Introduction to Computing
Pace University
Seidenberg School of Computer Science
& Information Systems
Academic Year 2010-2011
Welcome to CIS101! This course introduces students to the essential knowledge required to achieve a well-rounded understanding of the explosive impact of the Internet and technology in all aspects of modern society. Computers are now the primary means of information retrieval, analysis and communication among individuals and organizations throughout the world. CIS101 provides students with the understanding of computer terminology, hardware, and software necessary to explore the resources of the Internet and exploit technology to its fullest on both a personal and professional level. CIS 101-Introduction to Computing is a three-credit course with two hours held in a computer classroom combined with a required online portion equivalent to one hour of classroom instruction. Time in the computer classroom will be spent learning Application Software (Excel 2007), Introduction to Web Page Design (HTML/XHTML), Introduction to Programming (Alice) and Introduction to Security. The online site for this course (found at http://blackboard.pace.edu ) will contain readings, interactive exercises, and supplemental material covering the organization and structure of the computer.
COURSE THEME or LEARNING COMMUNITY?
Your CIS 101 class is either part of a Learning Community, where you are paired with another course such as English, economics or business, or you are part of a Course Theme, a group of classes that, while meeting separately with their instructor, share a themed content area that enriches their study of computing. This semesters themes include Downtown New York (NYC Only), Computer Forensics, Computers and Social Responsibility and Computers and Environmental Science (PLV only). Because computers are ubiquitous, they are needed in every academic discipline and will be an important tool for you in your academic major. Likewise, computing skills will be an important part of your career.
You have registered for two components of this course; a theme topic such as Downtown New York, Computer Forensics, Computers and Social Responsibility or Computers and Environmental Science, As well as a lab section.
Or you have registered for a Learning Community course where CIS 101 is combined with another course. In this case you will not have a themed topic.
In either case your lab time will be where you meet face-to-face with your professor and classmates to work on the course material each week.
TEXTBOOKS AND SUPPLIES
The text books listed above are available and can be purchased through the PACE bookstore as a bundle. ISBN# 049596400X. These books can also be purchased online: http://www.cengagebrain.com/micro/paceucis101
Also required: Flash Drive – you must bring to class some type of external file storage device such as a flash drive. Recommended storage size 2 Gb.
COURSE GOALS
§ Introduce, develop, and strengthen the computer skills that you need to achieve success in college and in your careers.
§ Describe the pervasive and dramatic impact of technology on every aspect of modern society.
§ Provide you with an understanding of the structure of the Internet, and introduce you to tools and techniques useful for exploiting its resources.
§ Provide a basic understanding of the internal organization of the computer, including the systems unit, memory, input/output, network communications and peripheral devices.
§ Introduce you to fundamental programming concepts, data representation, and systems development.
§ Familiarize you with potential use of technology in the workplace, and career paths in technology.
§ Get an understanding of personal computer security, network security and trust and privacy issues in computing and technology
CIS 101 GRADING POINT SYSTEM
All work completed in the class will be assigned a point system. The maximum number of points you can earn during the semester is 1000.
The breakdown is as follows:
Category Points Weighted %
|
Attendance & Participation |
100 |
10% |
|
Homework/Assignments (assigned throughout the semester) |
200 |
20% |
|
Participation in Discussion Board (participation required throughout the semester) |
200 |
20% |
|
One hour Excel exam (WK 5) |
100 |
10% |
|
Two hour HTML, Programming & Security Exam (WK 13) |
200 |
20% |
|
Term Group Project (WK 14) |
200 |
20% |
|
Total |
1000 |
100% |
Grades will be based on the following points and percentages:
|
Points |
0 - 599 |
600 - 649 |
650 - 699 |
700 - 729 |
730 - 769 |
770 - 799 |
800 - 829 |
830 - 869 |
870 - 899 |
900 - 929 |
930 - 1000 |
|
Grade Points |
0.0 |
1.0 |
1.3 |
1.7 |
2.0 |
2.3 |
2.7 |
3.0 |
3.3 |
3.7 |
4.0 |
|
Letter Grade |
F |
D |
D+ |
C- |
C |
C+ |
B- |
B |
B+ |
A- |
A |
THE GROUP TERM PROJECT
You will work with a team of your classmates on a semester long project designed to help you to use the skills that you learn and develop in this course. As a result, a significant part of your course work and final grade will depend on the contributions of other people – as their grades and experience will depend on you. It is important that you conduct yourselves in a collegial and professional manner with your team mates to make sure that everyone will get the most out the team experience.
COURSE EXPECTATIONS
· Attendance at all scheduled class sessions is mandatory. In addition, you are expected to come to class prepared with the correct text for that week’s lab work. Please consult the assignments section of Blackboard for information on what text is required in class.
· It is expected that you access the Blackboard site on a regular basis, to participate in the discussion board and access the Assignments, and the Course Content for each week in a timely manner.
· It is expected that you will participate actively by maintaining communication with the instructor via e-mail, submitting assignments according to due dates listed on the syllabus / assignment list, completing assigned readings as listed on the syllabus / assignment list, and responding promptly to requests/questions by your instructor.