Syllabus
Term: Fall 2009
I. A. Course: COSC 1401: Introduction to
Computer Science
B. Description:
This course serves as an introduction to the field of Computer Science. It introduces computer hardware, software,
procedures, systems, human resources, and terminology. It explores their integration and application
in business and other segments of society.
The fundamentals of computer problem solving and programming in a higher
level programming language may be discussed and applied.
C. Note:
This is a 4 hour credit course with an
arranged lab. Arranged means lab work will be assigned and you will arrange to
get it done. A computer lab will be
available with posted times to facilitate your getting the lab work completed.
II. Instructor: Thomas H. Payton, Assistant Professor
-- CIS
Office: Reese
Center, Building #8, Room #826D
Phone: 806-894-9611,
ext. 2908
Office hours: As
posted on office door or by appointment
E-mail: tpayton@southplainscollege.edu
Website: http://www.southplainscollege.edu/cis/tpayton
III. A. Course Competencies: After completing
this course, the student will be able to:
- Describe
and discuss the basic hardware and software components of a computer system;
- Describe
the computer system development cycle;
- Explain
the role an integrated software package plays in the business computer system;
- Solve
business problems using word processing, spreadsheets, and database software to
create business applications;
- Access
useful information on the Internet and discuss computer ethics, security, and
privacy.
B. SCANS
Competencies: The Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS)
was appointed by the Secretary of Labor to determine the skills that are needed
to succeed in the world of work. Eleven
skills areas were identified. Three are
foundation skills involving reading, writing, and mathematics. The other eight areas refer to workplace
skills such as working with clients and co-workers.
COSC
1401 Introduction to Computer Science includes the following SCANS
competencies:
i. Foundation
Skills: F3, F8, F9, F10, F11, F13, F14,
F15, F16, and F17;
ii. Workplace
Skills: C1, C2, C3, C5, C8, C10, C11,
C14, C15, C18, C19, and C20.
IV. General
Course Requirements:
Textbook:
New Perspectives Microsoft Office 2007, Premium Video Edition, Ann Shaffer, et al,
Course Technology, 2009/2010 (It’s a brand new book and not sure which
copyright date it will use)
Materials: You can use SPC computer labs or your own
(see Other below).
Either way, the computer you will be using must have Windows XP as the
Operating System and must also have installed Microsoft Office 2007
Professional Edition (including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint), Internet
Explorer and a working Internet connection. You must also have a USB storage
device (
Other:
A lab is available at posted times for students to use to complete assignments.
V. Attendance
Policy: Regular attendance is very important in this course. A STUDENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR INITIATING THEIR
OWN WITHDRAWAL FROM THE COURSE, if that becomes necessary. If a student is administratively withdrawn
from the class, the grade appearing on the transcript will be, at the
instructor’s discretion, an ‘X’ or an ‘F’.
Administrative withdrawal may
occur if the student has missed four or more classes or if the instructor feels
that the objects of the class will not be met because of excessive absences
from this class. It is the student’s
responsibility to contact the instructor concerning absences.
Note: The instructor is generally
unable to return calls to long distance phone numbers.
VI. Examination
Policy: There will be about four (4) major tests given. If a major test is missed because of an
unavoidable absence, contact your instructor as soon as possible and arrange to
make up the test. You have up to one
week after your return to class to arrange a make-up with the instructor, after
which time your test grade will be entered as zero (for the final, of course, you
must contact the instructor immediately and make up the test prior to the end
of finals week to avoid a zero) . It
will be at the discretion of the instructor whether or not to allow a make-up
exam. Exception: If you have no
absences up to and including the last class day before the projects, you may
claim exemption from one project. In
other words, you only have to do one project instead of two and the one project
you do will count twice.
VII. Grading
Policy:
Major
Tests ......................................10% each, 4
tests..................................…40%
Lab
assignments and homework…………10 at 3% each…………………..…..........30%
Class
participation and attendance (up to 3 points off for each absence)…………10%
Projects………………………..2
at 10 % each …………………………………………..20%
Grading
scales:
Homework
will generally count 3 points each X 10 home works à 30 points
Tests
will generally be on 100 point scale and count 10 points each
4
tests x 10à 40 points
2
Projects at the end of the semester worth 10 points each à 20 points
Class
participation and attendance, as described above à 10
points
100
points total
VIII. General
Course Outline: The following course outline is subject to change during the
semester as may be necessary.
Module 1: Course
introduction; Getting started: Essential computing
concepts.
Cyberspace: The Internet and World Wide Web; Windows
XP; Office Fundamentals.
Module 2: Word
2007
Quiz
1, covers Modules 1 and 2
Module 3: Excel
2007
Quiz
2
Module 4: Access
2007
Quiz
3
Module 5: PowerPoint
2007; Projects 1 and 2
Final
comprehensive evaluation (Quiz 4)
IX. ACCOMMODATIONS & ADDENDUMS:
DIVERSITY STATEMENT: In
this class, the teacher will establish and support an environment that values
and nurtures individual and group differences and encourages engagement and interaction.
Understanding and respecting multiple experiences and perspectives will serve
to challenge and stimulate all of us to learn about others, about the larger
world and about ourselves. By promoting diversity and intellectual exchange, we
will not only mirror society as it is, but also model society as it should and
can be.
EQUAL
OPPORTUNITY: South Plains College strives to accommodate the individual needs
of all students in order to enhance their opportunities for success in the
context of a comprehensive community college setting. It is the policy of South
Plains College to offer all educational and employment opportunities without
regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, disability or age.
SPECIAL
SERVICES: Students with disabilities, including but not limited to physical,
psychiatric, or learning disabilities, who wish to request accommodations in
this class should notify the Special Services Office early in the semester so
that the appropriate arrangements may be made.
In accordance with federal law, a student requesting accommodations must
provide acceptable documentation of his/her disability to the Coordinator of
Special Services. For more information,
call or visit the Special Services Office in rooms 809 and 811, Reese Center
Building 8, 885-3048 ext. 4654.
ELECTRONIC
ASSIGNMENTS: This class will involve the use of the Internet and some access to
discussion groups, forums, bulletin boards, e-mail programs and/or chat rooms
in order to complete the objectives of this class. Topics assigned by the
instructor will be relevant to the objectives of this course.
DISCLAIMER:
“This is to notify you that the materials you may be accessing in chat rooms,
bulletin boards or unofficial web pages are not officially sponsored by South
Plains College. The United States Constitution rights of free speech apply to
all members of our community regardless of the medium used. We disclaim all
liability for data, information or opinions expressed in these forums.
X. Academic
Integrity: It is the aim of the faculty of South Plains College to foster a
spirit of complete honesty and a high standard of integrity. The attempt of any student to present as
their own work any work which they have not honestly performed,
is regarded as a most serious offense and renders the offender liable to
serious consequences, up to and including possible suspension. Students should refer to the SPC General
Catalog policy regarding consequences for cheating and plagiarism (see
“Academic Integrity” and “Student Conduct” sections).
1. There will be daily assignments which are to be done
for practice but NOT turned in. There
will also be homework assigned which will be turned it. Homework will generally NOT be accepted
late.
2. No food or drink in the class room or lab.
3. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to
contact the instructor to get the information you missed and to explain your
absence. Supporting documentation may be
requested to demonstrate why you were absent.
Each absence will count up to 3 points off your final grade, depending
upon the reason for the absence and how promptly you get in contact with the
instructor.
4. Do NOT install any software on the classroom computers
unless instructed to do so by the instructor.
Specifically do not install Yahoo!, AOL, etc.
5. Do NOT play games or work on other projects during the
class. This distracts those students who
are trying to learn and will lower your class participation grade.
6. DO NOT use the computers for any illegal activity, to
access pornographic sites, or for any other illicit use.
7.
Vandalism of
school property may result in an F for the course as well as other possible
consequences.
8.
It is presumed that all students are familiar with the
South Plains College Student Guide, particularly regarding classroom conduct,
and all students will be held accountable accordingly. Failure to adhere to these standards may
result in grade reduction or being dropped from the class.