About Your Instructor            

Name: Michael Starewich

The best way to reach me is: ACC email

Phone number:  N/A

Email: michael.starewich@austincc.edu 

Office location (and/or link if appropriate): EGN 1204 // Zoom: https://austincc.zoom.us/j/4832640417

Office hours: M 1:30 pm – 2:00 pm

                         W 11:30 am – 12:00 pm

To schedule a conference outside of office hours: Send me an email.

About Your Course

Instructional Methodology: 

Classroom Section: This course is taught in the classroom primarily as a lecture/discussion course.

Synonym: 17654 Section: 024

Meeting location: EGN 1201 Meeting times: MW 12:00 pm – 1:20 pm

Prerequisites: TSI Exempt in math, or TSI Complete in math based on the TSI Math Assessment or a passing grade of C or higher in a development math exit-level course (NCBM 0185, MATD 0385, MATD 0485).  

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

Calculator: You will need a scientific or business calculator; it should have a yx or xy key and a square root key. Graphing calculators are fine but not required. You may be working in a computer lab depending on availability and the instructor's discretion.

Course Calendar 

Note: Schedule changes may occur during the semester. Any changes will be announced in class and posted as a Blackboard Announcement.

Important Dates

Last day to withdraw: April 27, 2026

Holidays: March 16-22, 2026 Spring Break
                  April 5, 2026 Easter 

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

Making Time to Learn

We learn math by thinking about and working on mathematical problems, which takes time. Practice is crucial in a math course. To ensure that you have adequate time, set aside 8-12 hours per week outside of class time to practice and study for this course.  Ask for help immediately when something isn’t clear.  

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 may be virtual or on campus; see information above. 

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.

Grades

Grade Components

Major Proctored Assessments: 60%

Final Project: 20%

Online Homework: 10%

Quizzes/Group Work: 10%

Grading Scale

A: 90 - 100

B: 80 – 89

C: 70 – 79

D: 60 – 69

F: < 60

Where can I find my grades? 

Grades will be posted in Blackboard. 

What will we do in this class? 

Lecture Handouts: Lecture handouts are provided to help simplify the note-taking process. We will complete these during class as I guide you through each example. It is important to use the completed handouts as a reference, as they demonstrate the level of detail and work required to earn full credit on assignments and assessments. A digital version of our lecture notes will be maintained in OneNote and can be accessed at any time via a link that will be posted on Blackboard.

Tests: There will be four tests which account for 60% of your final grade and will be administered during our regularly scheduled class sessions. The exam will feature a mix of multiple choice, true/false, calculation-based, and written response questions. While some computation will be required, the primary focus will be on understanding core concepts. You are not permitted to use notes, textbooks, outside assistance, or online resources during the exams. However, you may use a scientific calculator (not on a phone) and a formula sheet will be provided when applicable. Not following these rules may lead to point deductions or receiving a zero. Study guides will be provided to support your preparation.

Homework: Homework will be completed online through MyLab Math (MLM), which you will access using your ACC email through Blackboard course materials. MLM includes your homework assignments, e-book, and additional learning tools such as videos and guided examples. The average of your MLM homework scores will account for 10% of your final grade. The MLM system automatically grades your responses, so you will not need to submit these assignments to me directly. Each assignment is designed to reinforce the concepts discussed in class and may involve applying formulas, interpreting results, and using appropriate technology. You are encouraged to work carefully through each question and review any feedback or solution provided by MLM. If you encounter difficulties, don’t hesitate to ask for help so you can build a strong understanding of the material.

Quizzes/Group Work: Quizzes will be assigned weekly and contribute 10% to your overall grade. Each quiz must be completed by the designated due date and time. These assignments may be given in class, assigned as take-home work, or conducted as group activities. You are encouraged to use your notes and other resources. Please note that for any in-class quizzes or group activities, you must be present in class to receive credit; these cannot be made up if you are absent.

Final Project: Toward the end of the semester, students will complete a Final Project worth 20% of the total course grade. This project focuses on the practical application of the mathematical concepts covered in class, such as financial math, statistical interpretation, or mathematical modeling. To receive full credit, the project must demonstrate clear mathematical work and a thoughtful analysis of the results. Detailed requirements and deadlines will be announced in class and posted on Blackboard.

Discussion and Collaboration: Active participation is encouraged during class, including asking questions and contributing mathematical ideas, while being respectful of your classmates’ perspectives. Collaborating with peers on homework or studying for exams is welcomed, as long as the support remains productive and helps each person genuinely understand the material on their own.

What happens if I miss something? 

Dropped Grade Policy: Quizzes are designed to promote attendance and punctuality. To receive credit, you must be present and on time to the day a quiz is reviewed in class. No credit will be given if you are absent or late. However, to allow for unexpected situations, I will drop your two lowest quiz grades at the end of the semester. Similarly, I will drop your three lowest homework scores to help account for any challenges that may arise during the semester.

Late Work Policy: Each homework assignment is due by 11:59 p.m. on the due date. Late submissions will be accepted with a 25% reduction in score. If you experience an extenuating circumstance such as illness or a family emergency, you may request a one or two-day extension without penalty. Be sure to contact me within a reasonable timeframe for this request. If too much time has passed or if requests become frequent, the situation will be addressed according to the dropped grade policy.

Missed Exam Policy: Students are required to take all four tests. If you miss a test, you may only make it up if you experienced an extenuating circumstance such as illness or a family emergency. In that case, you must notify me promptly so we can determine whether rescheduling is possible.

Attendance/Class Participation Expectations and Policy: Regular and punctual class and laboratory attendance is expected of all students. If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.

What AI Resources are allowed?

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) Policy: Generative AI (GAI) is a useful tool for exploration and learning. Use of GAI on unproctored work such as homework and independent learning is permitted, but caution is advised as not to become dependent on it. The purpose of assessments is to demonstrate what students are able to do independently. In this course, GAI includes Computer Algebra Systems (CAS) and any electronic tools that solve problems for students. Violations to GAI use policies are considered scholastic dishonesty and will be handled according to established departmental and college procedures. GAI may not be used on major assessments other than in cases where permissions are explicitly stated.

Course Content

Course Description

Credit Hours: 3, Contact Hours: 3

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. 

Course Rationale

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. 

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.

 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. 

General Education Competencies

1. Communication Skills: Develop, interpret, and express ideas and information through written, oral, and visual communication that is adapted to purpose, structure, audience, and medium.
2. Critical Thinking: Gather, analyze, synthesize, evaluate, and apply information for the purposes of innovation, inquiry, and creative thinking.
3. 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.

The Details

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.

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.

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 Policy: Students who withdrew or were withdrawn will not be reinstated unless they have completed all coursework, 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.

Incomplete Grade Policy: 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.

Communication with Your Instructor: All e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account or math software if applicable, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion.  Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account or math software when communicating with instructors.  Instructors will respond to student emails within 3 business days, if no response has been received by the student at the end of that time, then the student should send a reminder to the instructor.

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.