THOMAS COLLEGE

CS118

Foundations of Information Systems

 

Professor:    Dr. McPhee                                 Office Hours:  T, Th 9:30 – 10:30

Office:         208-B                                                                            12:00 – 12:30

Telephone:  859-1320                                                               and by appointment.

E-mail:        mcphee@thomas.edu

Session:       fall, 2002

 

Text

 

Bryan Pfaffenberger, Computers in Your Future 2003 (5th edition).  Prentice Hall, NJ

 

Course Description

 

This course is designed to introduce CIS majors and others interested in use and future of technology and the human impact of information systems. 

 

Course Objectives

 

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of :

 

  1. hardware and software fundamentals
  2. application software
  3. networks and gateways
  4. current technology issues (i.e. security, artificial intelligence, privacy, ethics, future trends)
  5. the use of technology in business and personal living

 

Instructional Format

 

The course objectives will be met through the textbook and accompany electronic web site, hands on exercises, audio/visual tools, and supplemental readings from the Internet.

 

Requirements

 

·        attend and contribute to all class sessions

·        read all text and other materials

·        take quizzes and exams at scheduled times

·        complete assignments when due

·        use the CD-ROM and companion website  at www.prenhall.com/pfaffenberger

 

 

 

 

 

 

Week of

                                     

September        3/5        Introduction and hands on exploration   

                         10/12    Chapter 1

                         17/19    Research/Projects/Reflection                 

                         24/26    Chapter 2

                          

 October            1/3      Research/Projects/Reflection   

                          8/10    Chapter 3

                         15/17   Research/Projects/Reflection

                         22/24   Chapter 4

                         29/31    Review, Exam

 

November        5/7        Research/Projects/Reflection

                        12/14     Chapter 5

                        19/21     Research/Projects/Reflection

                         26/28    Chapter 6                                 

 

December        3/5        Research/Projects/Reflection

                         10/12    Chapter 7 and 8        

                         Week of 12/16 final exams

                         

           

            Grading Policy

 

Exams 1/3

Quzzes, essay, and other online work 1/3

Research/reflection papers 1/3

Class participation  is expected:

 

Exam format is multiple choice and essay over the readings, video clips, and class discussion.

 

Reflection Paper

 

Due the following class session.  Ten points will be deducted from the grade for each day the paper is late.  Papers must be typed, double space, using Times New Roman 12 font, and following MLA Style.

 

Please refer to the attached rubric for guidelines and grading criteria for the paper:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class participation rubric: 

Grade of A -- consistently (weekly) volunteers relevant information or answers questions

Grade of B -- occasionally volunteers relevant information or answers questions

Grade of C-- rarely volunteers information/must be asked to participate

Grade of D -- not prepared, unwilling to participate, disinterested

 

Attendance Policy

 

Because a great deal of learning comes from class discussions and activities, students are encouraged to attend and participate in all class sessions.  At times an absence from class is unavoidable.  In order to accommodate such times, three absences are allowed without penalty.  Each absence thereafter will result in 2 points deducted from the final grade.

 

Dismissal from Course

 

Students who accumulate eight absences after the add/drop date will be dropped from the course.

 

Academic Dishonesty Policy

 

Copying work from other students or the Internet and using it as one’s own or cheating on an exam or quiz will result in a failing grade for the course.