Pellissippi State Technical Community College
Master Syllabus


INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS AND COMPUTING
CSIT 1000

Class Hours: 2.0

Instructor:

Laboratory Hours: 3.0

Office No.:

Credit Hours: 3.0

Phone No.:

Revised: Fall 2007

Email:


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.

Pre-requisite(s): None

Textbooks and Other Related Materials Basic to the Course:

  1. Starting Out with Alice: A Visual Introduction to Programming, Tony Gaddis.
  2. Computers are Your Future 2008 Complete, Daley. Pearson Prentice Hall.


I.      WEEK/CHAPTER(S)/TOPICS COVERED

Week Chapter(s) Topic(s)
1 1 Introduction to Computer Science and Ethics
2 2 The Internet and E-Commerce
3 3 Wireless Communication and Home Networks
4 4 System Software, File Management
5 5 Application Software, MS Office
6 6 Operating Systems
7 7 The System Unit, Your Computer System
8 8 I/O, Storage and Multimedia Devices. Alice
9 9 Networks, Privacy, Crime and Security. Alice
10 10 Careers and Certifications. Alice
11 11 Programming. Alice
12 12 Databases. Alice
13 13 Enterprise Computing, Emerging Technologies. Alice
14 14 Ethics, Privacy. Alice
15 Comprehensive final exam

II.      COURSE OBJECTIVES:

  1. Demonstrate understanding of fundamental concepts of computer science. I, III, XI
  2. Use basic computer architecture terminology correctly. I, III, XI
  3. Calculate logical/relational comparison results. V, VI, XI
  4. Execute code examples and explain their output. V, VI, XI
  5. Step through algorithms and explain their results. V, VI, XI
  6. Design and implement computer programs. V, VI, XI
  7. Demonstrate knowledge of the intellectual and practical effects that computer science has in most of the sciences and humanities. III, X, XI
  8. Understand social, legal and ethical issues as they pertain to computer usage. III, X, XI
  9. Create electronic documents using computer applications such as electronic spreadsheets and databases. I, II, III, IV, IX, XI
  10. Use a web browser to search the Internet. II, III, IV, IX, XI
  11. Demonstrate knowledge of memory addressing. I, III, XI
  12. Demonstrate knowledge of networking issues. I, III, XI
  13. Utilize computer etiquette in electronic communications. I, III, X, XI
  14. Demonstrate individual and/or teamwork standards to accomplish given tasks within established timeframes. X, XI, XII
  15. Use the computer as a tool to communicate information. I, III, IV, IX, XI

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 Literacy Outcome, 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

IV.      EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENT PERFORMANCE:

Upon successful completion of the 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

V.      EVALUATION:

  1. 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.
  2. Laboratory Expectations:  There will be at least 7 labs.
  3. Field Work:  N/A
  4. Other Evaluation Methods:  N/A
  5. 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:

  1. Attendance Policy:
    Pellissippi State Technical Community College expects students to attend all scheduled instructional activities. As a minimum, students in all courses (excluding distance learning 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. In very specific circumstances, an appeal of the policy can be addressed to the head of the department in which the course was taken. If further action is warranted, the appeal can be addressed to the vice president of Academic and Student Affairs.
  2. 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:
    • 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
    • Plagiarism, including but not limited to paraphrasing, summarizing, or directly quoting published or unpublished work of another person, including online or computerized services, without proper documentation of the original source
    • Providing others with information and/or answers regarding exams, quizzes, homework or other classroom assignments unless explicitly authorized by the instructor
    • Taking an exam for another student
  1. Accommodations for Disabilities:
    If you need accommodations 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. Please see the instructor privately after class or in his/her 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 127 or 131 or by phone: 694-6751(Voice/TTY) or 539-7153.
  2. 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.
  3. Other:
    In the event that you have an emergency beyond your control, you must notify the instructor as soon as possible