Syllabus
Contemporary Math 201 and 202 - Summer 2026
MTH 140 201
Contemporary Mathematics
Course Syllabus
Instructor Information
- Cristina SizemoreEmail: csizemore@clcillinois.eduPhone Number: 847-543-2906Location: C162 Grayslake CampusOffice Hours:
Click on the Zoom link posted on the front page of Canvas at any time during the announced days/times or drop by my office during face-to-face office hours
Email Etiquette
Effective communication is crucial for a successful online learning experience. Please adhere to the following guidelines when corresponding via email:
For Your Instructor (Me)
Response Time: Please allow me 24-48 hours to respond to your emails. During weekdays, I usually respond much faster.
Check First: Before emailing, always check the Syllabus to see if your question has already been answered there. This helps ensure a quicker resolution for common inquiries!
For You (The Student)
Official Email: Always use your CLC email to correspond with me.
Subject Line Clarity: Your subject line must include the name of the class you are in (e.g. of subject lines, "MTH 140 Homework Question" or "140 - Help"). I teach multiple online classes, and including this information will help me respond to you much faster without having to look up which class you're in.
Clear and Complete Questions: Use complete sentences and be as clear and specific as possible when asking your questions.
Visual Aid: If you are encountering an error or a technical issue, please include a screenshot to help me understand and address the problem more effectively.
Course Details
This course is to develop competency in analytical reasoning, problem solving, and multi-step decision making 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, linear programming, and game theory.
NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact EMPS division office for details. This course does not meet the math requirement in the Associate of Science and Associate of Engineering Science, but may be used as elective credits.
Prerequisites: Prerequisites: MTH 105 or MTH 108 or higher level math course (C or better) -or- two years of approved high school algebra (C or better) and Basic Algebra Readiness -or- an appropriate score on the CLC Math Placement Test, Math ACT, or Math SAT.
Credit Hours: 3.00
Lancer Learning Outcomes
- Collaboration - Work cooperatively and contribute productively within varied group dynamics to achieve shared goals.
- Communication - Create and express ideas in a manner that appropriately attends to audience, context and purpose.
- Critical Thinking - Identify issues, define vital questions, and analyze evidence in a manner that leads to well-reasoned judgements and conclusions.
- Quantitative Reasoning - Understand numerical data, solve quantitative problems, and apply mathematical reasoning to various academic and everyday life situations.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Estimate and check answers to mathematical problems in order to determine reasonableness, identify alternatives, and select optimal results.
- Analyze relationships between mathematical structures.
- Use pattern recognition and mathematical modeling as problem solving tools.
- Represent mathematical information symbolically, visually, numerically, and verbally
- Interpret mathematical representations such as formulas, graphs, tables, and schematics, and draw inferences from them.
- Recognize the limitations of mathematical models.
Required Materials
- Title: Contemporary MathematicsSubtitle: College of Lake County’s Open Education Resource text (free)
Recommended Materials
- Title: TI-84 or TI-83 plus or TI-83 graphing calculator.Additional Information
You can buy new, used or check out one (and other technology) from CLC here
Assignment Overview
Your overall course grade will be based on your performance on the Exams, Canvas Homeworks, Check-ins and a cumulative Final Exam.
Exams:
Each exam is in person proctored at an approved test site. Each exam is taken on Canvas and includes vocabulary, short essay questions, and problems directly based on your homework and notes. You will be allowed to make a one 8.5 x 11 inch page(front and back) formula sheet you can use during the exams.
Important exam policies:
- AI tools are strictly prohibited - any use of artificial intelligence assistance will result in academic dishonesty charges
- You may use your own formula sheet only during the exam and a regular/graphing calculator
- Absolutely no make-ups or retakes - plan accordingly (however, your final exam score may replace your lowest or missed exam)
- One attempt only - once you begin, that's your final submission
- You have a 3-day window to take each exam, but once you start, you cannot save and return later - you must complete it in one sitting at an approved testing center
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.
Check-ins assignments
- Additional assignments like written homeworks, discussions, interactive simulations, reflections, and engaging activities are scheduled weekly 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 10% 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).
Late Work
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. The final exam will replace a lowest exam grade (if higher). While this policy provides a safety net for an off day or unexpected circumstances, you should plan to take all three exams. Missing an exam intentionally removes your buffer against illness, emergencies, or underperformance on a later test. Be strategic - take every exam and give yourself the best chance at success in the course.
Grading
Exam dates are fixed and listed in the course schedule below. Mark these dates on your calendar now and plan accordingly - request time off work, arrange transportation, and avoid scheduling other commitments on these days. If you anticipate any conflicts, contact me immediately rather than waiting until exam day.
Exam Dates
| Exam 1 | Monday June 22nd - Wednesday June 24th |
| Exam 2 | Monday July 13th - Wednesday July 15th |
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).
Final Exam is Monday July 27th - Wednesday July 29th
| Table with grade distribution percentages | |
|---|---|
| Grade Distribution | Final Grade Scale |
Two Exams 50% | > 89.5% = A |
Online Canvas Homework 15% | > 79.5% = B |
Check-ins Assignments 10% | > 69.5% = C |
Final exam 25% | > 59.5% = D |
| below 59.5% = F |
Student Resources
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.
Academic Calendar
View key dates for the semester including mid-term, break times, and commencement on the Academic Calendar.
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, interpreters, and readers. The ADRC is located in Room B171 at the Grayslake Campus. Additional information may be obtained by calling 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 resumés, 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 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. 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 contact 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.
Basic Needs Resources
The Community Resource Coordinator connects students to campus and community resources that address basic needs, including homelessness or housing insecurity, public benefits (such as Medicaid and SNAP), child care resources, utility assistance, transportation, and healthcare access. The SHARE Market student pantry at the Grayslake (Room A013) and Lakeshore (Room S126A) Campuses provides supplemental food and personal supplies to students. The Lancer Emergency Assistance Fund (LEAF) assists students with urgent needs such as housing, transportation and utilities. Evening and weekend basic needs assistance is available from 211 Lake County by calling 211 or texting your ZIP code to 898211.
Tutoring
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 Resource Advisor
The Undocumented Student Resource Advisor (USRA) provides guidance, support, and referrals to students of all immigration statuses. The USRA is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment and offers specialized support for undocumented students, DACA recipients, and students from mixed-status families as they navigate their academic and personal journeys. Students seeking information, resources, or referrals related to campus services are encouraged to contact the advisor to schedule an initial consultation, available in person or via Zoom. The USRA is located in Room B168 at the Grayslake Campus and S116 at the Lakeshore Campus. Services provided by the USRA are private and confidential.
Institutional Policies
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).
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.
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 06/14/2026 | Withdraw from course via Student Center | transcript will not reflect enrollment in the course and you will be refunded |
| Between the Refund Date 06/14/2026 & the last day to withdraw 07/16/2026 | 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 07/16/2026 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 at this point 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. |
