Cristina Sizemore
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Syllabus

Spring Contemporary Math - Spring 2026

Course Syllabus

Summer 2025

Disclaimer: This syllabus represents my current plans and objectives. As we go through the semester, those plans may need to change to enhance the class learning opportunity. Such changes, communicated clearly, are not unusual and should be expected.

Designed to meet general education mathematics requirements for the Associate of Arts degree.  The goal of this survey course is to develop competency in analytical reasoning, problem solving, and critical thinking as well as exposing students to some current trends in mathematical thought. The emphasis is on mathematical reasoning and the solving of real-life problems involving mathematics. The course covers three or four of the following topics in depth: graph theory, counting techniques and probability, topics in geometry, logic/set theory, and game theory.

NOTE:  This course is part of the Illinois Articulation Initiative designed to transfer to four year institutions. IAI M1 904

Upon completion of the course a student will be able to do each the following in a real world context:       

  1. Estimate and check answers to mathematical problems in order to determine reasonableness, identify alternatives, and select optimal results.
  2. Analyze relationships between mathematical structures.
  3. Use pattern recognition and mathematical modeling as problem solving tools.
  4. Represent mathematical information symbolically, visually, numerically, and verbally
  5. Interpret mathematical representations such as formulas, graphs, tables, and schematics, and draw inferences from them.
  6. Recognize the limitations of mathematical models.

Instructor: Cristina Sizemore (she/her) (feel free to call me Cristina or Prof Sizemore)

Email: csizemore@clcillinois.edu (Best way to contact me. Always use your CLC email account to correspond.)

Phone: 847-543-2901

Office Hours via Zoom:

  • Wednesdays:  2:30-3:30pm

Additional office hours available for students by appointment on Zoom. Please email me to let me know your preferred availability. Send emails from your student CLC email account or Canvas Inbox. Please inform me which class and section you are enrolled in.

Optional: If desired, students may purchase a printed copy of this text through the CLC bookstore (around $10)

Your overall course grade will be based on your performance on the Exams, Canvas Homeworks, Written Homeworks, a cumulative Final Exam and Others.

Exams:

Each exam is taken on Canvas and includes vocabulary, short essay questions, and problems directly based on your homework and notes. These exams are open guided notes, so it's crucial to keep your guided notes well-organized and thoroughly completed from the lectures.

Important exam policies:

  • AI tools are strictly prohibited - any use of artificial intelligence assistance will result in academic dishonesty charges
  • You may use your notes and course materials only
  • Two hours is not sufficient if you haven't studied and are trying to learn material during the exam - this is review time for concepts you should already understand
  • Absolutely no make-ups or retakes - plan accordingly (however, your final exam score may replace your lowest or missed exam)
  • Ensure you have a reliable internet connection before starting
  • One attempt only - once you begin, that's your final submission
  • You have a 5-day window to take each exam, but once you start, you cannot save and return later - you must complete it in one sitting

Set aside dedicated time when you can focus for the full two hours without interruption. These exams are designed to assess your mastery of material you've already learned, not to teach you new concepts under time pressure.

Canvas Homework:

  • These are short assessments that cover one or multiple sections from the textbook. The homework can be taken 2 times. The highest of the 2 attempts will automatically be taken for your grade. If you are happy with your first attempt, it is not necessary for you to retake the homework assessment.
  • Canvas Homeworks are made of multiple choice problems and fill in blank, true/false.
  • After you complete the homework, you will see your answer and the correct answer with an explanation. The second attempt will have the same type of questions but may be in a different order or use different numbers.

Written Homeworks:

  • Written homework are homeworks that you write and are to be scanned (app to use: CamScanner or Microsoft Lens) into one pdf and submitted on Canvas. There are deadlines corresponding to each written homework assignment. 
  • To address extenuating circumstances, one lowest written homework assignment will be dropped.

Other assignments 

  • Additional assignments like discussions, interactive simulations, reflections, and engaging activities may pop up throughout the semester to enhance your learning experience. Don't worry – each one will come with clear instructions and plenty of notice about due dates, and together they'll account for 5% of your final grade.

 Final Exam:

The Final Exam is a cumulative final that covers all the material. The final is set up like the unit exams but covers more material. Final must be taken to receive a passing grade (A, B, C, or D). 

Grade Distribution Final Grade Scale

2 In Class Exams 45%

 > 89.5% = A

Online Canvas Homework 15%

 > 79.5% = B

Written Homeworks 15%

 > 69.5% = C

Other Assignments 5%

 > 59.5% = D

Final exam 20%

 below 59.5% = F

Important Dates

Exam Date
Exam 1 Saturday- Wed June 21st-25th
Exam 2 Saturday- Wed July 12th-16th

Final Exam

Final Exam is Wednesday-Thursday, July 30th-31st.

Extensions will be granted on a case-by-case basis and is situation dependent. I understand that things come up, and communication is essential. Emailing me to communicate your situation (if possible before the missed class/assignment) is your responsibility, but not a guarantee of an extension. (csizemore@clcillinois.edu) . There is no make-up for exams. If you miss one exam (except final exam) for whatever reason, your missed exam grade will be replaced by your grade on the final exam.

Withdrawing from the Class: There are 3 types of Withdrawals

Withdrawing from a class means that you no longer want to be enrolled in the class. Your transcript and the grade for the course may vary depending on the time at which you withdraw or request to withdraw from a course. The table below briefly outlines the actions you must take and the potential outcomes if you decide to withdraw from this course. I can help with understanding the difference. We can discuss different options if you are unsure.

If you wish to withdraw: You must: What you will see on your transcript:
Prior to the Refund Date Sunday, June  15th Withdraw from course via Student Center transcript will not reflect enrollment in the course and you will be refunded
Between the Refund Date June 15th & the last day to withdraw July 17th Withdraw from course via Student Center a grade of "W" will be recorded on your transcript NOTE: you will still be responsible for payment for the course (100%) There is no partial refund
Any time after July 17th but before completion of the final project or last assignment Request a withdrawal from your instructor and follow their directions If you are passing the course and obtain your instructor's approval: a grade of "WS" will be recorded on your transcript. If you are failing the course at the time of request: a grade of "FW" will be recorded on your transcript.

Support Information

For Canvas support contact:

CLC Account Passwords or any other computer-related technical support contact the CLC Helpdesk:

  • (847) 543-HELP (4357)
  • helpdesk@clcillinois.edu
  • Chat with CLC Helpdesk (Students only)

For help with Class Material

If you need help in the course, your first stop should be my office hours. I am here to help you succeed and/or direct you towards the necessary resources/steps. You are welcome to attend any office hours and no appointment is necessary. Office hours will be very informal. You can just come and work (via Zoom) and see if any questions arise.

CLC Tutoring center is also a great resource. You must enroll in their Canvas course to see hours, resources and make an appointment. They offer drop in help and you can also make appointments with specific tutors.

Access and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)

If you have a documented disability that requires academic accommodations, please let me know within the first two weeks of classes. You will need to send me the Instructor Notification Form, so I can prepare the accommodations correctly. To request academic accommodations due to a disability, please contact the ADRC (847) 543-2474 in Room B171. More info here.

Other

CLC Student Resources

Thriving in college involves studying and taking care of you. CLC offers many free resources to ensure that you will achieve your educational goals. Support for your basic needs such as food, housing, finances, technology, and access to wellness and mental health services are available. You are eligible for most resources simply by being a CLC student. Visit student resources in the Student Portal or the resources section inside Navigate360 for information. Email resources@clcillinois.edu for assistance. 

Access and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)

The College of Lake County prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in its services, programs, activities, and employment. The Access and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) provides academic accommodation, information and support to students with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities may be provided the following classroom accommodations, including but not limited to extended time for exams, in-class note-takers, sign language interpreters, and assistive equipment. The ADRC is located in Room B171 at the Grayslake Campus. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the ADRC office at (847) 543–2474 or ADRC@clcillinois.edu. If you have already sent the Faculty Notification Letter through myADRC, please set a time to meet with your instructor to discuss your needs. 

Advising Center

The Advising Center supports students with making the transition to college life and reaching their academic and career goals. Each student is assigned an Academic Success Advisor (ASA) who will be the point person for assisting the student during their time at CLC. Students can find who their ASA is via the My Classes section on the Student Portal or in Navigate360 and connect with them via Navigate360’s online appointment scheduler, in addition to via email, text, or phone. Students can also contact the Advising Center at (847) 543–2085, advising@clcillinois.edu or stop by the Welcome and One Stop Center at the Grayslake Campus. 

Career and Job Placement Center (CJPC)

Career and Job Placement Center (CJPC) helps CLC students learn the skills to prepare job search materials such as cover letters and resumes, find student employment jobs on campus, and job leads, interview successfully, network and find an internship and apprenticeship opportunities. Career Specialists are available to meet with students individually. Make an appointment to get a jumpstart on your career! 

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

FREE mental health services are available at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Please call (847) 543–2032 or come to the office in Room A151 at the Grayslake Campus to make an appointment and to learn more about appointment options across all three campuses. Currently enrolled students at ALL campuses are eligible for CAPS services and can take advantage of both in-person and zoom appointments. Students can also make an appointment with the Community Resource Coordinator who helps address social needs (e.g., housing insecurity, food insecurity) that may be impacting your ability to achieve academic success. Read about our therapy and outreach services, learn about our Mental Health Peer Educators, and take a free mental health screener on the CAPS page in the Student Portal. If you have a crisis outside of CAPS hours, please call or text 988 to be connected to a trained crisis support professional.  

Educational Technology

Regular computer access is important for your success in this course. Students who need assistance to access computers, internet hotspots, calculators and other technology tools should visit the technology resources page in the Student Portal for information about accessing and borrowing technology. 

SHARE Market

The SHARE (Stopping Hunger and Reaching Excellence) Market at the Grayslake and Lakeshore Campuses provides non-perishable food and household supplies to students who need basic needs support. If a student has additional needs, contact 211 Lake County by calling 211 or texting your ZIP code to 898211. If you have questions, call (847) 543-2007 or email sharemarket@clcillinois.edu.  

Tutoring - Including Writing Center & Math Center

The Tutoring Center offers free, personalized academic support to CLC students in a range of subjects, including writing, math, science and business. Tutoring is available online via Zoom or in person at the Grayslake Campus (Room L135), Lakeshore Campus (Room 34-205), or Southlake Campus (Room V212). Writing support is also available asynchronously via email. Make an appointment using Navigate360 or visit the Tutoring Center in Canvas for a complete list of subjects, locations and hours. If you have questions, stop by, call (847) 543–2036 or email tutoring@clcillinois.edu. 

Undocumented Student Advisor

The Undocumented Student Resource Advisor (USRA) supports and empowers undocumented, DACA and mixed-status students and helps them navigate their academic and personal journeys. Students who identify as undocumented, DACA, or from mixed-status families are encouraged to contact the advisor for guidance, campus services and other needs. Schedule an initial consultation to receive support. The Undocumented Student Resource Advisor is located in Room B168 at the Grayslake Campus and S116 at the Lakeshore Campus. All services provided by the USRA are private. 

Academic Dishonesty

Please be aware, committing academic dishonesty is a serious offense. The College has a clear definition of academic dishonesty which includes but is not limited to the following five main categories: academic sabotage, cheating, fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism. There are consequences for committing academic dishonesty which involve both academic sanctions (penalties) and indication of the violation on the student’s permanent CLC Conduct Record. That said, the College is committed to help reduce Academic Dishonesty through education, therefore please utilize the following resource: Academic Integrity Information Course (Canvas Course).

COVID-19 Information

Before coming to campus, please conduct a personal wellness check and stay home if you are sick.  If you have been recently diagnosed with COVID-19, email the COVID-19 Concerns Team at covid19concerns@clcillinois.edu prior to coming to campus.

Disclosure of Classroom Recordings

When appropriate, accommodations may allow a student to record or capture classroom instruction and discussion. Students who qualify for such accommodations are required to abide by the terms and conditions of the College regarding the appropriate use of such services and/or devices. This means that pursuant to 720 ILCS 5/14-2(2014), all students are hereby notified that all course content may be recorded without further announcement and without individual consent.

Land Acknowledgement Statement

We respectfully acknowledge that the College of Lake County is on the ancestral homelands of the Kickapoo, Peoria, Potawatomi, and other Native Peoples. We recognize the longstanding significance of these lands for Indigenous Peoples past, present, and future. Historical awareness of Indigenous exclusion and erasure is critically important to preventing further atrocities. The College of Lake County pledges to acknowledge the grave injustices of the past and pledges to create awareness and advance education that invites truth.

Non-Discrimination

The College of Lake County is committed to providing an educational and workplace environment free from harassment and discrimination and accordingly will not tolerate discrimination or harassment against any person because of race, color, age, sex, national origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, citizenship, parental status, pregnancy, domestic violence, economic status or any other status protected by law. This Policy applies to all College employees, students, visitors, volunteers, independent contractors, elected officials, and third-parties in connection with any College program or activity, whether on or off campus. Any student who believes they have been subject to unlawful discrimination or harassment is encouraged to immediately contact the Title IX Coordinator or Student Conduct Officer.

Religious Observance

The College of Lake County accommodates individual students' religious observances in regard to admissions, class attendance, scheduling of examinations, and work. To request accommodation, students who expect to miss classes, examinations, or other assignments as a consequence of their religious observance should provide me advance notice of the date or dates they will be absent.

Safe Zone

As a means of increasing CLC’s commitment to open access and educational opportunity, CLC has actively participated in the national Safe Zone program since the fall semester of 2003. The national program represents an effort to address homophobia, heterosexism, and transphobia in schools and is intended to provide support for LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff. The LGBTQ+ Resource Center facilitated program tangibly identifies safe allies for LGBTQ+ people in an effort to increase students’ academic success and retention. I hereby declare myself as such an ally, and this class as a Safe Zone.

It is CLC policy for students to use whatever bathroom they wish to use on campus. This policy is supported by the gender-inclusive signs in front of every bathroom. There is also a single unit, gender-neutral bathroom stall in the C-wing on the first floor (C160A).

If you wish to change your name on Canvas to your preferred name, please contact the Dean of Student Life, by calling (847) 543-2287.

Student Records/FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) gives students certain rights with respect to their education records. Please see the CLC catalog for more details, or learn more about FERPA.

Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy (SRRP)

The Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy (SRRP) and associated procedures describe students' rights and responsibilities, as well as examples of misconduct inconsistent with the academic environment at CLC. For more information, refer to Student Rights and Responsibilities Procedures (PDF).

Title IX

The College of Lake County seeks to provide an environment that is free of bias, discrimination, and harassment. If you have been the victim of sexual harassment/misconduct/assault, we encourage you to report this. If you report this to a faculty member, they must notify our college's Title IX coordinator about the basic facts of the incident. For more information about your options at CLC, refer to Title IX Procedures (PDF). You can also contact Kristin Jones, Title IX and Compliance Coordinator, at kjones24@clcillinois.edu or by calling (847) 543-2464. 

Withdrawing from Class

You are responsible for dropping or withdrawing from classes you do not intend to complete. Grades of W will only be assigned to students who withdraw themselves. Tuition and fee refunds will be issued to eligible students based upon the effective date of withdrawal, which is recorded in the system at the time the student drops the class.

Instructors are required to administratively withdraw students who never attended or stopped attending class. All administratively withdrawn courses will remain on your academic record and are not eligible for a refund. Grades will be assigned based on dates of attendance:

WN – You never attended class: no impact on GPA

WS – You stopped attending class: no impact on GPA 

FW – You stopped attending class after the official withdraw deadline and your instructor deems you failing: equivalent of F grade for GPA. 

In order to withdraw and receive a grade of W after the deadline, you must request a withdrawal from your instructor; requests must be made in writing and additional approvals may be required. You must have a passing grade at the time the withdrawal request is made. Once approved, you will be withdrawn from class.