Sample Syllabus

(This is a tentative syllabus.  The detailed and updated syllabus will be posted within the COMS 103 WebCT course each semester.)

 

COMS 103
Computer Literacy and Applications via World Wide Web

 

Lead Instructor:

Professor Carl K. Chang

E-mail: cs103@cs.iastate.edu

Instructor:

Dr. Shu-Hui Chang

E-mail:shchang@iastate.edu

TA Help Desks:

See “Help Desk” link under course menu

Course Web Site: http://www.cs.iastate.edu/~cs103hom/

Textbook

Students will need to purchase the textbooks from either the University Bookstore or Campus Bookstore:
Detailed information will be announced within the COM S 103 WebCT course.
*  Both bookstores indicate that they will return books and required course materials to the publisher two weeks after school starts.  To prevent problems, please purchase them as soon as possible. 

Course Description 

Computer Science 103:  Computer Literacy and Applications is a four credit hour course (designed for students with little or no prior computer experience).    It focuses on two parts of modern computing—computer literacy and computer applications. 

As a student in this course, you will embark on a comprehensive study of computer concepts. These topics include: Introduction to Computers, The Internet and World Wide Web, Application Software, The Components of the System Unit, Input, Output, Storage, Operating Systems and Utility Programs, Communications and Networks, Database Management, Computers and Society, Security, Privacy, and Ethics, Information System Development, Programming Languages and Program Development, Enterprise Computing, Computer Careers and Certification and A Look to the Future. 

This course provides an overview of microcomputer applications including a brief introduction to computer concepts, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, Microsoft PowerPoint, the creation of Web pages, and the integration of the applications.

The Applications part is covered in weekly assignments.  Students can work at their own paces and schedules, but must turn in their assignments and projects on time.  For the on campus class (sections 1 to 25), students must register for one of the face-to-face orientation sessions.  Students must register for the orientation session through AccessPlus and attend the orientation session according to the schedule in the first week of the semester (Login to AccessPlus, click “class schedule”, then you will see Com S 103 class, section #, meeting time etc.).  After attending the orientation, students will have confidence and be able to completely function within WebCT, the standard ISU classroom portal.  For the off campus class (section XW), students will attend the online orientation within the COMS 103 WebCT course. 

After the orientation session, students do not have to return to the lab for the duration of the course.  This will allow students to learn at their own pace and study in the comfort of their home or work environment.  This online course brings educational opportunity directly to your computer 24 hours / 7 days a week.

Class Management System

For the Computer Science 103 (Computer Literacy and Applications) class, WebCT will be the curricula management system.  All of your assignments and assessments (e.g. quizzes, exams, etc.) will be managed (accessed, submitted, graded) through WebCT (online). You will need to have access to a computer and the Internet either through your own computer or computers in the computer labs on campus. Additionally, the computers you use should have the following software applications: Windows XP and Microsoft Office 2003 including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint, which are the course’s major contents.

You need to come to the face-to-face orientation session during the first week of the semester to learn how to use the WebCT tools and to meet with your instructors and your section TA.

Grading 

 

A

92.0 - 100

C

72.0 - 77.9

A-

90.0 - 91.9

C-

70.0 - 71.9

B+

88.0 - 89.9

D+

68.0 - 69.9

B

82.0 - 87.9

D

62.0 - 67.9

B-

80.0 - 81.9

D-

60.0 - 61.9

C+

78.0 - 79.9

F

0 – 59.9

 

Course Policies

(Note:  The detailed and updated course policies will be posted within the COMS 103 WebCT course.)

 

1.      Disabled students are encouraged to contact the instructor during the orientation in the first week of the semester so that appropriate accommodations may be arranged.

2.      Examination, Quiz, and Homework Policy
Since this is an online class, you need to manage your own time to complete and submit all homework, quizzes, and examinations before the deadlines.  All quizzes and examinations will be taken on-line using WebCT.
A) No late quizzes, or exams will be accepted, except for the following valid reasons:

(a)   college sponsored trips

(b)  illness with a doctor's note

(c)   evidence of a personal emergency.

If you know in advance that you will be absent, it is your responsibility to make appropriate arrangements through WebCT e-mail with the instructor in advance! Make-up exams must be taken when scheduled.

B) All assignments should be turned in before the deadline. Any assignments turned in after the due date/time will receive 60% of the maximum credits. Late homework is accepted for one week after the due date. Homework turned in more than one week late will receive no credit. 

C) Tests:  For the on campus class (sections 1 to 25), students must take 6 tests in the room 60 Carver Hall test center.  For the off campus class (section XW), students need to take the 6 tests in a proctored environment.  Please see the detailed tests’ schedules in the WebCT course.

 

3.  Regular Activities

There will be homework and quizzes for each week.  Quizzes will not be available after the deadlines.  In this class, all communications between the instructor and students are carried out by WebCT. To communicate with the instructor, use the WebCT email after the first week of classes.

 

4.  No incompletes will be given for this class.

 

5.  Academic Dishonesty Policy

Academic dishonesty:
"Academic dishonesty occurs when a student uses or attempts to use unauthorized information in the taking of an exam; or submits as his or her own work themes, reports, drawings, laboratory notes or other products prepared by another person or knowingly assists another student in such acts.  Such behavior is abhorrent to the university, and students found guilty of academic dishonesty face suspension, conduct probation, or reprimand......"  
Iowa State University Bulletin

 

6. Important Note:  It is the department’s policy that students should not switch sections once the school starts.