Course Syllabus

Instructor Contact

Beaury Foshée

Email: bfoshee@santarosa.edu

Email Policy: The best way to reach me is via email. I will answer email at least once every 24 - 48 hours.

Class Meetings
June 14 - August 8, 2021

Online

Live Web Conference Zoom (optional) - Thursdays 5:30pm-7:00pm

Instructor office Hours
June 14 - August 8, 2021
Fridays – 1:00pm to 2:30pm via Zoom.

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.

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.

Students are welcome to use PC, Mac or LINUX for this class to do work using various tutorial programs, and Office Applications.

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 https://assessment.santarosa.edu/

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

  1. Recognize the capabilities and limitations of computer technology, and the theoretical foundations of computing.
  2. Critically assess the social and ethical implications of computer technology in their daily life.
  3. Improve problem solving and critical thinking through the application of scientific knowledge using hands-on activities.

Objectives

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

  1. Identify the components and function of the hardware used in a computer system.
    Describe the function of system software.
    3. Describe the function of application software.
    4. List the steps in systems analysis and design.
    5. Describe the popular programming languages and the process of developing computer software.
    6. Create a simple computer program.
    7. Analyze the impact of computer technology and its ethical implication on society.
    8. Demonstrate basic proficiency of productivity software, including word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database and multimedia software.
    9. Demonstrate proficiency in electronic communications technology.
    10. Explain basic computer networking concepts and architecture.
    11. Use the Internet and World Wide Web to perform research.
    12. Create a basic Web page.
    13. Demonstrate proficiency in social networking.
    14. Discuss computer security and its importance for business and personal use of computers.

Topics and Scope

  1. Computer Literacy as a Necessary Skill in the 21st Century
  2. Becoming a Savvy Computer User and Consumer
  3. Computers in Today's Careers
  4. Understanding the Challenges Facing a Digital Society
  5. The History of Computer Technology
  6. Computer Hardware
  7. Input Devices
  8. Processing (System Unit)
  9. Central Processing Unit
  10. The Machine Cycle
  11. Random Access Memory
  12. Output Devices
  13. Storage Devices
  14. Using the Internet and World Wide Web
  15. Communicating Through the Internet: E-Mail and Other Technologies
  16. Social Networking
  17. Web Entertainment: Multimedia and Beyond
  18. Conducting Business over the Internet: E-Commerce
  19. Managing Malware and Online Annoyances
  20. Accessing the Web: Web Browsers
  21. Searching the Web: Search Engines
  22. The Internet and How It Works
  23. The Cloud
  24. The Future of the Internet
  25. Information Technology Ethics
  26. Application Software
  27. Word-Processing Software
  28. Spreadsheet Software
  29. Presentation Software
  30. Database Software
  31. Graphics and Multimedia Software
  32. Web Design Software
  33. System Software
  34. Operating Systems
  35. Utility Programs
  36. File Management
  37. Computer Networking
  38. Networking Fundamentals
  39. Network Architectures
  40. Network Components
  41. Wireless Networks
  42. Personal Area Networks
  43. Computer Security
  44. Computer Threats (Hackers, Viruses)
  45. Computer Safeguards (Antivirus Software and Other Security Measures)
  46. Mobile Computing
  47. Mobile Computing Devices
  48. Portable Media Players
  49. Smartphones and mobile devices
  50. Notebooks
  51. Software Programming
  52. The Binary Numbering System
  53. Low Level Programming Languages
  54. High Level Programming Languages
  55. Databases and Information Systems
  56. Database Types
  57. Data Mining and Data Warehouses
  58. The Systems Development Lifecycle
  59. Systems Analysis

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

The textbook is required.

Technology In Action, Complete Evans, Martin, Poatsy (15th edition)

Evans, Martin, Poatsy

ISBN-13: 978013483787-1
Pearson

Digital or hard copies of the book are acceptable. You decide which works best. You will not need the book's access code.

Locate and order textbooks online

SRJC bookstore (Links to an external site.)

Library reserve copy - 4th Floor Reserve Desk QA76.5 .E9195 2019

Materials and Supplies

You will need:

  • Folder to hold CS 5 notes and assignments. The folder can be on your hard drive, a removable disk, or in the cloud.
  • Although not required, it is helpful for CS 5 students to own a PC or Mac computer with Microsoft Office.
  • While enrolled as a current student, you have free access to Microsoft Office 365 through the Santa Rosa Junior College. Follow this link for directions.
  • Here is a link to a super deal on Microsoft Office from the Foundation for California Community Colleges: CollegeBuys (Links to an external site.)

Email:

You may want to use Google Docs to complete some of the collaborative assignments. You may want to use a gmail email account to cut down on spam in your regular email address. This is your decision.

Please do not send an email message telling me to use an alternative email address other than the one specified by you in MyCubby. The only person who can change your email preferences is you.

Important Dates

Day Class Begins: Monday, June 14, 2021

First Census Date: Thursday, June 24, 2021

Last Day to Add without instructor's approval: Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Last Day to Drop with refund: Saturday, June 19, 2021

Last Day to Add with instructor's approval: Thursday, June 24, 2021

Last Day to Drop without a 'W' symbol: Thursday, June 24, 2021

Last Day to Opt for Pass/No Pass: Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Last Day to Drop with a 'W' symbol: Sunday, July 25, 2021

Day Class Ends: Sunday, August 8, 2021

Dropping the Class

If you decide to discontinue this course, it is your responsibility to officially drop. The student portal makes it very easy to drop a course if within the drop deadline. If you are on the fence about dropping, 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 the remaining work, usually resulting in an “F” grade.

Attendance

I expect you to regularly interact with the class assignments via Canvas. A new chapter is usually presented with an assignment every week, excluding holidays or breaks.

PassNo Pass (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 June 30, 2021. 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 will not be accepted without prior arrangement.

Labs and Projects

Lab exercises:
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:
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 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.

A short Final Exam and a cumulative Final Project will cover the final requirements for the class.

The midterm cannot be made up, so you must take it during the time it is posted. Assignments will not be accepted after August 8, 2021, the last day of class - no exceptions.

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:

Assignments - 65%

Midterm - 10%

Final Project - 25%

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

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 (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

SRJC's statement on Academic Integrity

Emergency Evacuation Plan - for in-person classes

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.

Active Shooter

Yes, this subject needs mentioning considering current and past events in Santa Rosa and elsewhere. When a lockdown order is issued, your instructor will take active measures to protect your safety, i.e. turning off lights, locking doors, sheltering in place, and a plan of action, if needed.

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).

Privacy

Your privacy rights are protected by the Family Education Privacy Rights Act of 1974 (FERPA). Find more information here.

Course Summary:

Date Details Due