MA 103-601 Spring 2026

Topics in Contemporary Mathematics Course Syllabus

Department of Mathematics · NC State University

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Table of Contents

Course Information

Welcome to MA 103! This course is designed to introduce you, the students, to applications of mathematics that lie outside of STEM fields and which have seen major innovations in the last century. The course also aims to expand your notions of what mathematics and mathematical reasoning entail and what sorts of fields they can be applied to, and to build your confidence in engaging with mathematical reasoning. This semester, we’ll be focusing on three main topics: voting theory, network analysis, and cryptography.

Course Description

(3 credit hours) Primarily for students in Humanities and Social Sciences. Illustrations of contemporary uses of mathematics, varying from semester to semester, frequently including sets and logic, counting procedures, probability, modular arithmetic, and game theory.

Prerequisite: MA 101 or equivalent completed in high school

GEP Mathematical Sciences.

Learning Objectives

You will be able to explain and apply foundational concepts in voting theory, network analysis, and cryptography, and you will be able to identify major recent innovations in these fields. You will also be able to explain how mathematics has impacted our understanding of these fields. And you will be able to engage with the mathematical practices of mathematical modeling, abstraction, example generation and analysis, and deductive reasoning as they pertain to these fields.

Course Structure

Lecture Materials

Your primary instruction for this online course will be through watching the lecture videos posted on the Moodle site. These videos were recorded by Dr. Stepan Paul from NC State specifically for this section of MA 103. They are organized into 26 lessons, each of which corresponds roughly to one class meeting (most lessons contain more than one video). The videos have embedded questions that you’ll need to answer along the way, which are designed to give you immediate practice with the material and keep you engaged with content. There are also Preview Questions for each lesson that should be completed before watching the corresponding videos. These are designed to get you thinking about the questions that will be addressed in the videos.

Live sessions

Our live sessions will be most Wednesdays at 2pm. They are optional to attend and will be recorded and posted on the course Moodle page. Please check Announcements for any changes or cancellations of weekly live sessions.

Communication and Getting Help

Forum

The course will use a Moodle Discussion Forum for asking and answering questions regarding the homework, exam preparation, and logistics. If you have a question, then one of your classmates may have already asked it on the forum; if not, you can make a new post. Students can answer each other’s questions, and instructors will monitor the forum regularly.

Email

Contact me for confidential and private discussions about grades, scheduling office hours, etc. Please include MA 103 in the subject line. In general, I may not respond to messages outside of business hours (M-F, 9am-5pm), and it may take 24-72 hours for me to respond to an message. Math questions are generally best asked in office hours or on our forum, not by email.

Tutoring Centers

During the regular school year, there is free help available on campus for MA 103. See the following links:

For Drop-In Tutoring hours, notice the MTC is open during the day, and the ASC is open in the evening.

We encourage and expect you to work together with your classmates on homework assignments and studying, either remotely or in person.

Homework

Moodle Online Homework

You will have online homework assignments through Moodle. These will typically be due on Wednesday nights at 11:59pm. Please always check the assignments themselves, as the due dates are posted for each one.

Written Peer-Graded Homework

You will also have written assignments on Moodle. These are short answer questions that you’ll answer in paragraph form. You’ll have 1 or 2 of these per week. These will typically be due on Wednesday nights at 11:59pm, and the assessments will typically be due on Friday nights at 11:59pm. Late submissions are NOT allowed.

You are also responsible for doing a peer assessment for each other's work on Moodle. A rubric is provided for each question, and you’ll be assigned 4 other students’ responses to evaluate. You’ll get a grade based on both how your response is evaluated and on your evaluation of others. This process will be overseen by the instructional staff, and scores may be overridden. The purpose of this peer-grading system is to give you a chance to see what goes into quality responses on the homework so that you can be best prepared for the exams.

You should still complete the written problem assessment if you miss the corresponding written problem submission.

Test Information

Proctors

All examinations will be proctored through DELTA. You will either take your exam with DELTA, or coordinate remote proctoring with DELTA, according to which situation best describes you:

I encourage you to look through DELTA Testing Service's website, especially their frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Note: the word remote in this context means that you are using a professional testing site (for example, a testing center, a local library, a college, etc.) other than DELTA. Remote testing does not mean testing at home.

Please sign up your preferred time and date as soon as possible. Time slots fill up fast:

Your Final Exam Schedule On‑Campus Testing Off‑Campus Proctoring Reschedule with DELTA DELTA FAQs

You may reschedule an exam appointment directly with DELTA using the link above. You do not need to contact the instructor for permission, provided that your new appointment is scheduled within the exam's posted date range.

DELTA and exam links

Test Dates

Here are the test dates for this course; as soon as possible, please sign up for a suitable time with your proctor:

Calculators

You may use scientific calculators on exams. These calculators must not have calculus capabilities (differentiation, integration), CAS (computer algebra system) capabilities, or access to the internet.

There are descriptions and examples of calculators here: Calculator Guidelines. If you are on-campus, you may rent a suitable calculator from the NC State Libraries: Calculator rentals at NC State Libraries.

Test Format

Each exam will be taken as a Moodle quiz. If you select a remote proctor, your proctor must be able to administer this type of exam. You may not bring your own laptop to the testing center to take the exam.

Classroom Expectations

  1. Course Structure: This is an online class; you are responsible for your own learning and for pacing yourself within course guidelines.

    • Watch the video lectures scheduled each week and follow the Course Calendar.
    • Track all due dates in Moodle and on the Course Calendar.
    • Complete all assignments in a timely fashion.
    • Post your math questions in the course forum for discussions and Q&A.
    • Optional: attend live sessions.

  2. Communication and announcements: Please check your email, the course forum, and the Moodle site regularly. All announcements sent by email will also be saved under Announcements on Moodle. You are responsible for knowing the content of course emails.

  3. Respect and professionalism: Treat everyone in class (students and instructor) with respect and courtesy. Be active and prepared in any live sessions. Come to office hours ready to ask questions and communicate with others.

  4. Accountability: You are responsible for resolving any confusion about assignments, due dates, exams, accommodations, etc., in a prompt manner.

  5. Academic integrity: Do not submit work that is not yours. It is understood that your name on any assignment indicates your adherence to the NC State Honor Pledge: "I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this test or assignment."

  6. Exam device policy: Review the permitted items before each exam. Keep phones and other forbidden devices powered off and stored away during exams to avoid accidental use.

Student Success

Student well-being is important to success at NC State. Every student, faculty member, and staff member enriches the community through varied perspectives, knowledge, and experience. Our classroom should be a space where every student is respected and heard.

In an effort to affirm and respect the identities of all students in the classroom and beyond, please contact me if you wish to be referred to using a name and/or pronouns other than those listed in the student directory.

I welcome any suggestions you have for making our classroom more welcoming.

Grading

Grade Weighting and Numerical Conversion

Your grade will be determined by the following breakdown:

Grades are tracked in real-time in the Moodle Gradebook.

Conversion from Numerical Grade to Letter Grade

A student's numerical average will be converted to a letter grade as follows (do not expect any additional rounding, extra credit, or curves):

Standard Conversion Table
Grade Range
A+97-100
A93-96.99
A-90-92.99
B+87-89.99
B83-86.99
B-80-82.99
C+77-79.99
C73-76.99
C-70-72.99
D+67-69.99
D63-66.99
D-60-62.99
F0-59

Requirements for Credit-Only (S/U) Grading

In order to receive a grade of S, students are required to take all exams, complete all assignments, and earn a grade of C- or better. Conversion from letter grading to credit only (S/U) grading is subject to university deadlines. Refer to the Registration and Records calendar for deadlines related to grading. For more details refer to REG 02.20.15 - Credit-Only Courses.

It is the student's responsibility to check if an S grade gives progress towards their degree(s).

Requirements for Auditors (AU)

Information about and requirements for auditing a course can be found at REG 02.20.04 - Audits.

Policies on Incomplete Grades

NC State Policy

At the discretion of the instructor, students may be given an IN grade for work not completed because of a serious interruption in their work not caused by their own negligence. An IN must not be used, however, as a substitute for an F when the student's performance in the course is deserving of failing. An IN is only appropriate when the student's record in the course is such that the successful completion of particular assignments, projects, or tests missed as a result of a documented serious event would enable that student to pass the course.

If an extended deadline is not authorized by the instructor or department, an unfinished incomplete grade will automatically change to an F after either (a) the end of the next regular semester in which the student is enrolled (not including summer sessions), or (b) the end of 12 months if the student is not enrolled, whichever is shorter. Incompletes that change to F will count as an attempted course on transcripts. The burden of fulfilling an incomplete grade is the responsibility of the student. See the university policy on incomplete grades: REG 02.50.03 - Grades and Grade Point Average.

Course Schedule

The course schedule is tentative and subject to change. Adjustments may be made to accommodate the pace of the class and unforeseen circumstances. All major changes will be announced in class and posted on Moodle.

Important Dates

For holidays and other university closures, please consult the general NC State Academic Calendar.

Your final exam schedule is already determined; find it here: NC State Final Exam Calendar. You are responsible for reviewing your final exam sessions to arrange a suitable time for this course.

List of Topics

Here are the major topics of MA 103, with the approximate regular-semester time allocated to each:

Course Continuity

To ensure course continuity, changes made to the method of instructional delivery, course structure, course schedule, number of assignments, grading or other aspects of the course after the start of the term will be communicated to all students in written form (e.g., by an instructor announcement) when course changes are implemented.

Additional Information

Student Expenses

There are no expected expenses for this course.

Late Assignments

Generally no late assignments are accepted in this course. Please plan your work carefully and submit assignments by their stated deadlines. Extensions may be occasionally granted by the instructor for extenuating circumstances, which are best documented with NC State Absence Verification.

For longer-term, recurring, or more serious illness or other interruptions to your participation in this class, you should reach out to your instructor as soon as you can.

Late Examinations

Excused absense. If an exam is missed with an excused absence (that is, for a university-approved reason with supporting documentation), then a make-up test will be scheduled individually. The make-up test may contain different questions and be assessed differently than the regular test. Documentation for an excused absence must be provided within 1 week of the missed class. All absences that require a make-up exam or other special accommodations must go through the NC State University absence verification process. Here is the link to that office: NC State Absence Verification.

Failure to schedule. You must schedule exams in a timely fashion to guarantee that you will be able to take them. It is the instructor’s discretion whether a make-up exam will be allowed if you are not able to schedule an exam appointment within the selected time frame. If the instructor approves a make-up exam, there may be a 10% penalty on that exam. The make-up test may contain different questions and be assessed differently than the regular test.

Other absences. If an exam is missed for an unexcused absence, that exam will be given a score of 0.

Attendance

Since this course is an asynchronous online course, there is no daily attendance. Instead, each student's participation in Moodle is tracked to check for regular activity. For complete attendance and excused absence policies, please see Attendance Regulations (NCSU REG 02.20.03).

Academic Integrity

Students are required to comply with the university policy on academic integrity found in the Code of Student Conduct (NCSU POL11.35.01). Your submission of any exam indicates "I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this test or assignment." Violations of academic integrity will be handled in accordance with the Student Discipline Procedures (NCSU REG 11.35.02).

Posting any course material to websites like Chegg, ChatGPT, and Course Hero is a violation of copyright law and course policy and is strictly prohibited. Violations of this policy will be reported to the Office of Student Conduct.

Disability Resources

Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with verifiable disabilities. In order to take advantage of available accommodations, students must register with the Disability Resource Office at Holmes Hall, Suite 304, 2751 Cates Avenue, Campus Box 7509, 919-515-7653. For more information on NC State's policy on working with students with disabilities, please see the Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Regulation (NCSU REG 02.20.01).

Students who receive accommodations are responsible for filing those accommodations officially with DRO before the tests occur. It is not appropriate to tell the instructor that you should receive accommodations without going through the official channels. The instructor will only adjust test conditions after receiving the official Accommodation Letter Notification from DRO. Adjustments are never made retroactively to past examinations.

Digital Course Components

Because of the way our course is structured, students need internet connectivity in order to read course materials and complete assignments. NC State's Office of Information Technology (OIT) provides technology guidance, including requirements and recommendations for computer hardware.

For access to computing hardware, please see the NC State University Libraries Technology Lending and the general Library Computing resources. There are several computers available for use around campus, including in the Mathematics Tutoring Center.

Digitally hosted course components will include but are not limited to Moodle and Zoom.

Software

There are several resources available to assist students with technical or computer issues. For technology help, please consult the Office of Information Technology at NC State University.

Here are some of the primary applications commonly used in online mathematics courses:

You must address the accessibility of these websites for yourself during the course drop/add period.

The instructor is not responsible for ensuring privacy or accessibility of electronic materials that are not required components of the course (e.g., links to supplemental information that is not part of the required reading list). However, the instructor will judiciously consider the privacy, copyright, and accessibility of supplemental links provided to students and warn them of any known issues or concerns in this regard. See Online Course Material Host Requirements (NCSU REG 08.00.11).

Electronically Hosted Components

Please be advised that live meetings for this course may be recorded for current and potential future educational purposes. By your continued participation in this recorded course, you are providing your permission to be recorded. If you would like for your likeness to be edited out of a recorded video, please contact me and I will edit the video accordingly.

Required Statement

Students may be required to disclose personally identifiable information to other students in the course, via digital tools, such as email or web-postings, where relevant to the course. Examples include online discussions of class topics, and posting of student coursework. All students are expected to respect the privacy of each other by not sharing or using such information outside the course.

Additional NC State Rules and Regulations

Your rights and responsibilities

Students are responsible for reviewing the NC State University Policies, Rules, and Regulations (PRRs), which pertain to their course rights and responsibilities, including, but not limited to:

You may also find additional references at NC State Office of Equal Opportunity.

Non-Discrimination Policy

NC State University provides equality of opportunity in education and employment for all students and employees. Accordingly, NC State affirms its commitment to maintain a work environment for all employees and an academic environment for all students that is free from all forms of discrimination. Discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation is a violation of state and federal law and/or NC State University policy and will not be tolerated. Harassment of any person (either in the form of quid pro quo or creation of a hostile environment) based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation also is a violation of state and federal law and/or NC State University policy and will not be tolerated. Retaliation against any person who complains about discrimination is also prohibited. NC State's policies and regulations covering discrimination, harassment, and retaliation may be accessed at

POL 04.25.05 - Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Policy or the Office of Equal Opportunity

Any person who feels that he or she has been the subject of prohibited discrimination, harassment, or retaliation should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity (OEO) at 919-515-3148.

Support

Everyone is encouraged to take care of themselves and their peers. If you need additional support, there are many resources on campus to help you:

  1. Counseling Center
  2. Health Center
  3. Share a Concern
  4. Pack Essentials

Course Evaluations

ClassEval is the end-of-semester survey for students to evaluate instruction of all university classes. The current survey is administered online and includes 12 closed-ended questions and 3 open-ended questions. Deans, department heads, and instructors may add a limited number of their own questions to these 15 common-core questions.

Each semester students' responses are compiled into a ClassEval report for every instructor and class. Instructors use the evaluations to improve instruction and include them in their promotion and tenure dossiers, while department heads use them in annual reviews. The reports are included in instructors' personnel files and are considered confidential.

Online class evaluations will be available for students to complete during the last two weeks of the semester for full semester courses and the last week of shorter sessions. Students will receive an email directing them to a website to complete class evaluations. These become unavailable at 8am on the first day of finals.

Required statement

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement. This statement is required per UNC Policy Manual 400.1.6, adopted 12/19/2025.

Syllabus Modification Statement

Our syllabus represents a flexible agreement. It outlines the topics we will cover and the order we will cover them in. Minor changes in the syllabus can occur if we need to slow down or speed up the pace of instruction.

Per REG 02.20.07 – Course Syllabus, syllabi do not constitute an express or implied contract among the student, faculty, or institution. Rather, syllabi serve as a guide for the course.