Contemporary Mathematics Syllabus for 2025-2026
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Instructor Information

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

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 Enrollment Center, Suite 700. 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:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

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.

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-1332-007 Contemporary Mathematics

Prerequisites

Prerequisite:Scores on a state-approved test indicating college-level math skills Corequisite: 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 Resources Student 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

Required: MyMathLab access code

Thinking Mathematically, 7th ed.
Robert Blitzer
Pearson Publishing Company

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

Internet:  You need access to reliable internet service to access the class on a daily basis.  (If your internet service is interrupted, it is also a good idea to have a back-up plan for accessing the internet elsewhere so that you can complete your school work!)

Electronic Devices:  You will need a working laptop, computer, tablet, or phone with a functioning camera to watch video lectures, take pictures of your handwritten work to submit online, and complete online homework and tests.  You will also need access to a reliable printer to produce class notes and other materials.  (Computers and printers are available for student use in the Underground in the WARE Building on the Washington Street Campus.  Every student has $20 pre-loaded onto their student ID to cover printing costs!)

Calculator:  You 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.  You can download Calculate84 on your phone.  It will work similar to a TI-84 Plus calculator.  Note that TI-89s, TI-NSpires, and graphing calculator apps are not permitted in the Math Testing Lab.

Helpful Apps:  You can download Calculate84 on your phone.  It will work similar to a TI-84 Plus calculator.  You can also use the Calculator links on Blackboard to access a calculator. 

MyMathLab:  Students must have access to MyMathLab.  You may purchase the student access kit from the Amarillo College Bookstore, or you may pay for access directly from the MyMathLab website. 

Student Performance

Students 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 pencil and paper focus problems, and finishing the homework and exams on MyMathLab.

2.    While unit exams will be administered online, you are required to come to the Math Testing Lab to take an in-person, pencil and paper, Midterm and Final Exam.  (Alternate arrangements will be available for students distant from Amarillo.)

3.    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.

4.    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 8-12 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.

5.    Deadlines are your responsibility. Due dates are posted on the MyMathLab website, in Google Classroom (Focus Problems), and on the class calendar posted in Blackboard.  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 MyMathLab ASSIGNMENTS (up to 2 days), please don't hesitate to ask! I must know before the assignment is due.  There are no extensions on Reviews, and Unit Exams for MyMathLab. The Midterm and Final Exams will also not be extended past its due date.  Also note that it is perfectly acceptable to work ahead of schedule!

6.    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 and will help you avoid missing an exam.

7.  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!  All students may obtain free tutoring from the Academic Success Center for Math either in person in WARE 4th Floor.  Online tutoring is also available through Smartthinking.

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 withdrawal 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:

Attendance

You will be required to come to campus to take the Midterm and Final Exams in person in the Math Testing Lab.  If you do not live in Amarillo, you are still required to take the Midterm and Final Exams in person, but we will work together to locate a proctor.

Calendar

Additional Information

MyMathLab HOMEWORK

All homework will be completed online using the MyMathLab website.  Help buttons will be available for each problem in MyMathLab, and you may rework problems multiple times until you get the correct answer.  You may continue working on all the assignments for the week until the due dates.  These MyMathLab Due dates will be posted on the class calendar in Blackboard and also on the MyMathLab website.  Though this homework will be submitted online, I strongly recommend that you keep an organized log of written work to accompany each homework assignment to better learn the process of solving problems.  You will have two homework grades dropped.  

MyMathLab TEST REVIEWS

Reviews will be assigned on MyMathLab before each major exam.  Each review functions as a practice exam.  Keep in mind that you may work the review problems multiple times to keep improving your grade and to better prepare for the exam.  Review grades will be counted as homework grades.

MyMathLab EXAMS

Four unit exams will be given on MyMathLab.  In addition to entering your answers on MyMathLab, you need to practice showing work for each test problem on paper to help you get in the habit of working problems on paper for the final.  MyMathLab will automatically score your answers.  Due dates for exams are posted in the class calendar in Blackboard and also on MyMathLab.  MyMathLab exams, reviews, and the Midterm/ Final will NOT have a two day extension. 

MANDATORY TUTORING

If your overall grade drops below a 75, you will be required to complete tutoring before taking the next exam.  Tutoring may be completed on campus in the Academic Success Center for Math or remotely by joining https://zoom.us/j/541139851.  Use the Meeting ID:  541 139 851.  

MIDTERM AND FINAL EXAM

You will be required to come to the Math Testing Lab on the Washington Street Campus in Amarillo (or another testing site in a different town approved by me) to take your midterm and final exam.  This exam is mandatory, and both will count as 20% each of your grade.  To prepare for the exam, you will complete the midterm and final exam review worksheet available in Blackboard.  You must take this final in person.  If you are not in Amarillo, then it is your responsibility to find a testing center who will proctor the exam.  No midterm or final exam can be taken virtually.  There will be no extensions for this deadline, as I have to report final grades to the school on time.        

 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, focus problems, and MyMathLab assignments are planned for each week. 
3.)  PRINT AND COMPLETE THE NOTES AS YOU WATCH THE LECTURE VIDEOS provided in Blackboard.  This should be completed before you start the homework on MyMathLab. 
4.)  Take clear pictures of your focus problems, convert them to pdf form, and SUBMIT ON BLACKBOARD.
5.)  WORK THE MyMathLab HOMEWORK at www.pearsonmylab.com.
6.)  TAKE ASSIGNED REVIEWS AND EXAMS on MyMathLab by the deadlines posted on MyMathLab.
7.) TAKE YOUR COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAM ON WEEK 8 IN PERSON!

BLACKBOARD

Students will be required to login to Blackboard via the AC Connect portal on a regular basis to check e-mail, course announcements, grades, and course materials. To get into Blackboard, go to www.actx.edu and click the AC Connect portal.  Log in to Blackboard.  Once you have logged in, you should see our class listed on your home page. If you need help logging into the site, contact Ask AC at (806) 371-5000

GETTING STARTED WITH MYMATHLAB

1. Go to https://mlm.pearson.com/enrollment/herrington07168.
2. Sign in with your Pearson student account or create your account. For Instructors creating a Student account, do not use your instructor credentials.
3. Select any available access option, if asked.
   • Enter a prepaid access code that came with your textbook or from the bookstore.
   • Buy instant access using a credit card or PayPal.
   • Select Get temporary access without payment for 14 days.
4. Select Go to my course.
5. Select Math 1332-007 from My Courses.

TUTORING

Free tutoring is available the Math Academic Success Center in person on campus (WARE 4th Floor) or virtually by Zoom.  To join an ongoing Zoom Meeting for tutoring, click the Tutoring Zoom link in Blackboard, or go to https://zoom.us/j/541139851.  Use the Meeting ID:  541 139 851