plagiarism/academic dishonesty, whether it is on homework assignments or on tests, cannot be tolerated in any math course at Amarillo College.  A student who plagiarizes or cheats (or attempts to plagiarize or cheat) on any homework assignment or on any test in this course will receive an automatic “F” in the course.  Such academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, the illegal use of books, notes, calculators, cell phones, and/or copying on any test or any course assignment.  Cheating also includes helping, or attempting to help, other students to cheat on a test or any course assignment.  Please refer to the “Student Rights and Responsibilities” document on AC’s website for more information on this issue, and feel free to ask me about any questions you have on any of these policies.

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   \ Food/Drink Policy AND Cell Phone/Pager Policy:

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   \ It is the policy of the Mathematics & Engineering Department that food and drink may be allowed in the classroom setting, at the instructor’s discretion, but food and drink are not allowed at any time in the computer labs.

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   \ It is the policy of the Mathematics & Engineering Department that cell phones and pagers should be turned off, or in silent mode, in the classrooms and in the computer labs.  If you must have your cell phone on in class, due to a true emergency situation, please step out into the hallway immediately with your phone, without talking, to minimize the disruption to the class and/or to the other students.

   Grading Criteria

   Homework

   At the end of each class, I will assign homework problems from the problems given in the book.  These problems will be listed on your separate “Homework Assignment Sheet.”  That assignment will be due at the BEGINNING of the next class.  Late homework will only be accepted for a particular section of homework before the major exam covering the material in that section is given.  When I calculate the homework grade, I will drop some problems from the total number of problems assigned.  So, if you do not turn in a few problems, you can still receive a grade of “100” for your homework grade.  The highest grade you may receive for your homework average is “100.”  Please see your “Homework Assignment Sheet” for additional instructions on using the correct format on your homework assignments.

   Tests 

   • There will be 4 major tests, a comprehensive midterm exam after the 2nd major test, and a comprehensive final exam at the end of the semester. 
   • When I average grades, I will drop the lowest of the 4 major test grades.  The midterm exam grade, and the final exam grade, may not be your drop grade.
   • If you miss one of the 4 major tests, that missed test will automatically be your drop grade.  The grades on the midterm exam and on the final exam will not be dropped.  Everyone must take the midterm exam and the final exam. 
   • All of the 4 major tests will probably be taken in class during our regular class time.  The midterm may or may not be taken during class time. 
   • If it is absolutely necessary for you to miss a second major test (which I strongly discourage you from doing), one different, timed make-up exam may be taken during the week before final exams.  This makeup exam for the second missed test is given at the discretion of the instructor and only in the case of verified medical or other emergency, which must be documented in writing.
   • If it is absolutely necessary for you to miss the midterm exam, inform me immediately upon your return to class that you need to make up your midterm.  You should be prepared to take your midterm on the day you return to class.
   • It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements with the instructor for any make-up work.  Also, students testing through DisAbility Services are responsible for making arrangements with the instructor for each test taken over there.
   • Please refer to your “Lecture & Suggested Test Schedule” (in the "Course Calendar" section of the syllabus) for approximate test dates and the final exam time.  If we change a test date, we will make note of it on this schedule during class and in my AC Online announcements.  Another reason class attendance is so important.  :)

   Final Examination:

   The comprehensive final exam for this course will be given, in our regular classroom, on:

   • Math 1332 - 001:  Monday, May 7, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  (No late finals accepted!)

    (Please note:  This exam time, along with all the other final exam times, is listed on the AC Website with up-to-date final exam information.)

    

   Grading Policy

   The final course grades of A (90-100), B (80-89), C (70-79), D (60-69), and F (below 60) will be computed as the mean (average) of the earned grades (plus or minus your attendance points) from:

   1. Your homework average = 1/6
   2. Your 3 highest major test grades = 3 * 1/6 each = a total of 3/6 = 1/2
   3. Your midterm exam grade = 1/6
   4.  Your final exam grade = 1/6

   Attendance

   Attendance Policy:

   Regular attendance is necessary to learn the material.  Therefore, it is your responsibility to attend class and be on time for the daily attendance check.  Signing in on the attendance sheet is your responsibility to prove you attended a specific class.  Nonattendance will be recorded as an absence, and no differentiation will be made as to excused or unexcused absences.  The following policy applies to classes meeting 2 days a week for 16 weeks:

   • If you have perfect attendance, you will have earned an extra two points being added to your final average.  Yippee!
   • If you miss 1 to 3 classes, there will be no change in your final average. 
   • If you miss 4 to 5 classes, one point will be deducted from your final average. 
   • If you miss 6 or more classes, three points will be deducted from your final average

   Please be honest about your attendance.  If you sign the attendance sheet and then leave class early without my permission, you will be given an absence for that day.  Moreover, a student who signs in for another absent student will be given an absence as well for that particular day.   (An important drop date note is below.)

   NOTE:  Please remember that the last day to drop THIS 1332 class at AC during the Spring 2012 Semester is Thursday, April 19, 2012.  This date is published in the school year calendar in WebAdvisor on the Amarillo College Website.  If you stop attending class, and your average drops below a “60” due to missed assignments, and you do not officially drop the course by this deadline, you will receive an “F” for the course.

   Calendar

   MATH 1332 - 001

   CONTEMPORARY MATHEMATICS

   Lecture and Suggested Test Schedule

   Spring 2012

   10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.  MW

    

   NOTE:  This schedule (including the Test Dates) is subject to numerous changes without advance notice, so you always need to come to class to stay informed of updates as they occur.  ***I also post updated announcements on AC Online, so please check it regularly to stay informed of what’s going on in class.  

                                                     

   DATE	ASSIGNMENT	INFORMATION
   Monday, January 16	No Classes	Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday—College Closed
   Wednesday, January 18	Orientation, 1.1
   Monday, January 23	2.1, 2.2	Last Day to Receive 100% Refund
   Wednesday, January 25	2.2, 2.3
   Monday,January 30	2.4, 2.5
   Wednesday, February 1	2.5, 3.1	Census Day (Dropped course won’t appear on transcript)
   Monday, February 6	3.1, 3.2	Last Day to Receive 70% Refund
   Wednesday, February 8	Test # 1	Test #1 covers 1.1 – 2.5
   Monday, February 13	3.2, 3.3	Last Day to Receive 25% Refund
   Wednesday, February 15	3.3, 3.4
   Monday, February 20	3.7
   Wednesday, February 22	7.6
   Monday, February 27	Test # 2	Test #2 covers 3.1 – 3.7
   Wednesday, February 29	8.1
   Monday, March 5	8.2, 8.3
   Wednesday, March 7	8.4, Midterm?	Midterm Exam?  (The midterm will cover 1.1 – 3.7)
   Monday, March 12	No Classes	Spring Break Holiday
   Wednesday, March 14	No Classes	J
   Monday, March 19	8.5
   Wednesday, March 21	9.1, 9.2
   Monday, March 26	Test #3	Test #3 covers 7.6 – 8.5
   Wednesday, March 28	9.2, 9.3
   Monday, April 2	10.3, 10.4
   Wednesday, April 4	10.4, 10.5
   Friday, April 6	No Classes	Good Friday—Easter Holiday
   Monday, April 9	11.1, 11.2
   Wednesday, April 11	11.2, 11.3
   Monday, April 16	Test #4	Test #4 covers 9.1 – 11.1
   Wednesday, April 18	11.4
   *Thursday, April 19*	Last chance!	*Last Day to Drop a 16-Week Class & Receive a Grade of “W”*
   Monday, April 23	11.5
   Wednesday, April 25	12.1, 12.2
   Monday, April 30	12.2, 12.3
   Wednesday, May 2	Review	Last Day to Turn in Homework! Last regular class day for our class
   Monday, May 7	No regular classes	Final Exams begin (Check the AC web page for final exam schedule)
   Monday, May 7	10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.	Contemporary Math Final Exam!  (We’ll meet in this classroom for the final exam.)
   Friday, May 11	High noon 7:00 p.m.?	Final Course Grades Due on WebAdvisor Commencement

   Additional Information

   Free Help:

   If you feel yourself getting behind in class or having problems with certain concepts covered, get help immediately.  It is YOUR responsibility to get help outside of class.

   The following are a few ways to get FREE help outside of class:

   1. Contact your instructor to make an appointment for help.
   2. Get free tutoring from the Outreach Center (Engineering Bldg., Room 104, 371-5119).  You will need your AC ID to sign in.   Hours:    MTWR  8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Fri  8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Sat 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Sun closed
   3. Get free tutoring from Student Support Services (Library, Room 305, 371-5420)
   4. Get free tutoring 24/7 from Smarthinking Online Tutoring.  Available in MyAC under the “Academics” tab.
   5. If you need help with ACOnline, you can contact the AC Help Center at 371-5000, or via email at askac@actx.edu.

   Please note that going to the Outreach Center is NOT a substitute for attending class!  You must attend each class to begin learning the material and to avoid losing attendance points.  The Outreach Center is designed to support your studying for tests, as the place to go to check your homework answers in my solution notebook, and to get clarification, outside of my office hours, of difficult concepts you have already seen in class.

   A Final Note:

   This course can be stressful for many students, primarily because of the volume of material we need to cover.  (Let’s work on reducing everyone’s stress level in general.)  Please don’t feel overwhelmed—I am here to help you, and you can be here to help each other as well.  If you have a problem, please bring it to the group so that we can work together to solve it.  You can succeed in Contemporary Mathematics if you will make the commitment of effort and time.  :)

   Syllabus Created on:

   11/30/-1 12:00 AM

   Last Edited on:

   11/30/-1 12:00 AM