PELLISSIPPI STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
MASTER SYLLABUS

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS AND COMPUTING

CSIT 1000

Class Hours:  2.0

 

Credit Hours:  3.0

 

Laboratory Hours: 3.0

 

Revised: Fall 09

 

 

Catalog Course Description:

 

 

 

This course covers the basic concepts of computer hardware and software, microcomputer systems and workstations, networking and the Internet, and the interdisciplinary science of computing. This course is intended for University Parallel students not majoring in computer science. Lab required.

Entry Level Standards:

 

 

 

 The student must have writing, verbal and English language skills at the college entry level.

Prerequisites:

 

 

 

None

Textbook(s) and Other Course Materials:

 

 

1.       Discovering Computers 2010 Brief, by Gary Shelly and Misty Vermaat, Course Technology.

2.       Alice 2.o.Introductory Concepts and Techniques, by Shelly, Cashman, and Herbert, Course Technology.

3.       Tour to MS Office 2007, by Hoisington.

4.       Alice 2.0 CourseNotes, by Shelly.

I. Week/Unit/Topic Basis:

 

 

 

 

Week

Topic

 

1

Introduction to Computers

 

2

The Internet and World Wide Web, File Management

 

3

Application Software, Graphics, Web Applications

 

4

The components of System Unit, MS Office

 

5

Data Representation, Memory, Test

 

6

Input, Scanners and Reading Devices, MS Office

 

7

Output, Display Devices

 

8

Exploring Alice and Object-Oriented Programming

 

9

Storage, Hard Disks

 

10

Test, Developing Software Methods (Alice)

 

11

Operating Systems, Programming with Logical Structure (Alice)

 

12

Utility Programs, Programming with Logical Structure (Alice)

 

13

Ethics, Privacy, Alice continued

 

14

Event-Driven Programming in Alice

15

Final exam

II. Course Objectives*:

 

 

 

A.

Demonstrate understanding of fundamental concepts of computer science. I, III, XI

 

B.

Use basic computer architecture terminology correctly. I, III, XI

 

C.

Calculate logical/relational comparison results. V, VI, XI

 

D.

Execute code examples and explain their output. V, VI, XI

 

E.

Step through algorithms and explain their results. V, VI, XI

 

F.

Design and implement computer programs. V, VI, XI

 

G.

Demonstrate knowledge of the intellectual and practical effects that computer science has in most of the sciences and humanities. III, X, XI

 

H.

Understand social, legal and ethical issues as they pertain to computer usage. III, X, XI

 

I.

Create electronic documents using computer applications such as electronic spreadsheets and databases. I, II, III, IV, IX, XI

 

J.

Use a web browser to search the Internet. II, III, IV, IX, XI

 

K

Demonstrate knowledge of memory addressing. I, III, XI

 

L.

Demonstrate knowledge of networking issues. I, III, XI

 

M.

Utilize computer etiquette in electronic communications. I, III, X, XI

 

N.

Demonstrate individual and/or teamwork standards to accomplish given tasks within established timeframes. X, XI, XII

 

O.

Use the computer as a tool to communicate information. I, III, IV, IX, XI

*Roman numerals after course objectives reference goals of the CSIT program.

III. Instructional Processes*: 

 

 

Students will:

 

 

 

 

1.

Produce electronic documents that meet written requirements. Communication Outcome, Technological Literacy Outcome, Transitional Strategy

 

2.

Use current software tools to produce electronic documents.  Technological Literacy Outcome, Transitional Strategy

 

3.

Use problem-solving skills to design, implement and execute algorithms. Technological Mathematics Outcome

 

4.

Use the Internet to do research from which to draw conclusions. Communication Outcome, Technological Literacy Outcome, Transitional Strategy

 

5.

Produce a fully working, multiple-document end-product as part of an individual or collaborative effort for sharing information. Communication Outcome, Transitional Strategy, Active Learning Strategy

 

6.

Use software applications and documents to communicate. Communication Outcome, Technological Literacy Outcome, Transitional Strategy

 

7.

Develop a computer-related vocabulary including an understanding of data representation.  Transitional Strategy

 

8.

Practice computer etiquette and computer ethics. Social/Behavioral Sciences Outcome

 

9.

Understand the history of computers.  History Outcome

 

10.

Practice elements of the work ethic such as punctuality, professionalism, dependability, cooperation, and contribution. Communication Outcome, Transitional Strategy, Active Learning Strategy

*Strategies and outcomes listed after instructional processes reference TBR's goals for strengthening general education knowledge and skills, connecting course work 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.

Explain how data is represented in a computer. F

 

2.

Demonstrate knowledge of computer hardware and software. B, C, D, E, G

 

3.

Demonstrate knowledge of computer networks. G

 

4.

Create web pages. C

 

5.

Design, implement and execute algorithms. B, C, D, E, F, G

 

6.

Explain social, ethical and legal issues arising from the use of computers. H

 

7.

Discuss future uses of computers. A

 

8.

Discuss computer usage in interdisciplinary fields. A

 

9.

Demonstrate knowledge of software applications such as electronic spreadsheets and databases. C

 

10.

Use a web browser to search the Internet. F

 

11.

Use computer terminology in written documents and oral communication. C, F, H, K

 

12.

Use computer etiquette in electronic communications. H, K

 

13.

Use communication tools effectively. K

 

14.

Produce documents in a timely, well-organized manner. J

*Letters after performance expectations reference the course objectives listed above.

V. Evaluation:

 

 

 

A. Testing Procedures:

 

At least 1 exam(s) will be given and the last exam will be comprehensive. Exams may only be made up for excused absences. An excused absence is one that can be verified by supporting documentation.  Failure to make a passing test average will result in a grade of F for the course.

There will be at least 5 quizzes given during the course of the semester.

There will be at least 5 homework assignments during the course of the semester.

 

B. Laboratory Expectations:

 

There will be at least 7 labs.

 

C. Field Work:

 

n/a

 

D. Other Evaluation Methods:

 

n/a

 

E. Grading Scale:

 

93 - 100        A
88 – 92         B+
83 -  87         B
78 – 82         C+
73 -  78         C
65 -  72         D
0 -  64           F

VI. Policies:

 

 

 

A. Attendance Policy:

 

Pellissippi State 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. ( Pellissippi State Online Catalog )

 

B. Academic Dishonesty:

 

Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited.  Students guilty of academic misconduct, either directly or indirectly through participation or assistance, are immediately responsible to the instructor of the class.  In addition to other possible disciplinary sanctions which may be imposed through the regular Pellissippi State procedures as a result of academic misconduct, the instructor has the authority to assign an F or a zero for the exercise or examination or to assign an F in the course.  (Pellissippi State Catalog)

 

C. Accommodations for disabilities:

 

Students who need accommodations because of a disability, have emergency medical information to share, or need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated should inform the instructor immediately, privately after class or in her or his office.  Students must present a current accommodation plan from a staff member in Services for Students with Disabilities (SSWD) in order to receive accommodations in this course. Services for Students with Disabilities may be contacted by going to Goins134 or 126 or by phone: 694-6751(Voice/TTY) or 539-7153. More information is available at www.pstcc.edu/departments/swd/

 

D. Other Policies:

 

Computer Usage Guidelines:

College-owned or –operated computing resources are provided for use by students of Pellissippi State.  All students are responsible for the usage of Pellissippi State’s computing resources in an effective, efficient, ethical and lawful manner. (Pellissippi State Catalog)

 

In the event that you have an emergency beyond your control, you must notify the instructor as soon as possible