About Your Course

Instructional Methodology:

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

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

MLM (MyLab Math):  MyLab Math is required for this course as you will use MyLab to access your etextbook and complete your online homework. MyLab registration instructions are posted in Blackboard (see Course Materials Fall 2025). Students are expected to register for MyLab on the first day of class.

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. If you do not have a personal calculator, you can go to the library and check out one. Calculators that have a “fraction” key or button are ideal for this course (I recommend the Casio fx-300ES PLUS 2nd Edition).

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 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: Monday, April 27, 2026

Holidays:   Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Holiday (College (College closed) – January 19, 2026

                    Spring Break Holiday (College closed) - March 16 – March 22, 2026

                    Easter Sunday (College closed) – April 5, 2026

                    (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.

Grade Components

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?

MyLab Math (MLM) Homework: MLM homework is an online homework platform that automatically grades your work once you submit your answers. It is recommended that you the MLM homework before completing the homework worksheets to get immediate feedback. Online homework is assigned in MyLab for every section of the textbook covered in this course. Each MyLab homework assignment contains short videos and questions. You have unlimited attempts for each homework question in the MyLab assignment until the final due date, which is the day of the next unit test.

Please follow the instructions in Blackboard (see folder titled "Course Materials Spring 2026 on homepage) to register for MyLab on the first day of class. This is a very quick process (5 minutes), and it will not ask you for payment information. If you have any difficulties doing this, please email me so I can assist you. Registering for MyLab is mandatory for this course since your online homework will be completed using this software. Additionally, by registering for MyLab, you gain access to the course textbook and a variety of helpful supplemental resources.

Homework Worksheets: You are expected to print out the homework worksheets for each section and do the work directly on the worksheet. These worksheets are an opportunity for me to give you feedback on your written work. You can ask for help from others (such as from tutors, IA's, students, or me) on these worksheets as long as you do your own work in the end. You must show all your work in order to get partial and full credit. I encourage you to review and study these worksheets as you prepare for your unit tests.

Test Reviews (not for a grade): There is a review for each test. At the end of each test review document, there is a detailed answer key that not only shows you the correct answer but also the steps on how to get it. Unit test reviews are not for a grade but are an excellent way to get an idea of what the unit test will be like and to get additional practice before you take the corresponding unit test.

Projects: Three projects will be assigned in this course. The first project will be based on knowledge learned in Unit 1; the second project will be based on knowledge learned in Unit 2; and the third project will be based on knowledge learned in Unit 4. Unit 3 does not have a project. You are expected to print out the project document and record your answers and work therein. You may attach additional scratch paper to your project document if needed.

Unit Tests: There will be four unit tests in this course. Test problems will be similar to those on the homework worksheets and test reviews. There is no comprehensive final in this class. All 4 unit tests are proctored and given during class time. The test schedule is posted in the syllabus course calendar. You must show your work for each problem in order to earn full credit.  You must have either a scientific or graphing calculator when taking your test. If you cannot purchase one, calculators are available from Student Technology Services .

* This course does not offer any extra credit assignments.

What happens if I miss something?

Dropped Grade Policy: To account for any illnesses, emergencies, etc., the following number of grades will be dropped:

• MLM Homework: 2 lowest grades will be dropped
• Homework Worksheets: 2 lowest grades will be dropped
• Projects: Project grades will not be dropped
• Unit Tests: Test grades will not be replaced or dropped

Late Work Policy:

• The MLM (MyLab) homework assignments may be turned in late until you have taken the corresponding unit test. There will be a 10% lateness penalty for assignments submitted after the due date but before the unit test is scheduled. Once the unit test window of availability begins, you will not be able to turn in late MLM assignments from that unit. For example, Unit Test 1 is scheduled for February 11th. Therefore, after 10:30AM on February 11th, all Unit 1 MyLab assignments will become unavailable and you will receive a grade of 0 for any assignments not started. The exception to this rule is any homework assigned/covered the same week as the test.
• The homework worksheets may be turned in late up to 1 week after the due date. There will be a 10% lateness penalty for assignments submitted after the due date. Any homework worksheets not submitted by this final deadline (1 week after the given due date) will receive a grade of 0.
• The projects will not be accepted late unless there are unavoidable mitigating circumstances, which the student must discuss with & have approved by the instructor before the project’s due date.

Missed Exam Policy: If you have an extraordinary circumstance which forces you to be unable to take your unit test within the window of testing availability, you must contact me before the end of the first day that the test opens to discuss the situation. I will consider, but not guarantee, offering a make-up time to replace the zero. My decision will be based on the circumstance as well as your overall effort/attendance in the course. Failure to inform me of your being unable to take the test during the scheduled times/days before the end of the first day the test becomes available, may result in a test grade of 0.

Attendance Policy: Daily attendance is mandatory. If a student is absent for collectively more than 60% of class time, he/she will be counted absent that day. If attendance (more than 4 absences) or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw the student from the class but make no promise to do so.

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.

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

MLM (MyLab Math):  MyLab Math is required for this course as you will use MyLab to access your etextbook and complete your online homework. MyLab registration instructions are posted in Blackboard (see Course Materials Fall 2025). Students are expected to register for MyLab on the first day of class.

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.

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.