Missouri Baptist University
Survey of Computing
BCIS 103
Term:
Section:
Credit hours:
Prerequisites:
SP14
DMA
3
None
Room:
Campus:
Instructor:
Office:
Email:
Office hours:
FLD 102
Main
Plag
FLD 347
PLAGMA@MOBAP.EDU
Mon-Wed-Fri 10-11am Tues-Thurs 9:30-10:30am
Course Description:
This course is an introductory survey of the field of computing, with emphasis on personal
computing, and the Microsoft Windows environment. Students are introduced to a wide range of
computer topics, with the purpose of giving them an elementary understanding of computers as they
impact everyday life. Topics include computers and their uses, the Internet, computer hardware and
architecture, input/output devices, storage concepts, and other relevant subject matter. Hands-on
instruction is provided to train students in the use of the Microsoft Office software suite. This course
satisfies the computer literacy requirement for all baccalaureate degree programs.
Required Text(s):
 Williams & Sawyer, Using Information Technology, 10th ed. Complete, McGraw-Hill 2013;
with SimNet™ Access Code
ISBN: 978-007351683-7
Required Material(s):
 A Blackboard account and a SimNet Access Code (included in your textbook, if purchased at
the MBU Bookstore). If a used book is purchased, then the student will need to gain access to
SimNet by purchasing the SimNet for Office 2010 Office Suite ($75.00) access code from
http://mobap.simnetonline.com.
 The book required for the course is the 10th Edition, “Complete”. Beware of purchasing a
very similar looking cheaper version of the 10th Edition “Introductory” that is missing select
chapters.
 A reliable Internet connection (high speed Cable or DSL is very strongly recommended, but
not strictly required)
 Standard headphones or earbuds for SimNet labs.
 Software:
In order to complete the lab assignments in this course, students must use the SimNet™
Software accessed online at http://mobap.simnetonline.com. An Internet connection
(preferably Cable or DSL) is required to use this software. To use SimNet™, you will
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need Internet Explorer 7 or 8, or Firefox 3.5 or later (recommended), and Adobe Flash
Player v10.1+. SimNet™ is not compatible with Internet Explorer 9 or Safari, but will
work with Firefox 3.5 or later on both Mac OS and Windows. For this reason, we are
requiring that you use Firefox on your computer. It is better for accessing Blackboard,
and is sure to allow you to use SimNet™. Firefox is free, and can be downloaded from
http://www.mozilla.org/firefox.
Missouri Baptist University’s Mission Statement
Missouri Baptist University is an evangelical Christian, liberal arts institution of higher learning and
has as its purpose the offering of programs of study leading to professional certificates, undergraduate
degrees and graduate degrees in an environment where academic excellence is emphasized and a
Biblically based Christian perspective is maintained. The University is committed to enriching its
students’ lives spiritually, intellectually, and professionally, and to preparing students to serve in a
global and culturally diverse society.
Missouri Baptist University’s Institutional Objectives:
Critical Thinking: Critical thinking is accurately interpreting evidence, identifying salient
arguments, thoughtfully analyzing and evaluating alternative points of view, reaching judicious
conclusions, justifying results, explaining assumptions and reasons, and fair-mindedly following
where evidence and reasons lead.
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Students will be able to demonstrate habits of critical inquiry and a mastery of critical
thinking skills.
Students will demonstrate understanding of analysis, criticism, and advocacy in the
context of both deductive and inductive reasoning.
Students will demonstrate the ability to identify relevant factors needed to make a
decision, solve a problem, and produce cogent reasoning.
Faith and Learning: Faith and learning is a project whose goal is to ascertain and develop integral
relationships between the Christian faith and human knowledge (in various academic disciplines),
motivations, and behaviors.
1. Students will develop and demonstrate the use of critical tools to evaluate the relationship
between faith and other disciplines.
2. Students will give evidence of developmentally appropriate levels of moral formation
(thinking, affects, and behavior) that reflect not only reciprocity and fairness, but also caring
and commitment.
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to explore and apply ethics and value systems in moral
decision-making.
Use of Technology: The use of technology includes the ability of students to continually grow in the
application of current and emerging technologies. These skills are reflected in the student’s ability to
employ appropriate technological learning tools for research, presentations, and in support of
learning. Students must have the knowledge and skills to identify, locate, explore, and evaluate the
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suitability of technological resources including applications, tools, educational software, and
associated documentation.
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Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills in the nature and operation of technology
systems.
Students will understand the ethical issues related to technology and practice responsible
use of technological systems, information and software.
Students will use technology to enhance learning, increase productivity, engage in
research, and promote creativity.
Students will use technology to collaborate, publish, and interact with peers, experts, and
other audiences.
Students will employ technology in the development of strategies for solving problems in
the real world.
Diversity: Missouri Baptist University is committed to maintaining a community that recognizes and
values the inherent worth and dignity of every person. Missouri Baptist University affirms that an
important part of the integration of faith and learning is the recognition that all people are created in
the image of God and worthy of respect and dignity. We seek to ensure that all students have full
access to the educational, social, and spiritual growth opportunities that the University provides to
ensure that students understand and appreciate one of the University’s core values which is “social
change through service and leadership.”
Through its curricula and classroom experiences, the university seeks to develop and nurture
diversity because it strengthens the organization, promotes creative problem solving, and enriches us
all.
The goal is to present materials and activities that are respectful of diverse groups including,
but not limited to, race, gender, color, national or ethnic origin, age, qualified disability,
military service, learning differences, or socioeconomic status.
Oral and Written Communication: Communication is the art of effectively expressing and
exchanging ideas through speech and writing.
1. The student will communicate effectively in writing to various audiences.
2. The student will conduct meaningful research, including gathering information from primary
and secondary sources incorporating and documenting source material in their writing.
3. The student will evaluate and organize ideas for original oral presentations.
4. The student will communicate through effective public speaking by delivering a variety of
speeches to various audiences.
5. The student will demonstrate mastery of basic written and oral communication, including the
ability to read and listen with understanding and critical discernment.
Social Interaction: Much of the world’s work (discourse), whether it be in the local community or
the global society, is accomplished through conversation, consultation, discussion, and debate on
committees, task forces, boards, and political activities. The ability to relate to and interact with and
within the wide variety of systems (individual, institutional, and organizational) is an essential skill
for success. Students must develop social and political skills and competence in civil discourse to
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compliment which are expressed in written and oral form. To this end, social integration is integral
to student learning outcomes.
1. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the analytical frameworks that undergird social
interaction.
2. Students will employ the reflective process to perform self-assessment of attitudes, emotions,
behaviors, and cognitive processes.
3. Students will demonstrate, through analysis and self-awareness, the ability to formulate
strategies that increase their effectiveness in group and interpersonal interactions.
4. Students will demonstrate initiative in their willingness to engage in the negotiation of
increasingly complex and diverse interpersonal situations.
5. Students will demonstrate leadership abilities to facilitate the achievement of professional
goals in interpersonal and group interactions.
Aesthetic Engagement:
The objective of the visual and performing arts in a core curriculum is to expand students’ knowledge
of the human condition and human cultures, especially in relation to behaviors, ideas, and values
expressed in works of human imagination. Aesthetic engagement includes the ability to not only
develop a basic understanding of the historical and cross-cultural contexts of art, but the ability to
participate in artistic endeavors, both as creator and active audience member (Ability-Based Learning,
Alverno, p. 57). Through study in disciplines such as the visual and performing arts, students will
engage in critical analysis, form aesthetic judgments, and develop and appreciation of the arts as
fundamental to health and survival of any society.
1. Students will demonstrate an awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts,
including historical and/or cross-cultural expressions.
2. Students will participate in aesthetic events such as musical performances, dramatic
presentations, poetry readings, visual art displays, and/or other forms of artistic activities.
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to critically analyze various artistic forms to develop
informed choices and interpretations of the visual and performing arts.
Business Division Mission
In accordance with the mission statement of Missouri Baptist University, the Business Division seeks
to provide a personalized academic program based on Christian, liberal arts worldview that is
applicable to the business world of today. The programs is designed to produce motivated graduates
equipped with practical, ethical, and current business skills, and social attitudes and ideals based on
Christian precepts.
Developing a Diverse and Global Perspective: Diversity takes many forms including differences in
organizational mission, educational levels, ideas, viewpoints, perspectives, values, religious beliefs,
backgrounds, race, gender, age, human capacity, and ethnicity. People become more aware of
differences and similarities in a variety of ways, including through processes of discovery and
exploration, interaction, collaboration, and partnering (HLC Handbook of Accreditation, 3.4). This
diversity extends beyond the boundaries of one country or one ethnic group. Decisions in one part of
the world may have consequences for people and institutions in other parts of the world. Global
thinking is a recognition that citizens are part of a global community and interconnections are a
crucial part of today’s life (Ability-Based Learning Outcomes, Alverno College, 43).
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Students will provide evidence through a variety of learning experiences of their ability to
assess there own awareness of, sensitivity to, and respect for varying viewpoints, religious
beliefs, race, gender, age, human capacity and ethnicity.
Students will use disciplinary concepts and frameworks to gather information to explore
possible responses and propose theoretical and pragmatic approaches to complex global
issues.
Students will, through a variety of learning experiences, demonstrate the ability to engage
in discussions of complex issues, with an awareness of the contexts and perspectives in
the formation of diverse cultures, and to collaborate and draw out the best resolutions
possible in relation to others based on an informed foundation.
Business Division Objectives
The Business Division objectives are shared by all programs within the Business Division. The
Business Core Curriculum provides students with the foundational knowledge they will need to
develop problem solving and decision making strategies that identify and address opportunities and
challenges in a business environment. Upon successful completion of the Business Division Core
Curriculum the student will
1. Develop a personal and professional philosophy that exemplifies Christian values and
ethics and fosters a sense of social responsibility and stewardship for society, government
community and the environment.
2. Acquire and utilize written and verbal language skills to effectively communicate with a
broad rage of stakeholders.
3. Employ technology to enhance learning and group collaboration and develop technology
based tools for problem solving in a business environment.
4. Demonstrate through a variety of learning experiences an appreciation of the increasing
importance of cultural diversity and globalization in the administration of organizations.
5. Organize, manage and interpret information to serve personal, organizational and societal
needs and goals.
6. Use management and behavioral concepts and models to analyze the dynamics of
planning, controlling and leading organizations.
7. Understand the social interactions of the workplace and marketplace and demonstrate the
ability to develop strategies to work successfully within a wide variety of systems.
8. Develop leadership abilities to facilitate the achievement of professional goals in a variety
of social settings.
Computer Science Program Objectives
Within the Computer Science program students will demonstrate these competencies. The student
will:
1. Develop a personal and professional philosophy of life which exemplifies ethical use of
technology and information based on a Christian perspective.
2. Communicate effectively utilizing current technology in a professional business environment
which includes networks, groupware, and team project models.
3. Create solutions to information problems in a business environment using technology systems
and sound ethical business models which improve organizational performance.
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4. Employ technology based research methods which will serve their university requirements,
career and professional activities, as well as foster life long learning.
Course Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will:
1. Describe the basic architectural components of a computer and how these components interact
to accept input, process data, store data, and generate output.
2. Apply their understanding of user interfaces to effectively interact with computers.
3. Use the Windows™ Operating System.
4. Use Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.
5. Make effective use of computers, communication technologies and the Internet for research,
communications, and other school or career activities.
6. Identify the major types of personal computer applications and select software that is most
appropriate for accomplishing a task.
7. Solve Information problems utilizing PC applications.
8. Articulate current and emerging trends in technology.
Learning Outcome Assessment Tools
Students will be assessed based upon the following criteria:
Assessment Criteria:
Project
Value
Lecture
Assignments
Tests (4 @ 50 pts each) (Weeks 4, 8, 12, and Finals Week)
“My Digital Life” Blog
Attendance and Participation
Lab
SimNet™ Lessons
Word Lessons (2 @ 40 pts each) (Weeks 1 & 2)
Excel Lessons (2 @ 40 pts each) (Weeks 5 & 6)
PowerPoint Lessons (2 @ 40 pts each) (Weeks 9
& 10)
Access Lessons (2 @ 40 pts each) (Weeks 13 &
14)
SimNet™ Tests
Word 2010 Test (Week 4)
Excel 2010 Test (Week 8)
PowerPoint 2010 Test (Week 12)
Access 2010 Test (Finals Week)
Lab Participation (5-pts/week, in Weeks 1,2,5,6,9,11,13, and
14)
Total*** approximate
150 pts
approx.
200 pts
30 pts
60 pts
320 pts
80 pts
80 pts
80 pts
80 pts
200 pts
50 pts
50 pts
50 pts
50 pts
40 pts
1000 pts
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***Five point assignments and bonus assignments may be assigned throughout the
semester at the discretion of the instructor.
Assignments: In Weeks 1-3, 5-7, 9, 10, and 13-15, you will have assignments to complete.
Some of these assignments will be discussions (Weeks 3, 7, and 14) of videos related to the
course content. Each assignment will be worth about 10 points; there will be Homework for
each chapter, which will gauge your comprehension of the assigned reading. In addition,
there will be an assignment based around using the Internet, and one focused on ethical
dilemmas in technology and computing.
Tests: There will be four (4) tests administered this semester (in Weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16).
Each test will consist of 50 multiple choice questions, covering 2-3 chapters per test. The
questions will come from the lecture, discussions, and textbook. Each test should take no
more than about 1-hour to complete. Exceptions to this policy will be made only in the case of
a valid IEP that requires it. Practice Tests will be provided to help you prepare for these tests.
“My Digital Life” Blog: To help you better understand how technology impacts our
everyday lives, you will be required to keep a blog this semester. In at least 10 out of 15
weeks of the course, you need to make an original blog post about how you see technology
being used around you, or how you’re using technology in your life. You can highlight
interesting news stories, things you see as you go about your day, or things you are doing, as
long as the focus is using technology. This assignment will be worth 30 points, and will be
graded at the end of the semester. Part of the points(10) will be earned by reading and
commenting on another student’s blog post(1 point per comment). Only one original post per
week will be counted towards the assignment, meaning you cannot wait till the last week to
complete the assignment.
SimNet™ Lessons: The laboratory experience portion of this course will consist of Lessons
on SimNet™. These lessons will be completed in Weeks 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 10, 13, and 14. Weeks
3, 7, 11, and 15 will be catch-up/review weeks, in preparation for Lab Tests in Weeks 4, 8, 12,
and Finals Week. In order to complete these assignments, you must purchase a SimNet™
access code. This code is bound into your textbook, if you purchase it through the MBU
Bookstore (strongly recommended). The lab accounts for 56% of your final grade, thus it
is impossible to pass this course, without completing the lab.
SimNet™ Tests: In Weeks 4, 8, 12, and Finals Week, you will complete tests over the
material covered in the SimNet™ Lessons. Unlike the Lessons, the Tests may be taken only
once, and each Test will cover one Office Application (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access,
respectively). Like the Lessons, you must have an access code to complete the Tests. Each
SimNet™ Test should take no longer than 2-hours, so you will have a time limit of 3-hours in
which to complete them.
Lab Participation: In Weeks 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 10, 13, and 14, you will earn 5 points per week
participation for completing the currently assigned lesson during that week. If necessary, 5
points per week may be made up in each of Weeks 3, 7, 11, and 15, by having both of the
current Lessons completed by the end of the week. The make-up points if earned will be
credited toward the week immediately preceding the week in which they were earned (i.e.
Week 3 points go to Week 2, Week 7 points go to Week 6, etc.). If the student has already
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earned the points for the preceding week, then the points will be assigned to the week before
it. If the student has already earned the participation points for both of the preceding weeks,
then no make-up is necessary, and none will be given.
Late Assignments: Assignments will not be accepted late. Sufficient time is given to
complete each assignment, and since all assignments are submitted via Blackboard or
completed on SimNet™, there is no restriction on what time of day assignments may be
turned in, thus, assignments will not be accepted late. Don’t wait till Sunday night at 10:00
pm to complete assignments!
Standards for Work Submitted: Work submitted in this course will be graded on the basis
of technical proficiency, content, and college level grammar.
Grading
Grades are earned by the student, not given by the professor. Students must turn in homework and
other assignments on the schedule dates. No credit will be given for late work. No one is excused
from any assignments regardless of point value. Students will take major exams as scheduled.
Make-up exams will be given only for those students who have been excused IN ADVANCE of the
scheduled test date.
A
90-100%
B
80-89%
C
70-79%
D
60-69%
F
less than 60%
Attendance Policy:
Students are expected to attend class, participate and complete work assignments in order to
successfully complete this course. Late assignments will be granted only partial credit unless there
are circumstances beyond the student’s control. Make-up tests will only be given if the absence is
from participation in an MBU school function or a documented illness. If a student must miss a class
session, the student is expected to make up the course work. Excessive absences can result in a drop
in your grade. Students are expected to read the assigned readings, complete homework prior to class,
and be prepared to discuss key information.
Academic Honesty:
In keeping with school policy and our Christian heritage, academic honesty is strictly enforced.
Unless an assignment is specifically designated as a group project, all assignments are to be the
student’s own work. Academic dishonesty of any nature will result in disciplinary action, which may
include receiving a failing grade on the work in question, failure of the course, or dismissal from the
University. Additional information is available in the Missouri Baptist University Student Handbook.
Technology and Cell Phones:
The use of recording devices, lap top computers (unless used to take notes), cell phones, palm pilots,
walkmans, and any other form of electronic communication devices cannot be used in the classroom.
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Student Use of Email: In accordance with Missouri Baptist University (MBU) policy, every student
is required to have and to maintain an official MBU e-mail address. Some students may elect to
forward their e-mail to an address different from their official MBU email account. Any student who
elects to forward MBU e-mail to a different e-mail address assumes full responsibility for reading email at the forwarded location. Students are expected to check their University e-mail account, or the
account to which their University e-mail is forwarded, at least twice a week.
Blackboard
Students are required to utilize Blackboard throughout the semester. Some assignments and
examinations will be placed on Blackboard and it is your responsibility to check this medium
frequently to ensure that you do not miss an assignment, an exam, or a discussion. Make sure that
your email address is correct on Blackboard as this is one of the methods that will be utilized to
communicate. We will also use the Discussion Board available on Blackboard.
Classroom Decorum
Appropriate behavior is expected in the classroom. Sleeping, excessive talking excessive absences
and disrespect of the teacher and/or your fellow students are not acceptable behaviors. In accordance
with the MBU Student Handbook, a student may be asked to leave the classroom and be referred to
the Vice President of Student Development before being allowed to return to class.
Special Needs Access: Missouri Baptist University, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act of 1990, will provide reasonable accommodations for eligible students with disabilities (e.g.
attention, health, hearing, learning, mobility, physical, psychiatric, or vision). If you have a disability
that may have some impact on your work in this class and for which you may require accommodations,
please inform me immediately so that your learning needs may be appropriately met. Students with a
disability must register with the Special Needs Access Office for disability verification and for
determination of reasonable academic accommodations. You are responsible for initiating
arrangements for accommodations for tests and other assignments in collaboration with the Special
Needs Access Office and the faculty.
The Special Needs Access Office is located on the main campus in Field Academic Hall – Room
117. Connie Crader, the Special Needs Access Coordinator, can be reached at 314-681-3278 or
CraderC@mobap.edu.
Testing:
Students are required to take all exams and test. If an emergency situation arises and a student cannot
take a test on the date specified, the student must make arrangements with the instructor and MBU
Testing Center to take the test at another time, as agreed upon by the instructor. Points may be
deducted as a result of taking an exam late. (Allowance for test administration is at the discretion of
the instructor.)
Changes in Syllabus:
The instructor reserves the right to modify this syllabus and activity schedule at any time. Such
changes will be announced during class meetings and/or on Blackboard. You are responsible for
updating your syllabus and making sure that it’s accurate.
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CLASS SCHEDULE AND ASSIGNMENTS
Tentative Course Schedule Version 1.0:
This syllabus and the schedule below are subject to change at the discretion of the
instructor in order to provide the best learning tailored to each section.
Week
Topics Presented
Reading
Assignment
Homework
Lab Assignment
Week 1
Introduction and
Overview
Chapter 1
Chapter 1 Homework
Word Lesson 1
The Internet, World
Wide Web, and
Netiquette
Chapter 2
Chapter 2 Homework
Word Lesson 2
FRONTLINE:
Growing Up Online
Review
Chapters 1 &
2 for Test in
Week 4
Jan.6-12
Week 2
Jan.13-19
Week 3
Jan.20-26
Week 4
Using the Internet Assignment
Participate in Discussion
over FRONTLINE:
Growing Up Online
Test 1: Chapters 1-2
Catch-up/Review
Word 2010 Test
Jan.27 –Feb.2
Week 5
Software
Chapter 3
Chapter 3 Homework
Excel Lesson 1
Hardware: The CPU
& Storage
Chapter 4
Chapter 4 Homework
Excel Lesson 2
Hardware: Input &
Output
Chapter 5
Chapter 5 Homework
Catch-up/Review
Feb. 3-9
Week 6
Feb. 10-16
Week 7
Feb. 17-23
Week 8
Test 2: Chapters 3-5
Excel 2010 Test
Feb.24-Mar.2
Week 9
Mar. 3-9
Communications,
Networks, &
Safeguards
Chapter 6
Chapter 6 Homework
PowerPoint
Lesson 1
10
Week
Topics Presented
Reading
Assignment
Homework
Week 10
Lab Assignment
PowerPoint
Lesson 2
Spring Break
Mar.10-16
Week 11
Mar.17-23
Personal
Technology
Chapter 7
Chapter 7 Homework
Catch-up/Review
Video: Hackers
Wanted
Week 12
Test 3: Chapters 6-7
PowerPoint 2010
Test
Mar.24-30
Week 13
Mar.31-Apr.6
Week 14
Apr.7-13
Databases &
Information
Systems
Chapter 8
Chapter 8 Homework
Access Lesson 1
The Challenges of
the Digital Age
Chapter 9
Chapter 9 Homework
Access Lesson 2
Participate in Discussion
over FRONTLINE: Digital
Nation
FRONTLINE:
Digital Nation
Week 15
Apr.14-20
Week 16
Finals
Systems Analysis &
Programming
Chapter 10
Computer Ethics Assignment
Catch-up/Review
Chapter 10 Homework
Test 4: Chapters 810
Access 2010 Test
Apr.21-25
Schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.
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