CS 101
Survey of Computers and Computing with LabGeneral InformationCS101 is a course that is divided into two components: lab and lecture. The lecture part of the class involves typical "computer literacy" subjects such as basic computer terminology, concepts, capabilities, and social issues. It does not teach the student to do computer programming. The lab part of this course gives participants some hands-on experience with a computer so that they can use the machine as a timesaving tool in their work or studies. The basics involving some commonly used packages in business and education are taught. These packages include Microsoft Windows (an operating system), Word (a word processor), Excel (a spreadsheet), Access (a database package) and PowerPoint (a presentation graphics program). Students are also instructed on how to create their own Web page in the lab.Finally, participants are exposed to simple programming concepts by doing exercises using the Visual BASIC language. This course is primarily intended as an elective for students who are not CIS majors. Why Take This CourseThis course provides a general understanding of computers, which is especially useful to students who have not had much previous experience with or study of computers. This course, together with the lab, provides a background that would be helpful to students in almost any major that will at some point involve work with computers. (For example, business students will use spreadsheets and nearly everyone will write papers using a word processor.) Course OrganizationThe lecture part of the course is organized around four major topic areas. The first topic presented is an overview of the physical components of a computer system and how they operate. The next topic concerns itself with a group of programs called the operating system, which controls these physical components After that, issues involving networks and teleprocessing are discussed.Finally, social issues arising from the use of the technology are considered. The lab part of the course begins with the study of the Windows operating system. From there the word processor Microsoft Word is studied, followed by Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Web pages and Visual BASIC. A demonstration outlining the major concepts involved in each lab is given prior to the lab period. During the lab period, the student is responsible to independently work through a tutorial. However, the instructor is there to give assistance anytime a trouble spot is encountered. A specific schedule giving details about the lab is attached to the back of this syllabus. Grading
The grading scale is the typical 93-100=A, 90-92=A-, 87-89=B+, 83-86=B ..etc.. Attendance also affects the course grade (as explained under course policies). If a student does not receive a passing grade for the quizzes (lab + lecture) part of their grade, then the student will not pass the course even if there overall average is a pass A short answer format is used for lecture quizzes. In answering questions, students are expected to write down their thoughts in clear, precise, and unambiguous English. A hands on format is used for lab quizzes. In order to assess a student's critical thinking skills, a question or two on each lab quiz will cover topics not talked about in class. Course PoliciesAll exams and quizzes are closed book in nature. Taping of lectures is permitted. Attendance is expected. Material will be presented in class that is not found in the text. Quizzes and tests will be drawn from the material and discussions in class. In addition, for every absence beyond the sixth, a student will loose one-fourth of a letter grade. Note that the six allowed absences (approximatly two weeks of class) are to allow for the possibility of sickness and other special circumstances. In addition, if a student has more than six unexcused absences, the CISD chairperson is notified. If a student has more than nine unexcused absences, the academic dean is be notified. This, in turn, may result in a parent conference. Except in cases of emergency, the student should make arrangements with the instructor in advance if an exam/quiz must be missed. If there is sufficient reason the instructor will schedule an exam/quiz for the student at another time. Cheating will not be tolerated in this course. If cheating is discovered, I (the instructor) will make sure that the student, if guilty, receive the most severe reprimand possible from the academic dean. Cheating not only undermines the whole learning process, but it decreases the morale of the other students in the class who spend many long hours producing their own work. Use of the Internet or any entertainment software is prohibited during class. However, if they like, a student may use a word processor to type their notes during lecture. If a student has a learning disability, physical disability, or any other exceptional circumstance that would require special considerations (example: more time to take an exam), these considerations must be discussed with the instructor before the first quiz/exam is given. Below is the official disability statement for the college: Students with disabilities who require academic accommodations and support services should please consult Mrs. Sandy Quinlivan, Associate Director of Academic Affairs. You may contact her by telephone at extension 2371 or by SVC email (sandy.quinlivan@email.stvincent.edu) or by scheduling an appointment in Academic Affairs (located directly above the post office). Reasonable accommodations do not alter the essential elements of courses, programs or activities. Students are be given a one-week grace period to turn in late assignments. If an assignment is more than one week late, however, the assignment grade is decreased by one letter grade for every week that it is late. If stormy weather or some other emergency occurs, class cancellation can be verified by calling my office phone at 724-805-2421. My voice mail greeting will indicate if class has been cancelled or not. If my voice mail greeting has not been changed to indicate that the class has been cancelled, then it will be held. |
Maintained by: Ms. Colleen Carr