Course Syllabus

Course Description

Designed for the transfer student and/or the person wanting a broad knowledge of computer concepts. No previous experience with computers is required or assumed. This course presents an overview of computers in our world today, how they work, how they are used and their impact on society. Students will be introduced to the Internet and World Wide Web, basic programming concepts and productivity software including word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and database software.

CS 5 offers a broad overview of computer history, functionality, use, social impact and the future of computing. This course is mostly about concepts and theory but hands-on practice will be required to complete tests and class assignments.

The lab work offers limited experience with operating systems, word processing, Internet/World Wide Web access, Web page creation, email, spreadsheet, database, graphics, presentation software, programming, and document integration.
Lab exercises are demonstrated on PC using Windows, various tutorial programs, and Office Applications. Students are welcome to use PC, Mac or LINUX.

Recommended Prerequisites:
Basic understanding of how to use a computer (PC or Mac)
Example: Web, email, word processing (basic level)

Because of the reading required, eligibility for English 100A or equivalent reading level is recommended. If you are not sure what your reading level is, contact the Assessment Office http://www.santarosa.edu/app/placement/

Note: CS 5 is a 3-unit course. We meet each week for a total of 3 hours in the classroom and 1 hour in lab. To do well, plan on spending two or more hours of outside work (reading, study, projects, etc.) for each hour you spend in class.

Student Learning Outcomes

Class Meetings

Mondays & Wednesdays   9:00am-11:00am

• PC 643 (Call Hall Petaluma Campus) 

Instructor Contact

 Dr. Scott Rosen
 Office: CS Dept Office (Santa Rosa)
 Phone/Text: (707) 478-8649 (text is fastest)
 Fax: (707) 778-3910
 srosen@santarosa.edu

Text is the fastest but I usually respond to emails within 48 hours.

Instructor Schedule

Monday

•  9am - 11am CS 5 PC 643
•  11am - 1pm CS 80.15 IT Essentials PC 643
• 1pm - 1:30pm Office Hours PC 643

Tuesday

• 2:00pm - 4pm Department Activities CS Department

Wednesday

•  9am - 11am CS 5 PC 643
•  11am - 1pm CS 80.15 IT Essentials PC 643
• 1pm - 1:30pm Office Hours PC 643

• 3-5pm Academic Senate

Thursday

•  5:30pm - 6pm Office Hours PC 643
• 6pm - 10pm CS 84.13 IT Support PC 643

 

Course Web site

Students will use the Canvas course web site for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, viewing classmates' work, sharing resources, and viewing grades.

Textbook (Recommended)

There are 2 good texts to choose from.

Please choose 1

• Technology In Action, Complete Evans, Martin, Poatsy (10th or later edition)

OR

• Discovering Computers - Misty E. Vermaat ( Version 2012, 2014 or 2016 ) -please do not get the Essentials version

 

Technology In Action, Complete 11/E

• Evans, Martin, Poatsy
• ISBN-10: 0133802965 • ISBN-13: 9780133802962©2015
• Prentice Hall
• Published 03/18/2014

 

 

 

-or-

Discovering Computers 2014
Misty E. Vermaat Purdue University Calumet
ISBN-10: 1285161769  |  ISBN-13: 9781285161761

• Previous Editions: 2013, 2012
• © 2014 | Published

 

 

 

You can locate and order textbooks online via the SRJC Bookstore. If your class is based out of Petaluma, your books will be listed on the Petaluma Bookstore web site.

Materials and Supplies

You will need:

• 1 USB Flash Drive

• Binder for CS 5 notes and handouts

• Although not required, it is helpful for CS 5 students to own a PC or Mac computer  with Microsoft Office.

• Here is a link to a super deal on Microsoft Office from the Foundation for California Community Colleges:
  http://www.foundationccc.org/

Important Dates 

Date Class Begins:	1/18/2017		Date Class Ends:	5/17/2017
Last Day Add w/o add code:	1/22/2017		Last Day Add with add code:	2/5/2017
Last Day Drop for Refund:	1/29/2017		Last Day for P/NP option:	2/26/2017
Last Day Drop w/o W:	2/5/2017		Last Day Drop with W:	4/23/2017
FIRST CENSUS DATE:	2/6/2017		Date Final Exam:	5/24/2017

Dropping the Class

If you decide to discontinue this course, it is your responsibility to officially drop it. A student may be dropped from any class when that student's absences exceed ten percent (10%) of the total hours of class time. It is strongly advised that if you need to miss more than one class/homework deadline in a row that you contact the instructor to avoid being dropped from the class.
If you feel you must quit the class, please talk with me first. Together we may find a way for you to complete the course successfully. If you quit without officially dropping, you are still graded on all the remaining work, usually resulting in an “F” grade.https://www.santarosa.edu/app/admissions/

Attendance

I expect you to attend regularly.
If for any reason you will be absent, late, or leaving early,please let me know in advance (or as soon after as possible in case of emergency). Any absence without notifying me is unexcused. More than three unexcused absences may result in dismissal from class. After any absence, you are responsible for getting class handouts from the class Web page and notes from a classmate. You might also talk with me about when to turn in any assignments you missed.

Note: Students who fail to attend the first class meeting may be dropped by the instructor.

Pass‐NoPass (P/NP)

You may take this class P/NP. You must decide before the deadline, and add the option online with TLC or file the P/NP form with Admissions and Records. With a grade of C or better, you will get P.

You must file for the P/NP option by [date]. Once you decide to go for P/NP, you cannot change back to a letter grade. If you are taking this course as part of a certificate program, you can probably still take the class P/NP. Check with a counselor to be sure.

Instructor Announcements and Q&A Forum

The instructor will post announcements on the “Instructor Announcements” page in Canvas throughout the semester. Canvas notifies students according to their preferred Notification Preferences.

Late Policy

All assignments are due at midnight PST on the due date. A late submission will receive a 20% penalty. Submissions more than one week late are not accepted without prior arrangement.

Labs and Projects

Lab exercises (6):
The purpose of lab exercises is to add to your understanding of the course content and the Office Applications (Word Processing, Spreadsheet, Presentation and Database), not just give you directions to follow. You may need to do some exercises more than once to get a better understanding of what you are doing.

Lab exercises will be graded on how thorough and accurate you are, and how well you communicate what you have learned. 

Projects (4):
In addition to lab exercises, three projects will be assigned. Projects allow you to apply the knowledge, skills, and abilities acquired. You will work in teams on some, on others you will work on your own. Your work on team projects will be graded based on your self evaluation, and my observations of your participation. Projects include completing the assigned activity as well as preparing a report or presentation. Details about each project will be discussed in class.

Exams

There will be one midterm and final exam. The material comes from the textbook, class lectures and supplemental materials. If any exam is missed, a zero will be recorded as the score. It is your responsibility to take the exams by the due date.
Each test will require you to prepare a summary of the material covered, which you may use for reference on the test. Your summary will be turned in with the test. All tests and the final exam will be turned in at the end of the test time, whether you finish or not. Students with special needs for alternate testing accommodations or extra time must provide verification and make arrangements with me well in advance.

Missed Tests
If you cannot be in class for a test or the final exam, contact me in advance (or as soon afterwards as possible in case of emergency) to arrange a make-up time. You will not be allowed to make up the test or exam if you do not meet this requirement.

Grading Policy

Click the “Grades” link in Canvas to keep track of your grades. I usually grade once a week and post grades and comments in the Canvas gradebook.

Grades will be based on the total percentage of points earned during the course, assigned as follows:

• Tutorial Labs(6) 30%
• Projects(4) 40%
• Tests(1) 10 %
• Final Exam 20 %

The following percentages earn at least these grades 

•   90 - 100% A 
•   80 - 89% B 
•   70 - 79% C 
•   60 - 69% D

Note: If taking Pass/No Pass you need at least 70% of the total class points and complete the midterm exam and the final exam to pass the class.

Standards of Conduct

Respect
The best way to learn is through active participation; therefore, we respect others when talking by being on-time, listening actively, and by being polite even when we disagree with another’s viewpoint.  Please turn off all electronic devices.  If you use a laptop for note taking, please sit in the front row with the sound off.  No food in class please.
Students who register in SRJC classes are required to abide by the SRJC Student Conduct Standards. Violation of the Standards is basis for referral to the Vice President of Student Services or dismissal from class or from the College. See the Student Code of Conduct page.

Collaborating on or copying of tests or homework in whole or in part will be considered an act of academic dishonesty and result in a grade of 0 for that test or assignment. Students are encouraged to share information and ideas, but not their work. See these links on Plagiarism:
SRJC Writing Center Lessons on avoiding plagiarism
SRJC's statement on Academic Integrity

Emergency Evacuation Plan

In the event of an emergency during class that requires evacuation of the building, please leave the class immediately, but calmly. Our class will meet at  a designated spot to make sure everyone got out of the building safely and to receive further instructions. (If the class is on a second or higher floor, provide clear directions to the stairs). If you are a student with a disability who may need assistance in an evacuation, please see me during my office hours as soon as possible so we can discuss an evacuation plan.

Special Needs

If you need disability related accommodations for this class, such as a note taker, test taking services, special furniture, etc., please provide the Authorization for Academic Accommodations (AAA letter) from the Disability Resources Department (DRD) to the instructor as soon as possible. You may also speak with the instructor privately during office hours about your accommodations. If you have not received authorization from DRD, it is recommended that you contact them directly.

Disability Resources Department
Tel: (707) 527-4278 Santa Rosa
Tel: (707) 778-2491 Petaluma
Email: disabilityinfo@santarosa.edu

Every effort is made to conform to accessibility standards for all instructor-created materials. Students should contact their instructor as soon as possible if they find that they cannot access any course materials. Students with disabilities who believe they need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact Disability Resources (527-4278).