Contemporary Mathematics Syllabus for 2019-2020
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Instructor Information

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

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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:

The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.

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 course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are 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. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

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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-1332-002 Contemporary Mathematics

Prerequisites

Scores on a state-approved test indicating college-level math skills or concurrent enrollment in Math 0332.  

Course Description

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.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Thinking Mathematically, 7th Edition
Author: Robert Blitzer
(Pearson Education, Inc.)

Note:  The physical textbook for this course is optional.  Daily homework will be completed online using MyMathLab, where an electronic version of the text is accessible. 

Supplies

Students will need a graphing calculator for this course.  The recommended calculator is a Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus.  Other forms of Texas Instruments or Casio graphing calculators will be permitted at the instructors discretion.  Note that no TI-89s or TI-Nspires will be permitted during the midterm and final exams.

Students need access to a computer with a reliable internet connection to complete online homework assignments and chapter exams and access to a printer to produce class notes.

Student Performance

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

ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS

1.    This online math course requires self discipline and motivation. You will be expected to learn the material by watching the lecture videos, completing course notes, and finishing the homework and exams on MyMathLab

2.    You need access to a computer with a reliable internet connection and a dependable printer to produce class notes.  (This class requires a lot of printing!) By signing up for an online course, you are communicating that you have access to such tools.

3.    This class demands a great deal of time. Online courses often take more time than in-class delivery courses. Please expect to spend at least 5-12 hours each week on this course.  If your other life commitments do not allow you this amount of time to spend on the course, you may want to choose another course or delivery method.

4.    Deadlines are your responsibility. Due dates are posted on the MyMathLab website and in the class schedule posted in Blackboard (through the AC Connect Portal).  However, because this is an online course, I can tailor it to your individual needs without disrupting the flow of the course.  If you need a deadline extension for online assignments (up to 2 days), please don't hesitate to ask!  However, no homework extensions will be granted past Sunday, July 26 at midnight, and the optional exam retake on Week 8 will also not be extended past its due date of Wednesday, July 29 at midnight.  Also note that it is perfectly acceptable to work ahead of schedule!

5.    Technical difficulties happen. If you experience problems, email me immediately.  I will do my best to assist you.  Please don't panic, I am here to work with you.  However, completing assignments and exams a few days ahead of time ensures that if you have any technical difficulties, we can take care of them before the due date to keep you on schedule.

6.  You are responsible for getting help when you need it.  On the MyMathLab website, there are power points, additional videos, and step by step tutorials you can access for each homework problem you complete.  Take advantage of it!  Amarillo residents may obtain free tutoring from the Math Outreach Center on the first floor of Durrett Hall in Room 104 on the Washington Street Campus.  Online tutoring is also available through Smartthinking.

COVID-19 UPDATE:  Tutoring through the Academic Success Center for Math will be hosted completely online using the Zoom meeting platform.  To access tutoring, please join the zoom meeting by following this link:  https://zoom.us/j/541139851.  Use the Meeting ID 541 139 851.

ONLINE COMMUNICATION

Your online presence in the course will be established through correspondence with me and public discussions with other students in the course.  Through any venue, disrespectful language will not be tolerated.  Using foul language in emails or discussions will result in receiving a zero for that assignment and possible removal from the course.  You are expected to express yourself with courtesy and consideration at all times. 

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Students who fail to comply with the standards outlined in the syllabus and "Student Rights & Responsibilities" will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include but is not limited to: removal from the course, consultation with the department chair or other AC authority, or withdrawl from the course or college.

Scholastic dishonesty shall constitute a violation of the rules and regulations described in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook under Student Conduct and Responsibilities.  Consequences for cheating may include  receiving a zero for an assignment, permanent removal from the class, or failing the course.

Grading Criteria

Your course grade (90-100 A, 80-89 B, 70-79 C, 60-69 D, below 60 F) will be calculated using the following weights:

Grading Policy:	Percentages:	Grading Scale:	Grade:
		90 - 100%	A
MyMathLab Homework (Drop 2 Lowest Grades)	20%	80 - 89%	B
MyMathLab Reviews (5 Reviews, no drops)	10%	70 - 79%	C
MyMathLab Unit Exams (4 Exams, no drops)	50%	60 - 69%	D
My MathLab Comprehensive Final Exam	20%	below 60%	F

Attendance

Through distance learning, you will establish your presence online.  Several times per week, you will need to log into Blackboard to obtain the week's assignments and print class notes.  You will also need to check your email and grades.  In addition, you will need to log into MyMathLab regularly to complete homework and chapter exams.

Due to the COVID-19 situation, 100% of this course will be completed online.  You will not be required to come to campus for any reason.

Calendar

Additional Information

LECTURE VIDEOS AND CLASS NOTES

Students will be able to print all lecture notes from the course in Blackboard. For each section of notes covered, a lecture video is available to provide instruction for the notes.  Students should begin by completing the notes while watching the lecture videos, and then proceed to online homework.

HOMEWORK

All homework for this course will be completed online using the MyMathLab website.  There will be one MyMathLab assignment for each section covered in the notes.  To enhance your learning retention, I strongly recommend keeping a written record of your homework to accompany your online homework.

REVIEWS

Once you complete all sections of videos, notes, and homework for each unit, you may begin the MyMathLab unit review.  This review will prepare you for the exam.  Expect to earn approximately the same grade on the exam that you score on the review.  Keep in mind that you may work the review problems as many times as you need to (and keep improving your score!)

EXAMS

There will be four chapter exams given on MyMathLab and one comprehensive final exam.  As mentioned previously, the exams on MyMathLab will be very similar to the reviews, including the final exam.  You will have 120 minutes for each exam.  

COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAM

The final exam is comprehensive, covering all five chapters.  It will be completed on MyMathLab, and there will be a similar review to help you prepare for this exam.  If your final exam grade is higher than your lowest chapter exam score, it will replace that grade in addition to counting 20% for the final exam grade.  If your final exam is your lowest test grade, it will only count 20% for the final exam grade.  The comprehensive final exam must be completed by Wednesday, July 29 at midnight.  No extensions will be offered for this due date.        

 WEEKLY ROUTINE

1.)  LOG IN  TO BLACKBOARD (via the AC Connect portal at www.actx.edu) at the beginning of each week.
2.)  CHECK THE SCHEDULE to determine what sections of notes, lecture videos, and MyMathLab assignments are planned for each week. 
3.)  PRINT AND COMPLETE THE NOTES  as you watch the lecture videos provided in Blackboard.  Fill in the blanks, work the problems, and complete the graphs.  This should be completed before you start the homework on MyMathLab.
4.)  WORK THE MyMathLab HOMEWORK at www.pearsonmylab.com.
5.)  TAKE ASSIGNED REVIEWS AND EXAMS on MyMathLab by the deadlines posted on MyMathLab.

GETTING STARTED WITH MYMATHLAB

 To access MyMathLab where your online homework is located, first log into our course in Blackboard.   You will need the following information:

Student Access Code: You may purchase this online from the Amarillo College Bookstore or directly from the MyMathLab website during the registration process.
COVID-19 Update:  You may choose to register with free temporary access, and then update your account when you receive the MyMathLab access kit you ordered online from the AC Bookstore.  

Email Address: Use the address you check most often.

To register and enroll

1. Log into your Blackboard course.  Click the MyMathLab link at the left of the page.

   Tip: If you have previously linked your Blackboard and Pearson accounts, you are taken directly to the Pearson payment page. Go to step 4.

2. Review the license agreement and privacy policy and click I Accept.

    If you are prompted to enter a course ID, cancel the procedure and return to step 1.

3. To link your Blackboard and Pearson accounts, enter your Pearson account username and password.

   If you do not have a Pearson account, click Create and follow the instructions.

4. Select an access option:
   • Enter the access code provided by the instructor in Blackboard.

5. From the You’re Done page, click Go to My Courses.

   You'll also get a confirmation email.

To get started after registering:

1.)  Log into Blackboard by clicking the AC Connect button at the college website www.actx.edu. 
2.)  Click the MyMathLab link at the left of the page in our course in Blackboard.
3.)  Click the SECOND link, "MyMathLab with Pearson e-text Course Home."
4.)  To work on assignments, click the “Homework” button, and choose the section you wish to complete.
5.) To access the textbook, click the “Chapter Contents” button, and choose the chapter and section you wish to view.
6.) To view a power point presentation of a particular section, click the “Multimedia Library” button, and choose the chapter and section you wish to view or print.
7.) Under the “Homework” button, START YOUR FIRST HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT, “Orientation”

ADDITIONAL FREE RESOURCES FOR HELP

1.)  MyMathLab has videos, examples, and helps for solving the problem at the click of a button as you work your homework.
2.)  Free one-on-one tutoring at the Student Outreach Center. You will need your AC ID to sign in.

Hours:
Monday - Saturday:  9AM - 8PM
Location:
Washington Street Campus
Durrett Hall (adjacent to Engineering Building)
Room 104

COVID-19 UPDATE:  Tutoring through the Academic Success Center for Math will be hosted completely online using the Zoom meeting platform.  To access tutoring, please join the zoom meeting by following this link:  https://zoom.us/j/541139851.  Use the Meeting ID 541 139 851.  To sign up for a one-on-one, one hour tutoring session, go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080B48ABAC2BAAF85-math1.

3.)  Free online Smarthinking tutoring on AC Online. This is available 24 hours a day. You will need to log on to AC Connect and navigate to the Smartthinking link to create an account.