4 Classes, 8 Weeks
sinister670
itcc121_model_syllabus_sep_2016.docx
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Department of Information Technology ITCC121: Introduction to Computer Science 3 Credit Hours 8 Weeks Prerequisite(s): None |
Instructo r:
Email:
This course is an overview of computer information systems in which hardware, software, procedures, systems, and databases are explored in relation to their integration and application in business and other segments of society. Telecommunications and network concepts are introduced as a basis for understanding of the Internet and e-commerce capabilities.
This course provides a broad overview of major components of computer information systems. Hardware, software, procedures, systems, and databases are explored. Internet and e-commerce capabilities are discussed as well as the supporting infrastructures. Application intricately woven in segments of society is explored. Software development activities are described as well as computer operating and network software.
After successfully completing this course, you will be able to
1. Explain the major concepts behind computers, computer algorithms, and computer literacy.
2. Explain the technologies that have contributed to the exponential growth of the Internet and the World Wide Web (WWW)
3. Describe the impact of software development, and computing technologies on business productivity.
4. Outline major hardware components and the architecture and configurations of computing systems
5. Interpret the OSI model in respect to the architecture of networks and operating systems
6. Summarize the architecture, the flow of control, and the security concerns of the Internet and computer use
This course delivered via distance learning will enable students to complete academic work in a flexible manner, completely online. Course materials and access to an online learning management system will be made available to each student. Online assignments are due by Sunday evening of the week as noted and include Forum questions (accomplished in groups through a threaded forum), examination, and individual assignments submitted for review by the Faculty Member). Assigned faculty will support the students throughout this eight-week course.
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Book Number |
Author |
Book Title |
Publication Info |
ISBN |
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ITCC121 |
Williams, Brian |
Book Title: Using Information Technology, 11th ed. - the e-book will be provided via VitalSource |
Publication Info: McGraw-Hill |
ISBN: 780073516882 |
Students are expected to maintain routine contact with the instructor throughout the course. While the number of contacts may vary according to the specific course and individual student need, the University requires periodic weekly contacts during the semester. Contact will consist of professor notes, forum interaction, and email feedback. The method of discussion will be on-line related to issues concerning forum assignments, quizzes, assignments, the midterm project and final project.
TEXTBOOK READINGS Review the assigned textbook and support materials for this course! Review the table at the end of the syllabus to see assigned readings for each week.
PROJECTS
The projects for this course are located throughout each Lesson. The projects that are required for grading with this course are created from scratch. FORUM
The Forum assignments for this course are designed to promote interactivity among students and enhance the online learning process. The Forum provides maximum flexibility because you do not have to be online at the same time as another person and you can read what other students have written.
Forum Timing: For the forum, you must post your work by midnight on Thursday, continue to follow your classmates' posts for the remainder of the week, and post the follow-up peer responses prior to midnight on Sunday, except for week one . Your follow-up posts can add additional insight to a classmate's opinions or can challenge their opinions. Use examples from the readings, or from your own research, to support your views, as appropriate. Be sure to read the follow-up posts to your own posts and reply to any questions or requests for clarification. You are encouraged to conduct research and use other sources to support your answers.
Required Participation: Please keep in mind that the forum assignments require you to make at least 1 post to the forum with at least 250 words about the topic and also respond to at least 2 peers’ posts with at least 150 words. Please be advised that there will be point deductions if you do not comply with these requirements of the assignment. Each one of you will have a different and unique experience that we can all learn from. Your participation in the Forums unleashes the power of synergy in our classroom. To facilitate this interaction, please be prompt when posting your forum work for each week; this provides time for the others to actively engage in the dialogue. For practical reasons, when you respond to other learners’ posts, please start your response by referencing their name. I will read and grade your participation by reading the forum. There is no need to also post your forum work in the assignments area of the classroom. Refer to the forum and the syllabus for more details on grading.
STANDARDS FOR WRITTEN WORK
Written communications is an essential tool for any professional. As with any skill, writing well is the result of practice followed by feedback, and the use of relevant and appropriate sources. Therefore, the quality of writing is graded as part of every written assignment. Below are the grading criteria for each written assignment in this class.
Content & Development 50%
· All key elements of the assignment are covered in a substantive way.
· Content is comprehensive, accurate, and/or persuasive.
· Major points are stated clearly, are supported by specific details, examples, or analysis, and are organized logically.
· Where appropriate, the paper supports major points with theory relevant to the development of the ideas, and uses the vocabulary of the theory correctly.
· Theory and practice are integrated, whereby the writer is able to link theories to practical experience (i.e., application to a real-world work setting).
· Research is adequate and timely for the topic.
· The context and purpose of the writing is clear (e.g., critique, research, sample memo, and business plan).
Organization 20%
· The structure of the paper is clear and easy to follow.
· The paper’s organization emphasizes the central theme or purpose and is directed toward the appropriate audience.
· Ideas flow in a logical sequence.
· The introduction provides sufficient background on the topic and previews major points.
· Paragraph transitions are logical and reinforce the flow of thought throughout the paper.
· The conclusion is logical and flows from the body of the paper.
· The conclusion reviews the major points.
Format 10%
· The paper, including citations and the reference page.
· The paper is laid out effectively and uses reader-friendly aids (e.g., sections, summaries, table of contents, indices, and appendices), when appropriate.
· The paper utilizes references appropriately.
· Features such as headings and italics aid in the readability of the paper and are not overused.
· The paper is neat, with attention given to format requirements.
Grammar, Punctuation, & Spelling 15%
· Rules of grammar, usage, and punctuation are followed.
· Spelling is correct.
Readability & Style 5%
· Sentences are complete, clear, and concise.
· Sentences are well constructed, with consistently strong, varied structure.
· Sentence transitions reinforce the flow of thought.
· Words used are precise and unambiguous.
· The tone is appropriate to the content and assignment.
MIDTERM PROJECT
The Midterm Project requires you to use your knowledge of to apply knowledge gained.
FINAL PROJECT The Final Project requires you to use your knowledge gained through-out the course apply what you learned.
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Grade Instruments |
Points |
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Forums |
25 |
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Internet Hunt |
5 |
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Application Program Paper |
5 |
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2 PowerPoint Presentations |
10 |
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Ideal Personal Computer Paper |
5 |
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Article Summary |
10 |
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Midterm Project |
20 |
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Final Project |
20 |
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Total |
100 |
Please see the Student Handbook to reference the University’s grading scale.
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Week
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Topic(s)
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Learning Objective(s) |
Reading(s)
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Assignment(s)
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1 |
Computer Basics and the Internet
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· Explain the major concepts behind computers, computer algorithms, and computer literacy. · Explain the technologies that have contributed to the exponential growth of the Internet and the World Wide Web (WWW) |
Chapter 1: Introduction to Information Technology: The Future Now
Chapter 2: The Internet & the World Wide Web: Exploring Cyberspace |
Introduction Week 1 Forum Week 1 Assignment: Internet Hunt |
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2 |
System and Application Software
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· Describe the impact of software development, and computing technologies on business productivity.
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Chapter 3: Software: Tools for Productivity & Creativity |
Week 2 Forum Week 2 Assignment: Application Program Paper
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3 |
Hardware
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· Outline major hardware components and the architecture and configurations of computing systems |
Chapter 4: Hardware: The CPU & Storage
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Week 3 Forum Week 3 Assignment: Article Summary
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4 |
Input and Output Systems
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· Outline major hardware components and the architecture and configurations of computing systems |
Chapter 5: Hardware: Input & Output: Taking Charge of Communications |
Week 4 Forum Week 4 Assignment: Midterm Project |
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5 |
Communications, networks and Security |
· Summarize the architecture, the flow of control, and the security concerns of the Internet and computer use
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Chapter 6: Communications, Networks, & Cyberthreats: The Wired & Wireless World |
Week 5 Forum Week 5 Assignment: PowerPoint Presentation
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6 |
Personal Technology
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· Explain the major concepts behind computers, computer algorithms, and computer literacy. · Describe the impact of software development, and computing technologies on business productivity. · Outline major hardware components and the architecture and configurations of computing systems |
Chapter 7: Personal Technology: The Future Is You |
Week 6 Forum Week 6 Assignment: Ideal Computer Paper
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7 |
Database and Information Systems
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· Explain the major concepts behind computers, computer algorithms, and computer literacy.
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Chapter 8: The Era of Big Data: Databases, Information Systems, & Artificial Intelligence
Chapter 9: The Challenges of the Digital Age: Society & Information Technology Today
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Week 7 Forum Week 7 Assignment: PowerPoint Presentation
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8 |
Systems Analysis and Programming
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· Explain the major concepts behind computers, computer algorithms, and computer literacy. · Interpret the OSI model in respect to the architecture of networks and operating systems · Summarize the architecture, the flow of control, and the security concerns of the Internet and computer use |
Chapter 10: Building Systems & Applications: Software Development, Programming, & Languages |
Week 8 Forum Week 8 Assignment: Final Project/Assignment |
Please see the Student Handbook to reference all University policies. Quick links to frequently asked question about policies are listed below.
Late Assignments
Students are expected to submit classroom assignments by the posted due date and to complete the course according to the published class schedule. As adults, students, and working professionals, I understand you must manage competing demands on your time. Should you need additional time to complete an assignment, please contact me before the due date so we can discuss the situation and determine an acceptable resolution. Routine submission of late assignments is unacceptable and may result in points deducted from your final course grade.
Netiquette
Online universities promote the advancement of knowledge through positive and constructive debate – both inside and outside the classroom. Forums on the Internet, however, can occasionally degenerate into needless insults and “flaming.” Such activity and the loss of good manners are not acceptable in a university setting – basic academic rules of good behavior and proper “Netiquette” must persist. Remember that you are in a place for the rewards and excitement of learning which does not include descent to personal attacks or student attempts to stifle the Forum of others.
· Technology Limitations: While you should feel free to explore the full-range of creative composition in your formal papers, keep e-mail layouts simple. The Sakai classroom may not fully support MIME or HTML encoded messages, which means that bold face, italics, underlining, and a variety of color-coding or other visual effects will not translate in your e-mail messages.
· Humor Note: Despite the best of intentions, jokes and especially satire can easily get lost or taken seriously. If you feel the need for humor, you may wish to add “emoticons” to help alert your readers: ;-), : ),
Disclaimer Statement
Course content may vary from the outline to meet the needs of this particular group.
The Online Library is available to enrolled students and faculty from inside the electronic campus. This is your starting point for access to online books, subscription periodicals, and Web resources that are designed to support your classes and generally not available through search engines on the open Web. In addition, the Online Library provides access to special learning resources, which the University has contracted to assist with your studies. Questions can be directed to [email protected] .
1. Charles Town Library and Inter Library Loan: The University maintains a special library with a limited number of supporting volumes, collection of our professors’ publication, and services to search and borrow research books and articles from other libraries.
1. Electronic Books: You can use the online library to uncover and download over 50,000 titles, which have been scanned and made available in electronic format.
1. Electronic Journals: The University provides access to over 12,000 journals, which are available in electronic form and only through limited subscription services.
1. Tutor.com: AMU and APU Civilian & Coast Guard students are eligible for 10 free hours of tutoring provided by APUS. Tutor.com connects you with a professional tutor online 24/7 to provide help with assignments, studying, test prep, resume writing, and more. Tutor.com is tutoring the way it was meant to be. You get expert tutoring whenever you need help, and you work one-to-one with your tutor in your online classroom on your specific problem until it is done.
Request a Library Guide for your course ( http://apus.libguides.com/index.php )
The AMU/APU Library Guides provide access to collections of trusted sites on the Open Web and licensed resources on the Deep Web. The following are specially tailored for academic research at APUS:
· Program Portals contain topical and methodological resources to help launch general research in the degree program. To locate, search by department name, or navigate by school.
· Course Lib-Guides narrow the focus to relevant resources for the corresponding course. To locate, search by class code (e.g., SOCI111), or class name.
If a guide you need is not available yet, please email the APUS Library: [email protected].
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Turnitin |
Assignments submitted may be evaluated using Turnitin in the classroom. Turnitin will analyze the paper and report instances of potential plagiarism or academic integrity for you to edit before submitting it for a grade.
Additional references are found in the Lessons Page of the classroom.
