Instructor E-mail: tflanaga@pcc.edu

 CIS 120 Web Page:   www.ComputerResource.org/ 
 

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Course Description

This course introduces the systems development life cycle as the foundation for the evaluation, selection, and application of technology to solve information systems problems.  This course will teach you the basic language you need to understand how computers work and will include the history, ethics, and effects of computer technology from both personal and global perspectives. Please note this is not an applications class. It is assumed that you are familiar with computers and know how to use them. While this is a survey course, we will cover all aspects of basic computer functions. Our lab assignments (2 hours lab time per week required) can be completed at the Computer Resource Center in the Main Building, in other computer labs on campus, or on your home computer.

The course will cover the fundamentals of computer nomenclature, personal computer hardware & software, and the World Wide Web.   Students will use the World Wide Web as a repository of the latest information and an integrated learning tool, develop an in-depth understanding of why computers are essential components in the business world and society in general, focus on the computer as a valuable productivity tool, recognize the personal computer's position as the backbone of the computer industry, and emphasize its use a stand-alone and networked device.  The text will also discuss strategies for purchasing, installing and maintaining a personal computer system.  Student will be informed about the logistics of planning a career in the computer field.

 Textbook and supplies

Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information, Complete   Gary B. Shelly, Thomas J. Cashman, Misty E. Vermaat ISBN: 0-619-25546-3 © 2006 Publish date: February 16, 2005 920 pages Softcover   Courseport Documentation   1.  CoursePort Student User Manual   (598 KB) Data Files for Students (Windows) (instructions)   1. Project 1-15 Data Files  (291 KB)

One 3 ½” floppy disk & one Zip Disk (100 mb)

You will require several folders with pockets in them to be used when turning in  labs, group presentations and any other assignments. Your NAME AND SECTION NUMBER must be clearly visible on the front cover. 

Required Knowledge or skills: CAS 133 or equivalent, MTH65 or equivalent, WR90 or equivalent, or instructor permission.

Optional:

Study Guide for Discovering Computers 2004: Concepts for a Digital World, Web Enhanced by Shelly Cashman Walker 

A Record of Exploring Computers Fourth Edition by Shelly Cashman Walker  and Interactive Labs with Audio by Shelly Cashman Vermaat

Audio Chapter Review on CD-ROM for Discovering Computers 2004: Concepts for a Digital World, Web and XP Enhanced by Shelly Cashman Vermaat

Course Credit Hours:   4

GRADING

Type: Whole letter grade A - F

Course Grade                                                                                                 Approximate % of Grade

Three Exams                                       55%                                    

Homework                                           07%

Labs                                                     15%

Presentations                                      18%

Attendance                                          05%

COURSE POLICIES

Student Conduct in Class Policy: Any acts of classroom disruption that go beyond the normal rights of students to question and discuss with instructors the educational process relative to subject content will not be tolerated, in accordance with the Academic Code of Conduct described in the Student Handbook.

Children in Class Policy: Children allowed in classroom or lab facilities with approval of the instructor.

Examination and Quiz Policy:  Three announced examinations will be given. No make-up exams will be allowed without prior arrangements being made. Make-up exams must be taken when scheduled.

Preparing for Exam: Students must attend lectures and read the chapters. Review the In Brief and Key Terms sections at the end of the chapters on which you are being tested.

In Case You Are Late or Absent: It is your responsibility to get the course notes, handouts, and laboratory assignments should you miss class or be late. 

Appeals Policy:  To appeal a grade, submit it in writing with the original grade materials within two weeks of the grade having been received. Overdue appeals will not be considered.

Cheating Policy:  Students are expected to uphold the school’s standard of conduct relating to academic honesty. Students assume full responsibility for the content and integrity of the academic work they submit. The guiding principle of academic integrity shall be that a student's submitted work, examinations, reports, and projects must be the student's own work. Students are guilty of violating the honor code if they:

1.      Represent the work of others as their own or copy another student’s work.

2.      Use or obtain unauthorized assistance in any academic work.

3.      Give unauthorized assistance to other students.

4.      Modify, without instructor approval, an examination, paper, record, or report for the purpose of obtaining additional credit.

5.      Misrepresent the content of submitted work.

Any student violating the honor code is subject to receive a failing grade for the course and will be reported to the Office of Student Affairs. If a student is unclear about whether a particular situation may constitute an honor code violation, the student should meet with the instructor to discuss the situation.

For this class, it is permissible to assist classmates in general discussions of computing techniques. General advice and interaction are encouraged. Each person, however, must develop his or her own solutions to the assigned homework and laboratory exercises. Students may not "work together" on graded assignments (except for group presentations).  Such collaboration constitutes cheating, unless it is a grouped assignment. A student may not use or copy (by any means) another's work (or portions of it) and represent it as his/her own. If you need help on an assignment, contact your instructor, the Computer Resource Center tutors, or the Student Success Center.

Disabilities Policy:  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all qualified students enrolled in this course are entitled to “reasonable accommodations.” Please notify the instructor during the first week of class of any accommodations needed for the course.

TUTOR ASSISTANCE:   Free tutors are available in the open lab in the laboratory facility (CRC).

CONSULTANT ASSISTANCE

Consultants in the open lab are on duty to assist you with hardware and software problems. If your computer malfunctions or your printer is out of paper, go to the main desk and ask a consultant for help. The consultants are not laboratory assistants and, therefore, are not responsible for answering specific homework/laboratory questions.

EXTRA CREDIT

Labs Eight and Nine are optional extra credit labs. Other extra credit will be discussed. 

LECTURE, LABORATORY, AND EXAMINATION SCHEDULE

You are expected to read each assigned chapter prior to the lecture.

Homework and lab assignments can only be handed in during the first fifteen minutes or BEFORE class begins on the day they are due. Assignments handed more than fifteen minutes after class begins will be considered late.

No assignments will be accepted more than one week late. Late Homework assignments are penalized 50%, and late lab assignment will also be penalized. Plan to spend approximately six to eight hours each week on reading, homework, and laboratory assignments.

Make sure your name, section number, and student ID are included with all work turned in. If an exercise has multiple sheets, then staple them together. Do not staple different assignments together. Disorganized assignments (pages out of order, mislabeled, unreadable, etc.) will receive a grade of zero. If there are multiple sheets are to be handed in, then sequence them according to the order you were told to print them in the exercise.

Chapter reading assignments include Special Features at the end of some of the chapters.