Departmental Course Syllabus

 

Department: Computer Information Systems                                          Revision Date: Fall 2009

San Antonio College * 1300 San Pedro* San Antonio, TX* 78212-4299

Course Number and Title: ITSC 1301 Introduction to Computers

Credit Hours: 3

Instructor: See Instructor’s Information Sheet

Office: NTC 114                                                           Phone Number: 210 486-1050   FAX: 210 486-1750

Email:                                                                                       Web Address: http://www.accd.edu/sac/cis

I.          Catalog Description: Overview of computer information systems. Introduces computer hardware, software, procedures, and human resources.

 

II.        Pre-requisites, co-requisites and other requirements: none

 

III.      Text: ITSC1301 — Introduction to Computers

GO! Technology in Action, Sixth Edition (electronic copies available on line, paper copies available in bookstore)

by Alan Evans; Kendall Martin; Mary Anne Poatsy

Publisher: Prentice Hall

Copyright Year: 2010

eText ISBN-10: 0-13-245260-X  

eText ISBN-13: 978-0-13-245260-1  

Print ISBN-10: 0-13-245261-8  

Print ISBN-13: 978-0-13-245261-8  

 

IV.        Instruction will consist of: a myriad of individual and group activities to include but not limited too:  hand-on projects, writing exercises, oral presentations, classroom discussions, classroom software demonstrations, hardware show and tell, internet video instruction, internet research and resource exercises, internet application exercises and on-campus tours.

 

V.         Course Content:

Chapter 1. Why Computers Matter to You: Becoming Computer Literate

Chapter 2. Looking at Computers: Understanding the Parts

Chapter 3. Using the Internet: Making the Most of the Web’s Resources

Chapter 4. Application Software: Programs That Let You Work and Play

Chapter 5. Using System Software: The Operating System, Utility Programs, and File Management

Chapter 6. Understanding and Assessing Hardware: Evaluating Your System

Chapter 7. Networking and Security: Connecting Computers and Keeping Them Safe from Hackers and Viruses

Chapter 8. Mobile Computing: Keeping Your Data on Hand

Chapter 9. Behind the Scenes: A Closer Look at System Hardware

Technology in Focus: Careers in IT

 

VI.        Learning Outcomes and Performance Objectives with their methods of measurement as used to           determine the students’ mastery of those outcomes.  

 

Learning Outcome:

WECM End of Course Outcomes- Identify the components of a computer system; use common applications; explain the impact of computers on society; identify computer careers; identify fundamental programming structures; identify ethical use of computers; and use basic operating system functions.

 

CIS Department Specific Outcomes -

1. Acquire sufficient modern computer terminology related to computer concepts and components one needs in order to select, acquire and maintain a personal computer.

 

2. Acquire hands on skills in the operation of a personal computer to the extent one is familiar with the common and necessary operating system and application software a typical personal computer user requires to meet personal and occupational needs.

 

3. Acquire file management skills to include creating, opening, closing, viewing, saving, deleting, locating, copying, moving, renaming and selecting files in a Windows file management system.

 

4. Acquire and practice skills in data mining and information search techniques to facilitate research and learning in general and in specific computer related topics.

 

5. Acquire and practice written and oral communication skills by utilizing modern computer related technology.

 

6. Gain the ability to gather, organize and present facts acquired utilizing modern computer technology in individual and group settings.

 

7. Acquire an understanding and appreciation of Information Technology workers and their professions in the 21st century.

 

Performance Objectives/Method(s) of measurement for each objective:

 

1. Student will be able to score an average of 70% or more on instruments designed to measure acquired concepts.

2. Student will successfully score an average of 70% or more of assigned hands-on exercise.

3. Student will successfully score an average of 70% or more on all internet research activities.

4. Student will successfully score an average of 70% or more on written and oral presentation assignments.

5. Student will be able to score an average of 70% or more on instruments designed to measure acquired understand and appreciation of Information Technology workers and their professions in the 21st century.

 

(SCANS COMPETENCIES are only required for courses which are a part of an AAS degree plan.)

SCANS Competencies: See attached for a list of competencies related to the workplace as

outlined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

 

VII.      Course requirements and grade computation.

A.         College Requirements:

A written, comprehensive final examination, not to exceed two and one-half hours in length, shall be given at the end of each semester for each course at the regularly scheduled time. Any exceptions to these requirements must be approved by the appropriate dean. Other examinations are given at the discretion of the instructor.

 

A student who must be absent from a final examination should petition that instructor for permission to postpone the examination. A student absent without permission from a final examination is graded “F.” Postponed examinations result in a grade of “I.” The final exam must be taken within 120 calendar days from the end of the semester or the grade automatically becomes an “F.” (San Antonio College Bulletin, Faculty Handbook - January 1995)

B.         Departmental Requirement:

            Students will need a 256K or larger USB memory stick.

C.         Instructor Requirements:

            See Instructor’s Information Sheet or website.

 

VIII.    College Policies:

A.         San Antonio College does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability with respect to access, employment programs or services.

B.         Students are urged not to bring children to either a class or a lab. Minors under the age of twelve (12) must not be left unattended on campus. College Academic Council - April, 1998

C.         ADA Statement: “As per Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, if accommodation is needed contact the Office of DisABILITY Support Services, CAC 124C, Phone: (210) 486-0020.

D.         A Rapid Response Team exists for the purpose of responding to emergencies. If you have a disability that will require assistance in the event of a building evacuation, notify Disability Support Services, Chance Academic Center 124C, Phone: (210) 486-0020.

E.         Academic Dishonesty: Students may be subject to disciplinary proceedings resulting

in an academic penalty or disciplinary penalty for academic dishonesty. Academic Dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism and collusion. For additional information refer to the “Student Code of Conduct” in the San Antonio College Bulletin.

F.         Students are required to silence all electronic devices (e.g., pagers, cellular phones, etc.) when in classrooms, laboratories and the library. College Academic Council, 01/ 2000.

G.         San Antonio College Attendance Policy: Regular and punctual attendance at all classes and laboratories, day and/or evening, is required. A student absent for any reason is responsible for all work missed. Both tardiness and early departure from class are forms of absenteeism. The instructor establishes the policy with regard to each.

Absences of each student are recorded without exception. The counting of absences begins on the first day of class. A student absent the equivalent of two weeks of instruction in a 16-week semester may be dropped by the instructor. If a student is dropped from a class for excessive absences, the instructor will record a grade of “W’ (withdraw). It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the withdrawals have been submitted.

H.         San Antonio College is a smoke free campus.

I.          ACCD DPS Emergency Phone Numbers:

ACCD DPS Emergency Phone     (210) 222-0911

ACCD DPS General Phone          (210) 485-8099

ACCD DPS Weather Phone         (210) 485-0189 (For information on college closures)

J.                   Students must also abide by the policies, procedures, and rules set forth in the “Student Code of Conduct” and all other policies set forth in the San Antonio College Bulletin.