Mercer University - Stetson School of Business and Economics
Spring 2003, Session II
CSC 125.A22 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTING Instructor: Robert R. Clark
Class Time: Tuesday 6:00-10:15pm Home PH: 770-483-0370
Office Location: Swilley Library Building, Lower Level
Rm. 109-Tech. Training Lab Office PH: 678-643-6429
Office Time: Tuesday 5:30 – 6:00pm e-mail:clark_rr@mercer.edu
Course An introduction to computer
systems with emphasis given to the
Description: central processing unit,
memory units, input and output devices, data communications, operating systems,
computer software, programming concepts, and the impact of computers on
society. Students will learn to use popular software packages for applications
such as word processing, spreadsheets, and database systems.
Class Upon successful
completion of the course, the student should be able
Objectives: to:
a. describe the parts and operation of a computer.
b. understand basic concepts about how computers, systems, and networks function.
c. use basic software applications, such as a word processor, spread sheet, presentation and database packages.
Prerequisites: None
Textbook/ Larry Long, Nancy Long. Computers, 10th Edition, Prentice Hall, ã2002.
Materials/& Robert T. Grauer, Maryann Barber. Exploring Microsoftâ Office 2000 Professional.
Resources Prentice Hall, ã2001.
Four (4)
3.5” High-Density diskettes formatted and labeled with printed name
& course BY SECOND DAY OF CLASS
Class Assignments and Evaluation
Written The Instructor will provide information about topic selection on the first night of class. Written reports should be approximately eight to ten pages, double spaced. At least six reviewed references should be used to form the basis of your paper, and support your thesis. Graphs, visual images, should be incorporated into the body of your paper with proper citation. Consult the APA Publication
Manual for paper format. Topics selected by March 18, papers due April 29.
Oral Presentations offer a great opportunity for individuals to share learning on selected
Presentations topics of interest. Your oral presentation should be 8-10 minutes and summarize the
findings in your paper. I will be looking for a specific agenda and excellence in preparation. We want to learn from your research. After the presentation, the class will ask you questions and we will discuss the topic. You may use note cards, overheads, handouts, or Power Point to enhance your presentation. This is an opportunity to have fun, share learning in a creative way, and practice your presentation skills.
Grading A 93-100 C 70-76
Structure B+ 87-92 D 60-69
B 82-86 F 59 or below
C+ 77-81
Evaluation Observable student contributions to the learning process.
Criteria based on observations and student participation 20%
See Appendix B for partial evaluation criteria.
Term Paper/Presentation/Executive Summary. 20%
Assignments, quiz, test, etc. 40%
Final exam 20%
Instructional Learning activities employed during this semester will include students' active
Design participation; large and small group discussions and projects, possible guest
speakers from consultants and/or practitioners in our particular topic area,
possible case studies, and videos.
Note from the Students missing any class session will be responsible for all lecture/discussion
Instructor as to material(s) presented, and for any assigned projects due. Make up exams may be
make up work given at the discretion of the professor, and if given an 10% penalty factor may be assessed. Same for any late work accepted.
Mercer University Honor Code
& Council (See Mercer catalogue for
detailed information)
HONOR CODE Mercer University Atlanta expects each and every student to maintain the
highest principles of academic honesty and integrity. Violations of academic
honesty represent a breach of the University's expectations and will be
regarded as a serious matter. Violations include, but are not limited to, the
following:
Plagiarism The use of ideas, facts, phrases, or additional information such as charts or maps, from
any sources, without giving proper credit to the original author.
Using direct quotation, paraphrases, or reproductions of any material which
is not of the student's own authorship is also considered plagiarism. Failure
to reference any such material used is both ethically and legally improper.
Cheating The use of unauthorized sources of information.
Lying
Stealing
Course Reading & Learning Schedule
Session
Date Topic Assignments Due
|
1. |
3/11 |
Class introduction The Technology Revolution Software |
Computers, 10th
Edition Chapt. 1 pp. 16 Chapt. 2 pp, 72 |
|
2. |
3/18 |
Galileo visit Inside the Computer Storing and Retrieving Information Information Input and Output |
Computers, 10th
Edition Chapt. 3 pp. 116 Chapt. 4 pp. 150 Chapt. 5 pp. 180 Topics for research
due |
|
3. |
3/25 |
Networks and Networking Going Online Exploring the Cyber World |
Assignment I Computers, 10th
Edition Chapt. 6 pp. 218 Chapt. 7 pp 258 Chapt. 8 pp. 294 |
|
4. |
4/1 |
Quiz #1 Exploring Microsoftâ Word 2000 |
Assignment 2 Exploring Office
2000 Chapt. 1 pp. 1-48 Chapt. 2 pp. 51-106 Chapt. 3 pp. 109-153 |
|
5. |
4/8 |
Exploring Microsoftâ Excel 2000 |
Assignment 3 Exploring Office
2000 Chapt. 1 pp. 1-39 Chapt. 2 pp. 41-84 Chapt. 3 pp. 85-134 Chapt. 4 pp. 137-189 |
|
6. |
4/15 |
Exploring Microsoftâ Access 2000 |
Assignment 3 Exploring Office
2000 Chapt. 1 pp. 1-39 Chapt. 2 pp. 41-84 Chapt. 3 pp. 85-134 Chapt. 4 pp. 137-189 |
|
7. |
4/22 |
Exploring Microsoft âPowerPoint2000 The Internet Explorer 5.0 |
Assignment 5 Exploring Office
2000 Chapt. 1 pp. 1-47 Exploring Office
2000 Chapt. 1 pp. 1-35 Chapt. 2 pp. 37-69 |
|
8. |
4/29 |
Oral Presentations/Exec.
Summaries Research Papers Due Final Exam |
Assignment 6 Exploring Office
2000 Chapt. 1 pp. 1-35 Chapt. 2 pp. 37-69 |
APPENDIX A
Term Paper
Term paper topics can be on any subject covered in this class or another computer related topic. Topics
must be approved by instructor prior to beginning research. Examples:
1. Napster/MP.3
Conflict.
- Commerce on the INTERNET
- Internet access (Cable vs. DSL vs. dial-up)
- Google's Search Engine
- The Quality of Software
- IT Ethics: Prescreening of Online Communications
Accessibility to E-mail Archives
- Take a software package and research and review its capabilities, compare it to similar software
and tell whether you would recommend it. (This could also be done for hardware)
- Servers and their purpose on networks.
- Network and/or Internet Security
- Applications of client/server computing.
Paper should be:
* 8-10 pages ( body of paper)
* Double Spaced.
* Properly formatted, margins Top 1” Bottom 1”, Left 1.25”, Right 1.25”, with 10 or 12 pt type
* Incorporating 6 quality references
* Unique, everyone must use a different topic. Topics are first come, first serve. If you are the first to hand me a sheet of paper with an approved topic, it is yours. Please select topics by March 18 to give yourself as much time as possible to do research and prepare your written paper.
* Due-April 29. Late paper will be half credit within one week. After this, no papers will be accepted.
Order of Paper:
1. Title Page
- Table of contents
- Body of paper
- References
Oral Presentation
Your oral presentation should be 8-10 minutes and should summarize the findings in your paper. I will be
looking for a specific agenda and excellence in preparation. We want to learn from your research. With time permitting, after the presentation, the class will ask you questions and we will discuss the topic. You may use note cards, overheads, handouts, or Power Point to enhance your presentation.
Executive Summary
This will be a one page summary of the paper. You should have copies for the entire class and myself
at the time you make your presentation. The final exam will include items from the presentations, and this summary will assist classmates in preparing for the final.
APPENDIX B
Some Criteria for Effective
Classroom Participation
Show
up for Class
Regularly
On Time
Prepared
Communicate
Verbally
Share Ideas with class
Bring in real-world examples or
personal experiences
Make constructive comments
Ask questions
Take part in class discussions
Avoid whispering and side
conversations
Communicate
Non-verbally
Be present and alert
Use appropriate body language and
eye contact
Head nods often show support,
alignment and agreement
Smile and look like you are enjoying
it!!!
Respect
for Individuals
Show respect for others opinions and
differences
Have an open mind to new ideas
Support your class team members
Openness
and Honesty
Offer constructive feedback when
requested
Explore controversial or difficult issues for the
purpose of learning and
understanding.
(as they relate to our course)
Oral
Presentations
Performed in a professional manner
Innovative and interesting
Organized and clearly understood
Professional visual aids
Timed limit observed
Use of notes (no reading)
**************