Contemporary Mathematics I (Math for Liberal Arts Majors I)

Topics may include introductory treatments of sets, logic, number systems, number theory, relations, functions, probability and statistics. Appropriate applications are included. This course is designed for liberal arts students. It will provide knowledge of the nature of mathematics as well as training in mathematical thinking and problem solving. All topics are motivated by real world applications and may include logic, problem solving, financial management, probability, statistics, modeling, and the mathematics of politics. (Attendance policy is included in this section).

Competencies

To demonstrate competency in problem solving, the student should be able to:
1. Utilize approximation and estimation.
2. Decipher bar graphs and pie charts.
3. Construct histograms, line charts, and scatter diagrams.
4. Utilize alternative patterns of thought.
5. Utilize Polya’s four-step problem solving process.
To demonstrate critical thinking skills, the student should be able to:
1. Interpret set notation.
2. Determine a set’s cardinal number.
3. Recognize equivalent sets.
4. Recognize and identify subsets.
5. Illustrate relationships with Venn Diagrams.
6. Find the complement of a set.
7. Find the intersection of two sets.
8. Find the union of two sets.
9. Utilize Venn diagrams to visualize a survey’s results.
To demonstrate competency in logic, the student should be able to:
1. Express statements as symbols.
2. Form negations.
3. Identify the truth value of a statement.
4. Interpret logical connectors.
5. Express compound statements in symbolic form.
6. Use the dominance of connectives.
7. Determine if statements are logically equivalent.
8. Construct truth tables.
9. Test the validity of an argument.
To demonstrate competency in the mathematics of finance, the student should be able to:
1. Use percentages.
2. Solve percentage problems.
3. Calculate simple interest.
4. Calculate compound interest.
5. Recognize the power of compounding.
6. Understand annual percentage yield.
7. Distinguish between total versus annual return.
8. Evaluate loans, amortization, and credit cards.
9. Evaluate stock, bond, and cash investments.
10. Solve annuity problems.
11. Calculate federal income tax.
To demonstrate competency in unit manipulation, the student should be able to:
1. Understand and identify units.
2. Perform unit conversions.
3. Perform temperature conversions.
4. Understand the U.S. Customary systems of measurement.
5. Understand the international metric system of measurement.
6. Perform conversions between metric and USCS.
7. Understand units of density and concentration.
To demonstrate competency in probability, the student should be able to:
1. Define probability and the basic probability terms.
2. Calculate empirical and theoretical probabilities.
3. Find odds of a given event.
4. Find the probability of independent events.
5. Find the probability of dependent events.
6. Calculate and interpret expected value.
7. Count outcomes using permutations.
8. Count outcomes using combinations.
To demonstrate competency in statistical reasoning, the student should be able to:
1. Define statistics and the basic statistical terms.
2. Identify common sampling methods.
3. Identify deceptions in visual displays of data.
4. Construct a frequency table.
5. Calculate the measures of central tendency.
6. Calculate the measures of dispersion.
7. Understand characteristics of the normal distribution.

Campus Resources for Students

Weatherford:
The Academic Support Center is a free public tutoring service provided by the college, offered in LART- LL Room 2, 817-598-6278

Video tapes

Computer assisted instruction

Instructor’s office hours

Course Learning Objectives

After completing the course, the student should be able to demonstrate competency in:

Problem Solving.
Critical Thinking Skills.
Logic.
Mathematics of Finance.
Unit Manipulation.
Probability
Statistical Reasoning.

Lab Fee

$24

Required Textbooks

Thinking Mathematically, 7th Ed., Blitzer, 2019. MyLabsPlus access code.

Required Supplies

Calculator is required. See instructor. Purchase of MyLabsPlus access code is required.

ISBN-10

978-0-13-468371-3

Evaluation Standards

These course learning outcomes and course competencies will be assessed through the administration of a minimum of 3 in-class exams (60%), quizzes and/or homework (including MyLabsPlus) (20%) and a departmental, comprehensive final exam (20%). Calculators will be allowed on the final exam.

Only departmental formula sheets supplied by the instructor will be used on the exams and the final exam.

Notes, textbooks, note cards, formula sheets, or any other additional materials will NOT be approve for use on exams. Any use will be an academic integrity violation.

Grading Standards

A - Student’s work is exceptional and consistently above average.
B - Student’s work is above average. Required assignments were completed in a timely manner and have met at least the minimum required standards.
C - Student’s work is acceptable. Majority of assignments meet the minimum required standards.
D - Student’s work fails to meet the minimum requirements for a grade of "C." Overall performance was sub-standard in comparison to normal expectations for this class.
F - Student’s work is clearly unacceptable. Student either did not attempt the work or failed to meet any of the minimum required standards.

Required Institutional Core Learning Outcomes

Communication (COM), Critical Thinking (CT), Empirical & Quantitative Reasoning (EQR)

Disabilities

ADA Statement:

Any student with a documented disability (e.g. learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) may contact the Office on the Weatherford College Weatherford Campus to request reasonable accommodations. Phone: 817-598-6350 Office Location: Office Number 118 in the Student Services Building, upper floor. Physical Address: Weatherford College 225 College Park Drive Weatherford, TX.

Academic Integrity

Academic Integrity is fundamental to the educational mission of Weatherford College, and the College expects its students to maintain high standards of personal and scholarly conduct. Academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an examination or other academic work, plagiarism, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials including unauthorized use of Generative AI. Departments may adopt discipline specific guidelines on Generative AI usage approved by the instructional dean. Any student who is demonstrated to have engaged in any of these activities will be subject to immediate disciplinary action in accordance with institutional procedures.

Hope Statement

Any student who faces challenges securing basic resources such as food, clothing, or housing and believes this may affect their performance in their course of study is urged to contact the Director of Student Resources, Dr. Deborah Cregger, for support at (817) 598-6444. Her office is on the first floor of Student Services. If the student prefers, they may contact their instructor, who can reach out on their behalf. Weatherford College also provides the Coyote Pantry. The Pantry maintains boxed and canned foods for students in need. The location of the Coyote Pantry is two blocks west of the Weatherford campus at the Baptist Student Ministry (118 E. Park Ave., Weatherford). Pantry hours are Mon-Thurs. 8:30 am-4:30 pm and Fri. 8.30 am-12:00 pm (817-599-6586).

Grading Key

100-90 = A
89-80 = B
79-70 = C
69-60 = D
59-below = F

Revised

Fall 2021

Last Modified

Friday, September 10, 2021, 3:24 PM