Description

Capabilities and limitations of computers, programming in BASIC, history and development of modern computers, components of a computer system, computer jargon, machine language, software demonstration and evaluation. Intended primarily for non-math/computer science majors. Open only to those students who have not previously completed a computer course. (3 credit hours)

Prerequisite

placement AMTH 099/108 or completion of an appropriate developmental algebra course

Meets

MWF 8:00 - 8:50 BSED 238-E

Instructor

Janie H. Key

Office

ADMN 201H

Telephone

(803)641-3424

email

janiek@usca.edu

Fax

(803)641-3726

Office Hours

MWF 12:00 - 1:00, TTh 1:45 - 2:45 (Other hours by appointment & drop-in)

Text

1. Computers:Tools for an Information Age, Fifth Edition, by H.L. Capron, Addison Wesley.

2. (Optional)Exploring Microsoft Office 97, Volume I, by R. Grauer and M. Barber, Prentice Hall.

Supplies

You will also need to purchase at least 2 "quality" 3-1/2" floppy diskettes; 2S, HD (3M, IBM, Inmac Plus, Kodak, Maxell, Nashua, and Verbatim Datalife) and 4 scantron sheets.

Course Objectives

To provide a basis for understanding the capabilities and limitations of computers, with a historical perspective; to provide an understanding of computer jargon and the ethics of computer use; to provide an understanding of the purpose and use of the fundamental components of a computer system; to explore ways to use a computer for communication and access to data and information; to provide an introduction to word-processing, database management, and electronic spreadsheets; to provide a brief introduction to software development and problem-solving with computers by writing programs in a high-level programming language (BASIC). Course content will be delivered through lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities.

Other

You are responsible for material in the text, all material covered in class, and supplemental handouts. Extra credit (10% toward one homework assignment) will be given for current news articles related to computer science, which are shared with the class (before November 30). Your final grade is determined by demonstrated achievement of the course objectives as measured by grades received on homework, exams, and a comprehensive final. There will be at least one in-class, oral presentation of homework.

Exams

There will be three major exams plus a cumulative final.

Tentative Exam Dates

Exam 1 - Wednesday, September 23
Exam 2 - Friday, October 23
Exam 3 - Friday, November 20
Final - Friday, December 11, 8 AM

Homework

Homework is due at the beginning of class on the due date. Homework may be turned in early. Please STAPLE all written papers in the upper left corner if there is more than one page. Be sure your name, course, and section number are printed by the computer on the top page of all homework. For each hour in class, expect to spend at least 2-3 hours outside of class reading and doing homework.

You must turn in a hardcopy of computer exercises, showing results, and a copy of the program file. Exercises and programs are graded on the basis of clarity, correctness, and meeting specifications. Be sure to keep a copy of all computer exercises on disk. Disks may be collected periodically.

Late homework will be discounted by 10% for each day of lateness Makeup work is given for excused absences only (documentable incapacitating illness, official representation of the University, death of a close relative, religious holiday, and other circumstances preventing attendance but beyond control of the student.) Makeup exams will be given with the final exam. The student is responsible for all assigned work and must confer with the instructor as soon as possible, in the event of any absence. No work accepted after 5PM December 7.

Attendance

Attendance will be taken each class session. The 75% attendance rule applies in this course. That is, the maximum number of unexcused absences allowed in this course, before a penalty is imposed, is six.

Turn In

You must turn in a hardcopy of computer exercises, showing results. Keep a copy of all program files on diskette including group project work.

Makeup Work

Makeup work is given for excused absences only (documentable incapacitating illness, official representation of the University, death of a close relative, religious holiday, and other circumstances preventing attendance but beyond control of the student.) Makeup exams will be given with the final exam. The student is responsible for all assigned work and must confer with the instructor as soon as possible, in the event of an absence. Problems turned in after 5:00 PM , Dec. 7, will receive no credit.

Special Note

If you have a learning or physical disability which might affect your performance in this class, please contact the Office of Disability Services as soon as possible. Once an evaluation has been made, appropriate accommodations will be determined. The Office of Disabled Student Services is located in ADMN 108F, (phone 641-3626).