Math 230 CRN 74675: Mathematics for the Humanities
Fall 2023
Instructor: Kerstin Riggenbach
Welcome to Math 230: Mathematics for the Humanities. My name is Kerstin Riggenbach and I will be your instructor for the in-person instruction of Math 230 at the North Campus RM 2803.
The course will begin on Aug. 15th , and will be a TTh course from 5-6:20 pm. The course will be an in-person with some on-line activities which will be posted through CANVAS.
To let you know a little about me and who your instructor is, I’ve taught mathematics for 34 years, which included 31 years at a local high school, 2 years at a Correctional Facility and 17 years at Cuesta, mostly at the North Campus. I’ve had the privilege to teach a huge variety of mathematics from basic mathematics, to Calculus, and math never ceases to amaze me with its elegance and beauty. My goal is to have students feel success and also see its beauty. Please read this page carefully as there will be more information.
Contact information
Email Address: kriggenb@cuesta.edu
Office Location/ Hours: North Campus 4:30-5:00 TTH
Instructor Contact Expectations:
The best and fastest way to contact me when the course is in session is through In-Box (email via Canvas) or during office hours. My office is at the North campus and office hours will be from 4:30- 5:00, before class. I always welcome office hour visits! For email, I will generally respond to your emails within 24 hours during weekdays of M – W only. During busy times of the semester, the response time may increase. On weekends, I will do my best to get back to you during the week.
Course Environment:
This course will be a in person lecture format using Learning Management System Canvas as an additional method to disseminate information. Class attendance and participation will be crucial for success in this face 2 face course. Notes, Exams, Worksheets and Group Problems will all be done in in class on assigned days. Canvas provides the framework for the course including PowerPoint presentations, student data files, the tools to receive and send course materials, and a grade book. Using the communication tools, you can communicate using In-Box (e-mail), and you can share materials and ideas with other course participants via the discussion forums and groups.
Class opens / Accessing Canvas:
Prior to the Tuesday August 15th, you will receive an email to your my.Cuesta.edu address providing you with a reminder that class will be starting and log in procedures for Canvas, the learning management system (LMS) used to deliver course content. Prior to class, I will open our course shell on Canvas so you can see the course structure. You can access Canvas by logging into MyCuesta, then clicking on the Resources Tab, then clicking on Canvas in the Online Learning Channel, or by typing the Canvas address (https://cuesta.instructure.com/) into your browser address bar. Do not bookmark / favorite the canvas site after your login, or you will get an error message next time you try to log in. You must access the canvas log in directly.
If you are not familiar with logging into canvas, please refer to the Canvas Quick Reference Guide. Once logged into Canvas you will be directed on where to get started. Be sure to read all the direction on the course home page.
If you are having difficulty logging into Canvas after Jan 18th and need assistance please email me or technical support at this email address: support@instructure.com
Regular Effective Contact policy:
Regular and Consistent attendance will be expected throughout the 18 week semester in which Effective Instructor Contact will be met through weekly TTH instruction and office hours in addition to possible instructor initiated threaded discussion forums; weekly announcements to students; timely and effective feedback on student assignments; email.
Course Description
This course is designed to deepen your knowledge of the nature of mathematical thinking and to explore applications and the history of mathematics from ancient times to the present. Some of the topics in this section of Math 230 include early numeration systems, set theory, mathematics in art, mathematical reasoning, probability, counting theory, and finance.
For the official course description and course outline of record please go to CurricUNET:
Student Learning Outcomes
- Analyze a graph or table and use the information to answer follow-up questions in either set-theory, graph theory, or logic problems.
- Identify key words and interpret their meaning into symbolic language including conjunction disjunction, and conditionals.
- Choose an appropriate method to correctly solve a counting or probability problem. Clearly communicate your results and put them into the context of the original problem.
Text Book and Materials
Chapter Topics to be Covered
Chapter 1 – Problem Solving
Chapter 2 – Set Theory
Chapter 3 – Logic
Chapter 4 - Number Systems
Chapter 6 - Counting
Chapter 7 – Probability
Chapter 8 Secret Codes
Chapter 9 Money
- Supplemental Materials necessary for the class, as applicable. For example:
- A scientific Calculator will also be required
Technical Support
Cuesta students are encouraged to direct all technical support inquiries to support@my.cuesta.edu. If you are having issues with Canvas, you should contact the Canvas Support Hotline at (877) 921-7680, or click on the help button on the Canvas Navigation to report a problem.
If you are having difficulty viewing the course or logging in, it may be because you are not using the correct url: https://cuesta.instructure.com/ or you are using your phone or using an unsupported browser.
Your learning environment is best accessed from a desktop or laptop computer, using Firefox or Chrome. This may solve your problem! Please review the browser requirements and minimum computer specifications at:
Accommodations:
This course is designed using an accessible Learning Management System, and course materials have been created with ADA compliance in mind. If you have a disability and might need accommodations in this class such as extended time on exams or other resources. Please contact the instructor as soon as possible so that you can receive appropriate accommodations in a timely manner. You should also contact DSPS (Disabled Student Programs & Services) at 805-546-3148 or
College & Course Policies:
Academic Honesty Policy: [Identify your course specific academic honesty policy]. In addition to my course policy, please note all students attending San Luis Obispo County Community College District at any district site and when representing Cuesta College in any off-campus activity, assume an obligation to conduct themselves in an acceptable manner compatible with the Student Code of conduct. Please review the Cuesta College Student Code of conduct at:
Add / Drop Policy: [Identify your course-specific add/drop policy] In addition to my policy, please review the Cuesta policy for drops
Waitlist Policy: [Identify your course-specific waitlist procedures]. In addition to my course specific procedures, please review Cuesta’s waitlist procedure and instructions:
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