Fall 2001, CSC 100 00 2, MWF 9:00-9:50, Curtis 104

Norm Lippincott, Curtis 105, 610-606-4666 ext. 3697

M 1:00-3:00, Tu 4:00-7:00, W 1:00-3:00, F 11:00-12:00

This course provides the student in technical and non-technical disciplines with an understanding of computers and how they are used in various professions to improve the quality of our lives. Course content is divided into two major areas: an overview of the computer and microcomputer applications. Topics include hardware and software, internal representation of data, history and classifications of computers, impact upon society, user interfaces, networks and the use of spreadsheet, word-processing and database software. The course requires extensive computer lab work using Windows, Word, Excel and Access software and the Internet.

Duffy, T., MicrosoftÒ Office 2000 Professional, Prentice Hall, 2000. ISBN: 0-201-61188-0.

Grades for the course will be based on the following grade components

Assignments (6) 40%

Tests (3) 40%

Final Exam 15%

Class Participation 5%

A final grade percentage will be computed according to the weights above and rounded to the nearest full percent. Final grades will be awarded based on that percentage as follows:

93-100 A 80-82 B- 67-69 D+

90-92 A- 77-79 C+ 60-66 D

87-89 B+ 73-76 C 0-59 F

83-86 B 70-72 C-

Assignments will consist of problems or projects that involve the use of software presented in class. You may use the computer labs on campus for these projects, or you may use your own computer. You must use the same software version that is used in class. If you have an older version on your own computer, either upgrade your software or use the computer labs.

Assignments are graded on a 10 scale. The average of the six assignments is computed, multiplied by 4, then is added to the other grade components to determine the final grade.

Tests will be written and will consist of multiple choice, true/false, and fill-in-the-blank questions. Test dates are shown in the schedule on page 4 of this syllabus. The entire class period will be allocated for the test.

Tests are graded on a 100 scale. The average of the three tests is computed, multiplied by 0.4, then is added to the other grade components to determine the final grade.

The format for the final exam will be the same as that of the tests, but longer. The final exam is comprehensive.

The final exam is graded on a 100 scale, multiplied by 0.15, then added to the other grade components to determine the final grade.

Students who are active and attentive members of the class may receive up to 5 points for class participation. Students who engage in side conversations during class time should expect no more than 3 points for class participation. For classes held in a computer lab, students who engage in web browsing, e-mail, instant messaging, or similar activity during class time should expect no more than 2 points.

The class participation score is a value from 0 to 5, and is added to the other grade components to determine the final grade.

Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the day they are due. By turning in assignments on time your work will be graded and returned in a timely manner (usually by the next class meeting), and with comments as appropriate.

Work turned in late will be subject to any or all of the following:

1. A 1 point penalty (on a scale of 10) will be assessed; 2 points if work is a week late or more.
2. The assignment may be graded without comment.
3. The assignment will be graded and returned at the instructor’s convenience, possibly as late as the end of the semester.

The Cedar Crest College Student Handbook, Honor Philosophy (pp. 10-12) part III, Community Standards for Academic Conduct, includes the following:

"As a student at Cedar Crest College, each student shall:

• Only submit work which is his/her own.
• Adhere to the rules of acknowledging outside sources, as defined by the instructor, never plagiarizing or misrepresenting intellectual property.
• Neither seek nor receive aid from another student, converse with one another when inappropriate, nor use materials not authorized by the instructor."

Unless specifically designated by the instructor, assignments for this course are individual assignments, not group projects. It is reasonable and appropriate for students to discuss an assignment outside of class, particularly for programming projects. However, the actual assignment work, whether programming or written, is to be one’s own. It is not appropriate to collaborate on programming assignments, nor is it appropriate to copy another student’s program (or other assignment), alter the program’s (or assignment’s) appearance (e.g. changing formatting, variable names, output text), and present it as your own individual work. Evidence of such behavior will be considered a violation of the Honor Philosophy and will result in a grade of zero for the assignment. A second offense will result in a grade of "F" for the course.

Attendance will be taken for each class, however record of attendance does not directly affect the student’s grade. The student is responsible for all material covered in class. If a student has excessive absence and is not showing responsibility for the course material, an academic performance notice will be issued to the Advising Center. If a student will be absent on the day of a test, arrangements for a makeup must be made in advance of the test. Failure to do so will result in a grade of zero for the test.

Appropriate classroom behavior is implicit in the Cedar Crest Honor Code. Such behavior is defined and guided by complete protection for the rights of all students and faculty to a courteous, respectful classroom environment. That environment is free from distractions such as late arrivals, early departures, inappropriate conversations, and any other behaviors that might disrupt instruction and/or compromise students’ access to their Cedar Crest College education.

Students with documented disabilities who may need academic accommodations should discuss these needs with their professors during the first two weeks of class. Students with disabilities who wish to request accommodations should contact the Advising Center.

When classes are conducted in computer classrooms, the computers are to be used only for activities directly related to the class. Use of class computers for other activities, such as web browsing, e-mail, games, instant messaging, and so on, is not permitted. Be aware that such activity not only distracts you from the class, but distracts other students as well. Students who engage in such activity during class will receive a reduced class participation grade.

The following is a tentative schedule for the course. It should be used as a guide for your reading prior to class. Also, dates on which assignments will be given and will be due are listed. This is provided so that you can plan your semester accordingly. This schedule is subject to change.

Resources for this course will be placed on the campus network in the following location:

T:\users\nlippinc\CSC100