Welcome to Contemporary Math!  All of the information you need is in Blackboard. We will explore various math topics. My goal is for you to leave this course as a confident, critical thinker and problem solver.

Instructional Methodology: ONL—Fully online without required class times.

Prerequisites: Appropriate score on the TSI Mathematics Assessment.

Paired Course Policy: This is a paired course.  Students who withdraw from NCBM 0185 will be automatically withdrawn from MATH 1332 and vice versa.

Communication

Since we don’t have class meetings, you and I will mostly interact through email. Check your ACCmail regularly (daily is best) since all e-mail and announcements will be sent there. Don’t hesitate emailing me – I welcome it and the ensuing conversation. Use your ACCmail when communicating with me. (Non-ACC emails will often go to the spam folder.) Please include your section number in your email! 

I will typically respond to emails within 24 hours during the week and at least once on weekends. If you do not get a reply within those times, please email me again as a reply to your first email. I don’t want to miss your email buried in my inbox!

Course Calendar

Course Schedule – The Course Schedule shows all assignments and assessments and due dates in a (hopefully) easy to follow table.  (You’ll find it in Blackboard.)

Important Dates

Last day for 70% refund: Friday, June 7

Last day to withdraw: Monday, July 22

Holidays (ACC closed):

Juneteenth: Wednesday, June 19

Fourth of July: Thursday, July 4

(Please note these are the ONLY holidays this semester.)

Making Time to Learn

This is not a self-paced course.  There are weekly deadlines. The time needed to work through the material varies by student but is typically 10-15 hours each week. Make sure you plan to do the required work each week and give yourself enough time to do it. The point is for you to get the help you need early enough so you can succeed. Reach out to me if you are struggling to keep up. We have an Academic Coach who can help too.

Getting Help

ACC provides several free resources for students who need help; descriptions and links are below: 

Office hours: Another name for office hours is “student hours.” This is the time your instructor has set aside to answer student questions, so feel free to drop by if you have questions. Office hours are virtual.

Instructional Associates: Instructional Associates specific to the course you are taking are available for tutoring. To make an appointment, go to https://sites.google.com/a/austincc.edu/math-students/meet/list and then click on your course.

Learning Labs: The ACC Learning Labs provide tutoring in math and other subjects. To schedule an appointment, go to https://www.austincc.edu/students/learning-lab. This site includes information about in person and virtual tutoring options.

Academic Coaching: Academic coaches offer extra support to students with study strategies; they want to help you learn to be an active participant in your own learning process. For more information or to make an appointment with an academic coach, go to https://www.austincc.edu/students/academic-coaching.

ACC Student Services: Services are offered in many areas, including Academic, Financial, Personal, and Technology Support.  For more information, go to https://www.austincc.edu/student-support.

CLASS STRUCTURE AND Grades

The Course Schedule shows all assignments and due dates in a (hopefully) easy to follow table.  You will read the text and watch videos for each section. Each week, you will work online and written homework and you will complete a notebook and/or discussion board assignment. There are 6 units, and you will have an exam or project covering each unit (except Unit 6).

The Unit Folders in Blackboard will take you through everything you need to do, in order. Each unit folder has folders for each section covered. You will find all assignments in the section folders, in the place where I want you to work them. The best way to work through this course is to go in order in the Unit Folders. 

Grades

Your grade for MATH 1332 is separate from your grade in NCBM 0185

**Since NCBM 0185 is meant to support your progress through MATH 1332, 60% of your NCBM 0185 grade will be determined by your overall MATH 1332 grade.

Grading Scale:            A: 90 – 100             B: 80 – 89            C: 70 – 79            D: 60 – 69            F: < 60

You can see all of your grades in My Grades on the menu bar in Blackboard.

What will we do in this class?

WEEKLY WORK:  Homework, Notebook, and Discussion Board Assignments

The deadline for each assignment is on the Course Schedule handout. 

All deadlines are 11:59pm that day.

Homework – Online and Written

• Online Homework in MyLab Math:  MyLab Math is interactive and offers help and tutorials such as Help me solve this, View an Example, or Animation. (You access it through Blackboard.) You can review your homework and rework it for a higher grade. Online homework is automatically graded, and you can use the Study Plan for more practice. Online homework can be completed late at no penalty.
• Written Homework Worksheets in Blackboard
  • Print the worksheet, hand write your work on the printed pages, scan as a pdf file, and upload into Blackboard.  (If you don’t have a printer, use your own paper to show your work and answers, scan, and upload.) Many students use a phone scanning app.
  • You must show your work on these since they are graded by completion and correctness. You can’t rework or resubmit, so get help if needed before submitting.
  • I will grade in Blackboard and post a key. You can see the key once your submittal is graded. Make sure to note your mistakes and correct them before the exam.

Notebook Assignments

Notebook assignments are designed as extra support for you as an NCBM 0185 student. These give extra practice and support for topics covered in MATH 1332.  You will have Notebook assignments some weeks and you can find these in Blackboard in the Unit folders.

• Like Written HW, print from Blackboard, hand write your work and answers on the printed pages, scan as a pdf file, and upload into Blackboard. (If you do not have a printer, you can use your own paper to show your work and answers, scan and upload.)
• These are graded on completeness (you get 100 if you do it all, showing work, on time).  I encourage you to work with other classmates – you can use the discussion board. I will grade in Blackboard and a key will become available right after the submit the assignment. Be sure to check your work against the key to make sure you are understanding the concepts. Ask questions if you don’t understand! 

Discussion Board Assignments

You will have discussion board assignments some weeks. This is how we will build our class community, discuss the concepts, and connect them to our lives.  You are required to make at least two posts for each assignment – either by starting your own thread or responding to another. Most assignments require you to start a thread with specific information. A response of “yeah” or “I agree” doesn’t count. In addition to assigned discussions, there are open discussions for the class to post general course questions, discuss Notebook problems, discuss concepts from homework, and post helpful tips or links to resources. You cannot post solutions to Written Homework problems in discussion boards, but you can discuss the general concepts. 

ASSESSMENTS:  Projects and Exams

The deadline/due date for each assessment is on the Course Schedule handout. 

All deadlines/due dates are 11:59pm that day.

Projects

You will have three projects – one major project and two minor projects. These are meant to allow you to explore the topics learned in this course in a personal way. The major project covers Unit 4 in lieu of an exam and will include a video meeting with me to discuss portions of your work. The minor projects cover smaller units and do not require a video meeting. More information will be provided in Blackboard. I hope that you can have some fun with these.

Exams

You will have three exams. Exams are proctored virtually using Blackboard Respondus Monitor. A scan of written work will be required, and you will need a webcam with a microphone.

• Calculator:  You can use a scientific calculator. No graphing calculators allowed.
• Notes:  I will provide formula sheets for exams.  No notes allowed.

What happens if I miss something?

Dropped Grade Policy:

Online Homework: Will drop 3 lowest grades

Written Homework:  Will drop 2 lowest grades – except Unit 6 Homework

Notebook: Will drop lowest grade

Discussion Board: Will drop lowest grade

Late Work Policy: Written Homework, Notebook, and Discussion Board assignments are accepted up to two weeks late with a 10% penalty.  Online Homework is accepted late with no penalty.

Late Projects: Projects are only accepted late in extenuating circumstances, and late projects will receive a late penalty. 

Missed Exam Policy: There are no makeup or late exams, so be sure to take each exam by the deadline. 

Attendance/Withdrawal Policy:

Since this is an asynchronous distance learning course, there is no class meeting time.  So, attendance is monitored by student progress. 

• If you are more than 1 week behind in the class, you may be withdrawn.
• If you miss more than one exam or the major project, you may be withdrawn.

I may withdraw students for lack of progress, but make no commitment to do this for the student.  If you want to withdraw from the course, be sure to do so before the withdrawal deadline. After the withdrawal deadline, neither the student nor the instructor may initiate a withdrawal.

Students who enroll for the third or subsequent time in a course taken since Fall 2002 may be charged a higher tuition rate for that course.  State law permits students to withdraw from no more than six courses during their entire undergraduate career at Texas public colleges or universities. With certain exceptions, all course withdrawals automatically count towards this limit. Details regarding this policy can be found in the ACC college catalog.

Reinstatement:

Students who withdrew or were withdrawn will not be reinstated unless they have completed all course work, projects, and exams necessary to place them at the same level of course completion as the rest of the class.  Reinstatement is up to the instructor’s approval.

Incompletes (rarely given)

Incomplete grades (I) will be given only in very rare circumstances. Generally, to receive a grade of "I", a student must be up to date on coursework and have a passing grade, and after the last date to withdraw, have a legitimate reason that prevents course completion. An incomplete grade cannot be carried beyond the established date in the following semester. The completion date is determined by the instructor but may not be later than the final deadline for withdrawal in the subsequent semester.

Course Content

Course Description

Credit Hours: 4, Contact Hours: 4

MATH 1332 - Contemporary Mathematics (3-3-0). A topics-based course, with a variety of possible topics chosen by individual instructors. The selected topics may include: sets, logic, number theory, geometry, probability and statistics, and the mathematics of finance and social choice. This course is not algebra-intensive, and is designed for non-technical majors.

NCBM 0185 – Support for Contemporary Mathematics (1-1-0). This course is designed to support students concurrently enrolled in MATH 1332 by providing additional focus on MATH 1332 topics and just-in-time review of prerequisite topics, as needed. This course is not for college level credit.

Course Rationale

MATH 1332: This course is intended to provide non-mathematics and non-science majors with a survey of topics in mathematics.  The emphasis may be towards developing students' quantitative reasoning skills, illustrating the beauty of mathematics as a discipline, and/or imparting a feel for the different ways in which mathematics is used.  The students who take this course generally are in nursing, the liberal arts, communication, workforce programs, or some social sciences. This course may be used to satisfy the Core Curriculum and the General Education Mathematics requirements.

NCBM 0185: This course is intended to provide support to students who are taking MATH 1332 Contemporary Mathematics.  It must be taken along with the paired section of MATH 1332.

The Details

Distance Education Information: This class is fully online. Successful online students actively participate in class on a regular basis just like in an on-campus class and avoid putting off classwork until the last minute. This includes reading assignments, taking quizzes and tests, and any other activities assigned by your professor. You will need to stay motivated and routinely log in to your classes in order to keep on top of your assignments.

Students will use the Blackboard learning management system for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, and collaboration. Students are encouraged to read ACC Distance Education General Information available at https://online.austincc.edu/faq/.

First Day Access: To enhance your learning experience and provide affordable access to the right course material, this course is part of an inclusive access model called First Day™. You can easily access the required materials for this course through Blackboard, at a discounted price, and benefit from single sign-on access.  Austin Community College includes the discounted price as a course fee in your registration fees for this course.

It is NOT recommended that you Opt Out, as these materials are required to complete the course. You can choose to Opt Out on the first day of class, but you will be responsible for purchasing your course materials at the full retail price and access to your materials may be suspended. See your course in Blackboard for details.

Importance of Completing Developmental Course Requirements:  The first steps to achieving any college academic goal are completing developmental course requirements and TSI requirements. The first priority for students who are required to take developmental courses must be the developmental courses. TSI rules state that students are allowed to take college credit courses, if they are fulfilling their developmental requirements. Because successful completion of developmental courses is so important, ACC will intervene with any student who is not successfully completing developmental requirements. This intervention can mean a hold on records, requiring developmental lab classes, working with the Instructional Associate, and monitoring during the semester.

Withdrawal Policy: It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should he or she decide to withdraw from the class. The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary. If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date. The student is also strongly encouraged to retain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records.

Name Change Information: If you want to change how your name appears online at ACC, go to https://www.austincc.edu/admissions/update-student-information/chosen-name.

General College Policies: Policies that apply to all courses at ACC can be found here: https://www.austincc.edu/offices/academic-outcomes-assessment/master-syllabi/college-policies.

Required Materials 

This is a First Day™ class. The cost of required course materials, including an online version of the textbook and software access, has been added to your tuition and fees bill.

Calculator: You will need a scientific or business calculator; it should have a ,𝑦-𝑥. or ,𝑥-𝑦. key and a square root key. Graphing calculators are not allowed on exams.

Access to a webcam and microphone are required for this course. Eligible students can check out required technology at https://www.austincc.edu/students/student-technology-services.

Course Schedule             NCBM 0185/MATH 1332                      Summer 2024

Each week after reading the text and watching videos, you will do online homework, a written homework assignment, and a notebook assignment and/or a discussion board assignment. 

Exam and Project Deadlines

Ways to Get Help

• ACC Learning Labs offer free Online Tutoring!  Information is here.  You can use these tutors as often as you’d like.
• We have Math Instructional Associates who can help. The link to their information is in Blackboard. 

Course Rationale

MATH 1332: This course is intended to provide non-mathematics and non-science majors with a survey of topics in mathematics.  The emphasis may be towards developing students' quantitative reasoning skills, illustrating the beauty of mathematics as a discipline, and/or imparting a feel for the different ways in which mathematics is used.  The students who take this course generally are in nursing, the liberal arts, communication, workforce programs, or some social sciences. This course may be used to satisfy the Core Curriculum and the General Education Mathematics requirements.

NCBM 0185: This course is intended to provide support to students who are taking MATH 1332 Contemporary Mathematics.  It must be taken along with the paired section of MATH 1332.

MATH 1332 Course Objectives

1. Increase/improve your quantitative literacy.
2. Provide you with an opportunity to experience mathematics as an intellectual exercise and a way of thinking.
3. Provide you with an opportunity to appreciate the visual and intellectual beauty of mathematics.

MATH 1332 Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, a student should be able to:

• Apply the language and notation of sets. 
• Determine the validity of an argument or statement and provide mathematical evidence.  
• Solve problems in mathematics of finance. 
• Demonstrate fundamental probability/counting techniques and apply those techniques to solve problems.  
• Interpret and analyze various representations of data. 
• 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.
• Understand that mathematics is an evolving discipline, interrelated with human culture, and understand its connections to other disciplines. 

NCBM 0185 Course Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

1. Provide an opportunity to increase/improve quantitative literacy.
2. Provide an opportunity to communicate mathematical ideas in a small group setting.
3. Provide just-in-time review of prerequisite arithmetic and algebra topics.

General Education Competencies

• Communication Skills: Develop, interpret, and express ideas and information through written, oral and visual communication that is adapted to purpose, structure, audience, and medium.
• Critical Thinking Skills: Gather, analyze, synthesize, evaluate and apply information for the purposes of innovation, inquiry, and creative thinking.
• Empirical and Quantitative Skills: Apply mathematical, logical and scientific principles and methods through the manipulation and analysis of numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions.