Contemporary Math is a college level mathematics course for non-STEM majors. The primary goal of this course is to ensure that students have college level critical thinking and mathematical skills. The focus is on mathematics in everyday life, specifically in finance, probability, and real-world applications.
For each unit of credit, a minimum of three hours per week with one of the hours for class and two hours for studying/preparation outside of class is expected.
The Mathematics Department at Seward County Community College will enhance a student's ability to think critically using mathematical principles, ideas, and concepts in order to function in a society with ever-changing technology.
Outcome #4: Demonstrate mathematical skills by using a variety of techniques and technologies.
Outcome #5: Demonstrate the ability to think critically by gathering facts, generating insights, analyzing data, and evaluating information.
Expected learning outcomes of this course are in alignment with the learning objectives established by the Statewide Core Competencies.
Students will be expected to use appropriate technology as one tool to achieve the following outcomes:
- Apply critical and logical thinking skills to analyze various applications.
- Apply estimation, measurement, and an understanding of numbers to various applications.
- Use and evaluate statistics for decision making.
- Demonstrate basic concepts of probability and risk.
- Apply mathematical methods to personal finance.
- Apply mathematics to the study of real-world situations.
- Problem solving and critical thinking skills, including inductive and deductive reasoning, estimation, and mathematical models.
- Set theory, including basic concepts, subsets, and applications using Venn diagrams and operations.
- An introduction to logic, including statements and their negations, compound statements, and conditional statements.
- Personal finance topics will include sales tax, income tax, interest, and their applications.
- Measurements and applications involving length, area, volume, weight, and temperature, and related geometric information such as the Pythagorean Theorem and triangle trigonometry.
- Probability theory using counting principles, including permutations and combinations, as well as applications using expected value.
- An introduction to statistics using frequency distributions, measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, and regression lines, and their real-world applications.
- Lecture/Discussion
- In class and out of class assignments
- Calculator and computer exercises
- Whiteboard drills
- Calculator demonstrations
- Quizzes and Examinations
- Individual help
- Textbook
- Library mathematics reference books
- Supplementary materials prepared by the instructor
- Computer tutorial programs
- Computer projector and laptop computer used for computer demonstrations
- Graphing calculator
Methods of assessing the general course outcomes and the specific course competencies include tests, daily quizzes, and class attendance.
SCCC Outcome #4 will be assessed and measured by quizzes, tests, and use of a graphing calculator.
SCCC Outcome #5 will be assessed and measured using assignments, tests and nontraditional problem-solving activities.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Seward County Community College will make reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. If you need support or assistance because of a disability, you may be eligible for academic accommodations. Students should identify themselves to the Mental Health Counselor at 620-417-1106 or go to the Student Success Center in the Hobble Academic building, room A149.