Contemporary Mathematics Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

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

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a class must:

• consult with their instructor to obtain a signed academic withdrawal request form to submit to the AskAC department for processing
• consult with the financial aid office if receiving financial aid
• consult with the Veterans Benefit Coordinator if receiving veteran benefits
• consult with their academic advisor to determine how withdrawing may affect their enrollment in future semesters
  • NOTE:  The Texas Education Code stipulates that students attending Texas institutions of higher education for the first time fall 2007 and later may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career, including courses from which transfer students have withdrawn at other Texas institutions of higher education. (Senate Bill 1231) Rule 4.10.

Privacy Statement

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-1332-003 Contemporary Mathematics

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: 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

Intended for Non STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) majors. Topics include introductory treatments of sets and logic, financial mathematics, probability and 183 statistics with appropriate applications. Number sense, proportional reasoning, estimation, technology, and communication should be embedded throughout the course. Additional topics may be covered.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

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

NOTE:  Washington Street Campus Bookstore:  (806) 371 - 5304

Supplies

1. Thinking Mathematically, Sixth Edition. Author: Robert Blitzer, Pearson Education, Inc.
2. TI-83, TI-83 Plus, TI-84, or TI-84 plus graphing calculator  (no TI-89’s, TI-92’s, or TI nspire)
3. Blue-line notebook paper (8.5" x 11") and blue-line graph paper—4 or 5 squares per inch  (You can get free graph paper at http://incompetech.com/graphpaper/lite/)
4. A mini-stapler, a straight edge, pencils, erasers, a highlighter in your favorite color
5. A three-ring binder or sturdy folder of some kind

Graphing Calculator Checkout:

Students unable to afford the purchase of a graphing calculator can apply to the Adult Students Program for the privilege of checking one out for the semester. Students that a) receive a PELL Grant, or b) receive public assistance services are eligible as long as calculators are available.  These calculators are checked out on a “first come, first served” basis.  If you do not meet the above criteria but cannot afford to purchase your own calculator, you may discuss your situation with the Adult Students advisors. Exceptions may be made in some cases.

Students who lose (due to accident / theft / any other mishap) or damage in any way a loaner graphing calculator will be required to replace the lost, stolen, or damaged calculator with a new TI-83 or TI-83 Plus graphing calculator.  Failure to do so will result in immediate action(s) taken by Amarillo College.

Bring a copy of your schedule to the Adult Students Program, Student Services Center, Room 130, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. You must complete an application and be enrolled in a math class to receive this assistance.

Student Performance

PERFORMANCE/LEARNING OBJECTIVES:  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:

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 the 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 prpoblems from real-world settings, including, but not limited to, personal finance, health literacy, and civic engagement.

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:

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; working on assignments for other courses during class; reading newspapers; use of personal music systems; use of cell phones (including texting); electronic device noises; talking during the lecture, even about a math topic; abusive, offensive, and/or disrespectful language or demeanor toward AC faculty, staff, students, and/or Amarillo College property.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board sets the topics that must be covered in order to receive credit for a course. The instructor sets the pace to ensure that these requirements are met. Complaining about the pace will not result in less material being covered.  :)  Any student having trouble maintaining the pace should seek extra help from the instructor and / or a tutor.

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.

NOTE:  If the instructor or a Math Testing Lab staff member sees a cell phone out during any exam, the instructor will assume that the student is cheating and the exam will be taken up and a grade of "F" will be received for the course.  This grade will go on your permanent transcript and cannot be removed.

Cheating/Plagiarism/Academic Dishonesty Policy:

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.

Food/Drink Policy AND Cell Phone/Pager Policy:

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.

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.  Also, I will accept a maximum of ONE late homework assignment only on the day that the test is given covering that homework sections’ material. 
• Attempting each homework problem will be give major credit points.  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.  Not following the proper format on homework may result in a grade of zero for that assignment.
• The two lowest homework grades will be dropped at the end of the semester.
• You will also be given a "Core Assessment" Problem to complete at some time during the semester that will allow you to work on a more in-depth application of a topic we covered during this course.

Tests 

• Tentatively, there will be 5 major chapter exams during the semester and a mandatory comprehensive final exam at the end of the semester.  Some of the chapter exams will be given in class, and some will be given in the Math Testing Lab, Durrett Hall, Room 103, 371-5088.  You will need your Amarillo College ID card to sign in.  Hours:  7:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. MTWR, 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Friday, and 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Saturday.  Closed on Sunday.
• If you know in advance that you will be gone during the date assigned for one of the exams, it is YOUR responsibility to make arrangements with your instructor to take the exam EARLY in the Math Testing Lab.  Make-up tests will not be given in this course because this is the Math Department policy regarding tests.
• If you miss one of the 5 major exams, that grade will be replaced with the score you make on the final exam.  This policy applies to one test only.  If you miss more than one test, a grade of zero will be averaged for the other missed test(s).
• If you do not miss any major exam during the semester (good for you!), the score you make on the mandatory final exam, if it is higher, will replace your lowest test grade.
• Students testing through DisAbility Services are responsible for making arrangements with the instructor for each test taken in the main AC Testing Center.
• Please refer to your “Lecture & Suggested Test Schedule” in your syllabus for the test dates and the final exam time.  If we need to adjust a major exam date, we will make note of it on this schedule during class.  I will also try to announce it in our AC Connect class email.  Another reason class attendance is so important.  :) 

Scoring below “70” on a Test

A student who scores below a "70" on any chapter test will be required to spend at least one hour with your instructor or one hour in the Outreach Center working on the material in this course in order to be allowed to take the next test.  A document (supplied by your instructor) verifying completion of this requirement must be turned in to the instructor either before the next exam is taken or on the date of the exam.  That document can be stapled to the back of the exam.  You may go to the Math OutReach Center (the ORC) in Durrett Hall 104 or you may make an appointment with your instructor to complete this requirement.  After the hour is completed, a staff person or instructor must sign the verification document.  The purpose of this is to ensure that help is received to allow the next exam score to be better than the previous exam’s score, hopefully.

Classroom Collaboration/Test Reflections

A short Classroom Collalboration (C²) assignment will be given at the end of each class period.  Students will collaborate together to work these important problems and turn them in for a grade before leaving class.  Instructor help will be available to the group.  The purpose of C² is to provide relevant practice on the important elements of the lesson in preparation for the exam over that material.  The two lowest C² assignments will be dropped at the end of the semester.

Each student will complete a short "test reflection" after each chapter test is taken.  This form will be supplied by the instructor and turned in for a grade.

Final Examination:

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

• Math 1332 - 003:  Monday, December 12, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 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 from:

1. Your homework average = 10%
2. Your 5 Chapter Test grades (each worth 12%) = 60%
3. Your Chapter Test Reflections/Classroom Collaboration average = 10%
4. Your Core Assessment Problem = 5%
5. Your final exam grade = 15%

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.  Scanning your ID as you enter the classroom is your responsibility.  Nonattendance will be recorded as an absence, and no differentiation will be made as to excused or unexcused absences.  Students are expected to attend each class with your calculator and your textbook.  If you are absent for any reason, YOU are responsible for obtaining the assignments from a fellow class mate.

Your Classroom Collaboration/Test Reflection average will be a direct reflection of your attendance or nonattendance in this class.

Please be honest about your attendance.  Your instructor keeps a written record of daily attendance for each class.  Leaving class early is recorded as an absence.  Moreover, a student who scans 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 any 16-week class at AC during the Fall 2014 Semester is Tuesday, November 22, 2016.  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.  If you wish to withdraw from this course, you as the student must request this action and send an email to your instructor before noon on the above due date.  Your instructor can either approve or deny your request to drop “W.”  Your instructor may request a phone call or a meeting in person to discuss this action.  Please be prepared to call or meet with your instructor at this time if requested.  Approval for withdrawal “W”  may be closely tied to the student showing a good faith effort to complete the requirements of this course.

Calendar

Additional Information

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 ORC--Math OutReach Center (Durrett Hall, Room 104, 371-5119).  You will need your Amarillo College ID card to sign in.  Hours:  8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. MTWRF, and 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Saturday.  Closed on Sunday.
3. Get free one-on-one tutoring for other classes from Charlotte Goebel at 371-5432 (Lynn Library basement, office 011)
4. If you need help with AC Connect, you can contact the AC Help Center at 371-5000, or via email at AskAC@actx.edu. 
5. Smarthinking is free online tutoring that Amarillo College makes available to currently enrolled students. Professional tutors are available for mathematics (Basic Math through Calculus, including Bilingual Math), Biology, Intro to Human A & P, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Accounting, Intro to Finance, Statistics, Spanish, and Writing. Tutoring is available up to 24/7.

With Smarthinking you can:

• chat with a live tutor
• submit your writing for any class and receive a critique in 24 hours
• email a question and receive a reply from a tutor.

To get started:

• Go to http://www.actx.edu and click on AC Connect on the left side of the screen.
• Log into your account using your ACNetID and Password. 
• Click on one of your classes.
• Click on the My Institution tab at the top right to navigate to the SMARTHINKING sign-in area.
• On your first visit, Create an Account.  The next time you use SMARTHINKING, just log on with your username and password.

**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 classroom collaboration points.  The Outreach Center is designed to support your studying for tests, as the place to go to get help with your homework, 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 me, or 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.  :)