Introduction to topics in contemporary mathematics. Topics may include the theory of finance, perspective and symmetry in art, formal Aristotelian logic, graph theory, probability and odds, statistics, elementary number theory, optimization, numeracy in the real world, and historical topics in mathematics that have influenced contemporary mathematics. (Topics will vary)

The Contemporary Mathematics course associated with this resource was built using the Lumen OHM platform, and GUEST access is available to view the course content in Canvas Commons and in Lumen OHM.

This course is based on the text Math in Society, edited by David Lippman, Pierce College Ft Steilacoom, and on the text Using Excel, by Noreen Brown, Barbara Lave, Julie Romey, Mary Schatz, and Diane Shingledecker. The modules in this course have been adapted and edited by Gail Poitrast to fit the learning objectives of Math 502.

This course is a survey of contemporary mathematical topics, most non-algebraic, appropriate for a college-level quantitative literacy topics course for liberal arts majors. The text is designed so that most chapters are independent. Emphasis is placed on the applicability of the mathematics. The use of Excel is also explored, as it is a learning objective for Math 502.

The course’s content, assignments, and assessments for Math for Our World are aligned to the following topics:

Chapter 1: General Problem Solving
Problem Solving with Proportional Relationships and Geometry
Unit Conversion
Estimation, Precision and Accuracy

Chapter 2: Excel
Data Entering, Editing, and Formatting
Data Analysis, Statistical Functions & Formulas
Charts: Choosing & Formatting Appropriately

Chapter 3: Math of Finance
Simple and Compound Interest
Annuities and Loans

Chapter 4: Statistics: Collecting Data
Data Collection Basics
Sampling and Experimentation
Graphical Representation of Data

Chapter 5: Statistics: Describing Data
Measure of Central Tendency
Measures of Distribution

Chapter 6: Normal Distribution
The Normal Curve
Z-scores and Percentiles

Chapter 7: Probability
Computing the Probability of an Event
Applications With Probability

The purpose of this course is to expose you to the wider world of mathematical thinking. There are two reasons for this. First, for you to understand the power of quantitative thinking and the power of numbers in solving and dealing with real world scenarios. Secondly, for you to understand that there is more to mathematics then expressions and equations. The core course is a complete, ready to run, fully online course, featuring 9 topics: Problem solving, voting theory, graph theory, growth models, consumer finance, collecting data, describing data, probability, and historical counting. Additional optional topics are provided. The course materials can easily be used with a face-to-face course.

Math in Society is a free, open textbook. This book is a survey of contemporary mathematical topics, most non-algebraic, appropriate for a college-level quantitative literacy topics course for liberal arts majors. The text is designed so that most chapters are independent, allowing the instructor to choose a selection of topics to be covered. Emphasis is placed on the applicability of the mathematics. Core material for each topic is covered in the main text, with additional depth available through exploration exercises appropriate for in-class, group, or individual investigation. This book is appropriate for Washington State Community Colleges' Math 107.

Access also available here: https://aimath.org/textbooks/approved-textbooks/lippman/

Table of Contents
Problem Solving
Voting Theory
Weighted Voting
Apportionment
Fair Division
Graph Theory
Scheduling
Growth Models
Finance
Statistics
Describing Data
Probability
Sets
Historical Counting Systems
Fractals
Cryptography