Computers and Information Systems

CISC-101 Section 11 Winter 2005

Instructor

James Atlas

Email: jatlas@udel.edu

Office hours: Monday and Wednesday 12-1 PM, Mitchell Hall 219

Webpage: http://www.cis.udel.edu/~atlas/CISC101/

Teaching Assistant

Frank Lee

Email: flee@cis.udel.edu

Office hours: Monday 2-4 PM, Mitchell Hall 219

Course Description

Computer literacy and the ability to use computer software are becoming essential parts of everyday life, especially with the explosive use of the Internet. This course provides an introduction to the basic concepts of computers and information processing, along with hands-on experience using some of the most common computer software packages. Not open to computer science majors or those students who have taken (or are taking) EGTE-111, EGTE-112, ACCT-260, FREC-135, FREC-235, HPER-276, CISC-105, CISC-106, or an equivalent course. For a more complete description, refer to http://www.cis.udel.edu/undergraduate/courses/101.php

Although CISC-101 is an introductory course with no prerequisites, it will require a good deal of time. Effort outside of lab and lecture time is expected for completing assignments and reading the textbook.

Textbooks and Required Equipment

• Introduction to Computers, Fourth Edition by Peter Norton

• Microsoft Office XP by Timothy and Linda O'Leary

• Minimum of five (5), 3.5-inch, double-sided, high-density computer diskettes. They can be purchased at the bookstore. You will need these diskettes for the first lab.

Tentative Course Schedule

Tentative Lab Schedule

Other topics may be covered if time permits. Most of the material for which you will be responsible for on exams will come from the lectures, but you are expected to read the textbook.

Labs

Labs meet at 9:45 on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Smith Hall 040 and are run by Frank Lee. Lab assignments involve knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, and Mozilla. If you cannot complete your assignment in the alloted time, you are expected to work on your own in a computer lab with the required software. Attendance is required for lab because the lab and TA are reserved for you at that time. Keep your TA informed about planned absences. All work is expected to be turned in on time, regardless of absences. Labs will be accepted one period late with a penalty of 25%.

Grading: Distribution of Points

Lab 1 WWW 15 pts.

Lab 2 Intro User Interfaces & E-Mail 15 pts.

Lab 3 Word Processing Software: WORD 30 pts.

Lab 4 Word Processing Software: WORD 30 pts.

Lab 5 Database Management : Access 35 pts.

Lab 6 Querying a Database: Access 45 pts.

Lab 8 HTML 30 pts.

Lab 9 Spreadsheet Software: Excel 20 pts.

Lab 10 Spreadsheet Software: Excel 40 pts.

Lab 11 Spreadsheet Software: Excel 40 pts.

Lab 12 Presentation Software: PowerPoint 60 pts.

LABS TOTAL = 360 pts.

Presentation 40 pts

Number Conversion Homework 50 pts

HOMEWORK TOTAL = 90 pts.

Attendance/Participation 100pts.

Midterm Exam 250 pts.

Final Exam 250 pts.

TOTAL POSSIBLE 1,050 pts.

Lab 7 Elementary Computer Programming 40 pts (BONUS)

Letter Grades

Homework

There are two assignments to complete during the course. One is on number system conversions, and the other is to prepare a 5-10 minute presentation. Assignments will be accepted one period late with a penalty of 25%. Late assignments will not be accepted at the end of the semester. You will receive no points if you miss your presentation or are not prepared.

Presentations are based on your choice of one topic from the research and report section (located under Unit Projects) in the textbook. You may also choose another related topic as long as you obtain prior approval from the instructor. You will sign up for the topic during the first class period, and the schedule will be updated accordingly. You do not need to provide a writeup or sources, just the presentation.

Exams

Attendance is mandatory for all exams as scheduled; there will be no make-up exams.

Academic Honesty

I take academic honesty seriously. You are expected to know and abide by the policy described at http://udcatalog.udel.edu/general/undergrad/ugregs.html#honest and in the student handbook.