PELLISSIPPI STATE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE MASTER SYLLABUS
SPECIAL TOPICS CID 2900
Class Hours: 3.0						Credit Hours: 2.0
Laboratory Hours: 0.0						Revised: Fall 08
Catalog Course Description:
	Special projects and applications in emerging technology.  Content will vary, as this course is a means for classes to explore certain topics in depth not covered in the general curriculum.  May be repeated for credit up to 8 hours.
Entry Level Standards:
	Students should have mathematics, reading, and writing skills at the college level.
Prerequisite:
	Consent of instructor
Textbook(s) and Other Course Materials:
	Textbooks will vary, depending on the course topic and the instructor.
I. Week/Unit/Topic Basis:
	Week				Topic
	1-14				Over the 14-week semester, the following topics will be covered: Projects that will address specific requirements of subject material being taught. Reports, spreadsheets and other office/engineering applications. Plotting/printing/distributing project documents Presentation with PowerPoint/HTML
	15				Final Exam Period
II. Course Objectives*:
	A.			Provide opportunities for students to have unique experiences in learning about  applications in the selected program of study. (a, b )
	B.			Develop an understanding of new opportunities in program-related technology. (a, d, h )
	C.			Develop critical thinking skills and problem solving skills to review and analyze information relating to the selected topic.  (b, c, f )
	D.			Reinforce knowledge of office practices and applications.  (e, g, i , k)
	E.			Develop technical communication & presentation skills. (e, g )
*Letters (a – k) after course objectives reference program outcomes (as required by ABET).
III. Instructional Processes*:
Students will:
	1.			Engage in teamwork to facilitate cooperative learning. Active Learning Strategies
	2.			Approach problems both mathematically and verbally.  Mathematical Outcome
	3.			Use critical thinking skills to solve problems.  This will be done in groups to promote idea sharing.   Active Learning Strategies
	4.			Learn about appropriate technologies.  Technological Literacy Outcome
	5.			Gain the knowledge to have a foundation in the selected topic, assisting the student in moving on to upper level courses and eventually to the job.  This will be done by a variety of means, including listening to lectures, experimenting (when appropriate), participating in field trips, viewing video tapes and video discs, and particpating in group discussions.  Communication Outcome, Technical Literacy Outcome, Mathematical Outcome, Active Learning Strategies
	6.			Produce documents typically used by industry. Technical Literacy Outcome, Communication Outcome
*Strategies and outcomes listed after instructional processes reference TBR’s goals for strengthening general education knowledge and skills, connecting coursework to experiences beyond the classroom, and encouraging students to take active and responsible roles in the educational process.
IV. Expectations for Student Performance*:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
	1.			Discuss basic and advanced facts associated with the selected topic. A, B, C, D
	2.			Discuss implications for society based on information regarding the selected topic. A, B, C, D
	3.			Discuss implications for the future based on information regarding the selected topic. A, B, C, D
	4.			Understand the manner in which the special topic fits into the overall picture of the program of study. A, B, C, D
	5.			Discuss (depending on the course) appropriate technologies. A, B, C, D
	6.			Use (depending on the course) appropriate technologies. A, B, C, D
	7.			Demonstrate the ability to integrate the course information into related projects. A, B, C, D
*Letters after performance expectations reference the course objectives listed above.
V. Evaluation:
	A. Testing Procedures:
			The specific evaluation methods will vary according to the course content.  Essay test questions, participation in class activities, individual and/or group projects, and written out-of-class papers may all be a part of the evaluation process.  The course syllabus distributed on the first day of class will list specifics.
	B. Grading Scale:
		90-100       A 80-89         B 70-79         C 60-69         D below 60   F
VI. Policies:
	A. Attendance Policy:
		Pellissippi State Technical Community College expects students to attend all scheduled instructional activities.  As a minimum, students in all courses must be present for at least 75 percent of their scheduled class and laboratory meetings in order to receive credit for the course.  Individual departments/programs/disciplines, with the approval of the vice president of Academic and Student Affairs, may have requirements that are more stringent.
	B. Academic Dishonesty:
		Academic misconduct committed either directly or indirectly by an individual or group is subject to disciplinary action. Prohibited activities include but are not limited to the following practices: Cheating, including but not limited to unauthorized assistance from material, people, or devices when taking a test, quiz, or examination; writing papers or reports; solving problems; or completing academic assignments. In addition to other possible disciplinary sanctions that may be imposed as a result of academic misconduct, the instructor has the authority to assign either (1) an F or zero for the assignment or (2) an F for the course.  NOTE:  It is expected and desirable that CID students assist other students. However, students may only submit work completed by themselves.
	C. Accommodations for disabilities:
		If you need accommodation because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information to share, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please inform the instructor immediately.  Privately after class or in the instructor's office.  To request accommodations students must register with Services for Students with Disabilities: Goins 127 or 131, Phone: (865) 539-7153 or (865) 694-6751 Voice/TDD.