PELLISSIPPI STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE  MASTER SYLLABUS
INTRODUCTION TO LINUX CSIT 2410
Class Hours: 3.0						Credit Hours: 4.0
Laboratory Hours: 3.0						Revised: Spring 2010
Catalog Course Description:
	A study of the Linux operating system. Topics include the file system, basic commands and utilities, text editors, electronic mail, graphical user interfaces and an introduction to shell scripts.
Entry Level Standards:
	The entering student should have college-level reading and math skills; keyboarding skills of at least 28 wpm. The students should be familiar with a GUI operating system.
Prerequisites:
	None.
Textbook(s) and Other Course Materials:
	Fedora 11 and Red Hat Enterprise Linux by Christopher Negus, Wiley Publishing, ISBN: 978-0-470-48504-0
I. Week/Unit/Topic Basis:
	Week				Topic
	1				Open source software and Linux
	2				Linux installation
	3				Getting started with basic commands and desktop
	4				File system hierarchy
	5				Using email clients and OpenOffice applications, Test 1
	6				Working with storage devices
	7				Using graphics and multimedia applications
	8				Understanding processes, editors, filters, and pipes
	9				User and group administration
	10				Review and Test 2
	11				File system administration
	12				Introduction to networking
	13				Introduction to shell scripting
	14				Installing and updating packages, Hands-on exam
	15				Comprehensive final exam
II. Course Objectives*:
	A.			Use Linux/Unix commands and utilities. II, III, IV, VI, VIII, IX, X, XII
	B.			Use redirection and piping. II, III, IV, VI, VIII, IX, X, XII
	C.			Understand the Linux/Unix file system. I, III, IV, V, IX, XI, XII
	D.			Use a GUI environments such as KDE, GNOME. II, III, IV, VI, VIII, IX
	E.			Use common Linux/Unix text editors. III, IV, VI, VIII, IX, XI
	F.			Understand the shell, environment variables and configuration files. II, III, IV, VI, VIII, IX, X, XII
	G.			Understand the basic shell scripting process. II, III, IV, VI, VIII, IX, X, XII
	H.			Understand the use of users and groups. I, III, IV, V, IX, XI, XII
*Roman numerals after course objectives reference goals of the CSIT program.
III. Instructional Processes*:
Students will:
	1.			Use a Linux operating system to perform tasks. Communication Outcome, Math Outcome, Technological Literacy Outcome, Active Learning
	2.			Practice elements of the work ethic such as punctuality, professionalism, dependability, cooperation, and contribution. Communication Outcome
	3.			Use professionally accepted methods and materials in their approach to the completion of tasks. Communication Outcome, Math Outcome
*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.			Use Linux help to learn how to use commands. A
	2.			Use Linux/Unix commands to solve problems. A, B, C , E, F, G
	3.			Customize a Linux/Unix environment for a specific application. D, F
	4.			Produce documents using Linux/Unix text processing tools. E
	5.			Apply the `tool box' concept to specific problems. A, B, C, E, F, G
	6.			Be able to perform file management activities to their file system. A, C, E
	7.			Understand the Linux file system hierarchy. C
	8.			Understand the use of users and groups. H
	9.			Understand and use a Linux shell. A, B, F, G
	10.			Write simple shell scripts. G
	11.			Understand several Linux network and process commands. A
	12.			Be familiar with the development of the Linux/Unix system. A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H
*Letters after performance expectations reference the course objectives listed above.
V. Evaluation:
	A. Testing Procedures:
			One hands-on and three theoretical tests will be given during the course of the semester. A passing grade is required on the hands-on exam to pass the course There will be no make-up tests unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor.  Failure to make a passing test average may result in a grade of F for the course.
	B. Laboratory Expectations:
		At least 6-8 lab assignments will be given during the course of the semester.  In addition, students may be assigned a team project.  A late penalty will be imposed on any overdue assignment.  Failure to make a passing average in lab assignments and team project may result in a grade of F for the course.
	C. Field Work:
		N/A
	D. Other Evaluation Methods:
		You are expected to do your own work in this class. If you are unable to complete an assignment on your own, it is your responsibility to get help from the instructor (before the assignment is due). Plagiarism, cheating, software piracy, non-educational use of computer systems and other forms of academic dishonesty are strictly prohibited. A student caught cheating or infracting specific rules will be given a grade of "F" for the course and a letter from the department head will be placed in the student's academic record file, or dismissal from the college will be recommended. In the event that you have an emergency beyond your control, you must notify the instructor in advance, if at all possible.
	E. Grading Scale:
		93-100 A 88-92  B+ 83-87  B 78-82  C+ 73-77  C 65-72  D Below 65   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. [NOTE: No differentiation is noted for excused/unexcused absences. These will be treated as an absence.] (Pellissippi State, 2008-2010 Catalog, http://pstcc15.edu/catalog, page 83)
	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, 2008-2010 Catalog, http://pstcc15.edu/catalog, Pages 61-62)
	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 Goins 134 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, 2008-2010 Catalog, http://pstcc15.edu/catalog, pages 66-69)