Faculty Syllabus

MATH-1332 Contemporary Mathematics

Carmen McCullough


Credit Spring 2026

Section(s)

MATH-1332-023 (17653)
LEC TuTh 3:00pm - 4:20pm EGN EGN1 1201

MATH-1332-033 (28858)
LEC MW 1:30pm - 2:50pm EGN EGN1 1201

Course Requirements

GRADES

Grade Components

Tests: 640 possible points

Homework: 130 possible points

Labs: 130 possible points

Projects: 120 possible points

Paper: 50 possible points

Grading Scale

A: 89.5% – 100% = 895+ points    

B: 79.5% – 89.4% = 795 – 894 points

C: 69.5% – 79.4% = 695 – 794 points

D: 59.5% – 69.4% = 595 – 694 points

F: < 60%  less than 595 points

What will we do in this class?

Tests: (160 points each) 

All tests for this course are taken in class.  All tests will be short answer as there will be NO multiple choice.  You will need a calculator and a pencil (or erasable pen) on test days. The Desmos Test mode app may be used on your phone during test days and Desmos will be the demonstrated calculator during class time.

Homework: (5 points each) 

Homework is assigned daily depending on completion of topics in class. Once a section has been completed in class, the homework corresponding to that section is due by the end of the day the following Monday or Tuesday depending on your class schedule, thus two homework assignments will be due most weeks. Each day an assignment is late (for any reason) loses 1 point off the assignment grade. These assignments will be graded on completion as you are expected to check your answers to odd problems, but please ensure that your work supports your answer. Do not copy the answer from the back of the book if you did not provide work that supports finding that answer as this is plagiarism. I would rather see your incorrect work with your incorrect answer rather than incorrect work followed by the answer from the back of the book. You must show all work, as simple as it may be sometimes, in order to receive credit for completion. Homework should be uploaded as a single file pdf to Blackboard or submitted during class.

Labs: (5 points each) 

During class, there will be a time dedicated to applying the concepts just learned in each section of the book. Lab questions will determine whether you truly understand or not prior to leaving class. These questions will be turned in at the end of class each class day. If for some reason you are unable to complete the lab during class time, you will be permitted to return it one class day late. If you are absent, you will want to review these questions posted on Blackboard as these are to be considered as review for each test. There are no makeups for labs.  

Projects: (30-50 points each)

Small projects will be assigned to add further exploration into certain topics for each Unit. These will have specific due dates, and will be posted on blackboard as well as handed out in class on the day the Unit begins.

Paper: (50 points)

Everyone is responsible for writing a paper on the following topic at the end of the semester: How Mathematics is used in my field of study.

Your paper requires the following:

  • At least 300 words, no more than 600 words.
  • Five paragraphs:
    • Paragraph 1: Introduce your major
    • Paragraph 2, 3, and 4: Elaborate (at least 3 sentences) on three different ways Mathematics is used in your field of study.
    • Paragraph 5:  Conclude with anything you discovered through this class over the semester and this particular assignment.
  • Typed, double spaced, 12 point non-bold font.
  • Submitted electronically through blackboard.
  • At least 2 documented sources using MLA format

Be sure to cite and quote anything that is not your own words/ideas using MLA format. Your paper should be more your words that quotes.

If you have not yet selected a major, an alternative paper is outlined on blackboard.

Readings

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. 

Textbook:  Using & Understanding Mathematics: A Quantitative Reasoning Approach, 8th Edition by Bennett & Briggs. Pearson Publishing (MyLab software)  ISBN-10: 0137575335, ISBN-13: 9780137575336

Supplemental Materials Needed: Scientific calculator; 3-ring binder recommended

Other Technology: 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 Subjects

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.

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

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. 

Office Hours

T Th 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM ELG 1332 or virtual through the Zoom Office Link in Blackboard

NOTE

M W 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM ELG 1332 or virtual through the Zoom Office Link in Blackboard

NOTE You can use the Make an Appointment link in your Blackboard course to Make an appointment outside of regularly scheduled office hours.

Office Hours

T Th 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM ELG 1332 or virtual through the Zoom Office Link in Blackboard

NOTE

M W 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM ELG 1332 or virtual through the Zoom Office Link in Blackboard

NOTE You can use the Make an Appointment link in your Blackboard course to Make an appointment outside of regularly scheduled office hours.

Published: 01/06/2026 12:29:41