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CS 1308 - Computer Literacy and the Internet

NEW All New for Fall 2009! NEW


Schedule

Ever wonder how your iPhone works?  
  • Let's take one apart and see what's in there.
What's behind Facebook?
How did that "Tweet" get to me?

What does it mean to be "digital"?
  • Are you sure that picture is real?
Let's learn about computing and have some fun!

This class will focus on what a computer is and how it is used in everyday situations. When you are done with this class you will be able to recognize a computer and understand why having information in a digital format is important. We will also do some hands on applications, like a simple web page and a spreadsheet for a budget.

We plan to discuss these topics:

1. What are computers?

2. How do computers "think?"

3. How does it work? - Common digital devices (iPhones, digital cameras, HDTV) and digital file formats.

4. Computer Networks - servers and clients - the Internet

5. Social implications of computing

6. Applications: Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentation software, Databases, Web Page creation.



Catalog Description

A study of the uses of computers and their effects on society. Text processing, spreadsheets, databases, and web programming. Does not count for computer science credits toward a minor, or a B.S. or a B.A. in computer science.

Objectives

  • The student should leave the class with a basic working knowledge of operating systems and the Windows operating environment. The student should be able to compare/contrast.
  • The student should leave the class with a basic working knowledge of a word processor, a spreadsheet program with database applications, and power point presentations.
  • The student should leave the class with a basic working knowledge of communications software including electronic mail and newsgroups.

Instructor

Roger Priebe

Office Hours: 8-9 MWF, 1:00-2:00 MW and 5:30-6:30 W (RRHEC), and by appointment

Office: Nueces 257

Phone: 245-3436

E-mail: rp44@txstate.edu

 

Lab Assistants

Amanda Mendoza (mendoza@cs.txstate.edu)

Amanda Morrow
(morrow@cs.txstate.edu)

Amanda Stewart
(stewart@cs.txstate.edu)


Textbook

textbook cover

Computer Science Illuminated, 3rd Ed., Dale and Lewis, 
© 2007 Jones and Bartlett.

Other Materials

Web Site from The Analytical Engine, by Decker and Hirschfield, © 2004 Thomson/Brooks Cole, All Rights Reserved.

How Computer Stuff Works

 

Software


Locations/Times

  • Lecture

    Section 0002   MWF 9:00-9:50 :  DERR 113
    Section 0003   
    MWF 10:00-10:50 :  DERR 113

  • Labs
    Section Day/Time Location Instructor
    1001 M  10-11 DERR 325 Ms. Mendoza
    1002 M  11-12 DERR 325 Ms. Mendoza
    1003 T  10-11 DERR 325 Ms. Morrow
    1004 T  11-12 DERR 325 Ms. Morrow
    1005 W 10-11 DERR 325 Ms. Stewart
    1006 W 11-12 DERR 325 Ms. Mendoza
    1007 TH 10-11 DERR 325 Ms. Morrow
    1008 TH 11-12 DERR 325 Ms. Morrow
    1009 F  10-11 DERR 325 Ms. Stewart

Note: Labs will start the week of 8/31/2009



Assignments

Assignments will be posted here. Without valid proof of an unexpected emergency, you will receive a grade of zero if you miss the deadline.

Quizzes

We will have frequent "announced" quizzes on the lecture days.


Policies

We will not accept late work without a valid documented excuse. Makeup exams and quizzes will not be given under any circumstances, but under exceptional conditions, other arrangements may be made.

If you are dissatisfied with a grade you receive, you must submit your complaint in writing along with supporting evidence or arguments. We must receive this protest within one week of the date on which we first attempt to return the assignment to you. We will not consider any grade change request that does not fulfill this requirement.

Turning in an exam which is not entirely your own work is cheating. Turning in an assignment which is not entirely your own work (or your group's work, as per the assignment) is cheating. Group discussion about course content is not cheating, and it is strongly encouraged. Students who violate University and Departmental rules on scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the possibility of a lowered or 0 grade on an assignment or exam, failure in the course, and/or dismissal from the University. Representing the work of others as your own will be considered academic dishonesty and will not be tolerated. Since such dishonesty harms the individual, all students, and the integrity of the University, policies on scholastic dishonesty will be strictly enforced.  Please read the departmental policy.

At the beginning of the semester, students with disabilities who need special accommodations should notify the instructor by presenting a letter prepared by the Office of Disability Services. 

A student who is absent from an examination or cannot meet an assignment deadline due to the observance of a religious holy day may take the examination on an alternate day, submit the assignment up to 24 hours late without penalty, or be excused from the examination or assignment, if proper notice of the planned absence has been given. Notice must be given at least fourteen days prior to the classes scheduled on dates the student will be absent. For religious holy days that fall within the first two weeks of the semester, notice should be given on the first day of the semester. It must be personally delivered to the instructor and signed and dated by the instructor, or sent certified mail, return receipt requested. Email notification will be accepted if received, but a student submitting such notification must receive email confirmation from the instructor. A student who fails to complete missed work within the time allowed will be subject to the normal academic penalties. 


Grading

Final grades will be assigned on a 90-80-70-60 scale, based on the following components:

  • Two Midterm Exams: 45%
  • Cumulative Final Exam: 30%
  • Lab Assignments and Problem Sets: 20%
  • Quizzes: 5%

Notes:

  • We will drop the lowest quiz score.
  • The instructor reserves the right to alter the grading scale to the benefit of the students.
The last day to drop a class (W) is September 11.

September 11

Last day to drop with no record and with tuition refund

October 26

Automatic W date

November 23 Last day to withdraw from the University

Grades will be kept online on TRACS 


Last updated: 8/29/09