Faculty Syllabus
MATH-1332 Contemporary Mathematics
Cynthia Vega-Hernandez
Credit Spring 2026
Section(s)
MATH-1332-041 (34126)
LEC TuTh 1:25pm - 2:45pm SAC SAC1 1318
Course Requirements
Grade Components
Major Proctored Assessments: 70% (tests in class)
Major Unproctored Assessments: 15% (applets/projects*/ch11 online quizzes)
*The Finance Project will count multiple times as it will be due in separate parts
Non-Proctored minor assessments: 15% ( book hw practice, quick checks/checks for understanding (a.k.a.: non-book hw), reading guides, class/group activities/warm-ups, online hw, and other misc)
Grading Scale
A: 90 - 100
B: 80 – 89
C: 70 – 79
D: 60 – 69
F: < 60
What will we do in this class?
Tests: There will be at least 4 unit exams. See the course calendar/google sheet link to for dates.
Homework/Book Practice: Practice problems are listed on notes documents.
Quick Checks/Checks for understanding: These are like mini-quizzes that are short problem sets meant to be turned in on a regular basis. One set of paper copies is provided and replacement copies may be printed from the google sheet calendar. It’s important for these to be turned in on time for feedback and test preparation.
Group work: Discussion is an important component to learning and solidifying math knowledge. Expect to have class time that encourages discussion and working together. Some group activities will be for an in-class grade.
Applets in MLM: A variety of Applet Activities/Projects are listed in the google sheet. Expect more specific instructions to be posted. These will include grabbing screen shots and answering reflection/summary questions.
MLM Online Assignments: Some online assignments will be required. These are meant to prepare you for tests and provide immediate feedback. You may redo them for higher grades to improve your learning. These will be counted as an overall unit grade.
Reading guides: There are short reading guides to help you pre-read each chapter in advance of that topic. These are due and are intended to help you come to class with a small preview of the chapter.
Readings
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: Excursions in Modern Mathematics, 10th Edition by Tannenbaum. Pearson Publishing (MyLab software) ISBN: 9780137417438
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.
Other Technology: You will find a laptop or tablet convenient for accessing many of our online requirements (a phone might be a bit challenging but may suffice).
Course Subjects
Course Calendar
Note: Schedule changes may occur during the semester. Any changes will usually be announced in class and posted as a Blackboard Announcement, plus updated in our google sheet calendar:
Contemporary Math Spr2026 Detailed Calendar
|
Chapters |
Material |
|
Ch 2 |
The Mathematics of Power; Weighted Voting |
|
Ch 2 |
The Mathematics of Power; Weighted Voting |
|
Ch3 |
Fair Division Methods |
|
Ch3, Test ch2,3 |
Fair Division Methods |
|
Ch 10 |
Financial Mathematics; Money Matters |
|
Ch 10 |
Financial Mathematics; Money Matters |
|
Ch10 |
Test and project |
|
Ch 5 |
The Mathematics of Getting Around; Euler Paths and Circuits |
|
Ch 5 |
The Mathematics of Getting Around; Euler Paths and Circuits |
|
Ch 6 |
The Mathematics of Touring; Traveling Salesman Problems |
|
Ch 6 |
The Mathematics of Touring; Traveling Salesman Problems |
|
Test ch5,6 |
|
|
Ch 16 |
Probability |
|
Ch16 |
Probability |
|
Ch11 |
Geometric Transformations |
|
Ch11 |
Geometric Transformations |
Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives
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
- 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.
Office Hours
M W 10:45 AM - 11:10 AM HYS Rm1302
NOTE Also 1:30-2:00pmT Th 11:30 AM - 11:55 AM SAC rm1305
NOTE 2:45PM- 3:20PMM W 7:20 PM - 8:00 PM DLS
NOTET Th 7:45 PM - 8:30 PM DLS
NOTEPublished: 01/26/2026 09:01:49