Course Syllabus

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This Canvas course is for both sections of CS 5: 4503 & 4011

Professor: Dr. Thomas | Email: jthomas@santarosa.edu

On-campus class times and classroom: 

  • Tuesday 5-9 pm: Maggini Hall, Room 2926 (4011)
  • Lectures will be recorded as posted on Canvas for online students (4503)

Course Description

Designed for the transfer student and/or the person wanting a broad knowledge of computer concepts.

Note: This is not a basic course in operating a computer. 
For a basic introduction, please see the Adult Education 761 series, which contains nine short courses, beginning with ADLTED 761.1 Basic Computer Operations 1.

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 assignments offer 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 any computer system, such as PC, Mac, Linux, or Chrome OS.

Recommended Prerequisites:
Basic understanding of how to use a computer
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.

Note: CS 5 is a 3-unit course. 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

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.

Textbook (Required)

Recommended edition:

Technology In Action Complete, 17th edition
by Alan Evans (Author), Kendall Martin (Author), Mary Anne Poatsy (Author)

However, you may use any edition from the 13th through the current 16th edition.

The Bookstore has been asked to supply this but some books are running late. I recommend you rent or buy from one of these sources:

VitalSource

Amazon

Supplies (Required)

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/

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 the date shown above under "Important Dates."  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

The instructor will post on the “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. Submissions more than one week late are not accepted without prior arrangement.

Assignments

Chapter Discussions
Each chapter has a discussion assignment, in addition to an introductory and final discussion at the beginning and end of the course.  This could involve asking a question, answering another student's question, sharing links to relevant resources and articles, giving an example of something that you struggled with and then overcame (or didn't!), giving an example of something you found remarkable, or any other constructive way you can think of to participate.

Chapter Quizzes
For each chapter, you will complete a 12-question multiple-choice quiz:

  • The questions are randomly drawn from a test bank.
  • They have no time limit.
  • The quizzes are open book, open notes, and open Internet.
  • You may take a quiz three times, and your highest score counts.
  • Because the questions are randomly drawn from a test bank, you will get different questions each time.

Reports
Each chapter typically has a 300 to 350-word report assignment, with a few non-report assignments as well. You will have 2 weeks to complete each report.

Exams

This course has one midterm and a final exam. The exams are multiple-choice on the chapters covered.

  • The final exam is not cumulative but covers only the chapters since the midterm exam.
  • If you miss an exam, a zero will be recorded as the score. It is your responsibility to take the exams by the due date.
  • The exams follow the same rules as the Chapter quizzes, except that you may take them just twice, instead of three times.

Grading Policy

Click the “Grades” link in Canvas to keep track of your grades.

  • In the right column, or at the bottom of the page, make sure to clear the box "Calculate based only on graded assignments"

The following percentages earn at least these grades :

  • A: > 89.5% = 1372 or higher
  • B: > 79.5% = 1218 to 1371
  • C: > 69.5% = 1065 to 1217
  • D: > 59.5% = 912 to 1064

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. 
Students who register in SRJC classes are required to abide by the SRJC Student Conduct Standards. Violation of the Standards is a 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

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).

Image credit:  https://www.comptia.org/content/trends-in-managed-services

 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due