COURSE SYLLABUS FOR CIS101-007
Introduction to Computer Information Systems
at Oakton Community College
Instructor: Professor Michele S. Reznick
SPRING, 2013
COURSE CREDIT INFORMATION
College Credits: 3 credits; Lecture: 3 hours; Lab: 1 hour
CLASS MEETING TIMES
Tuesday/Thursday: 11:00am-12:55pm (starts January 29, 2013) in room 2629
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Des Plaines Office:
Room 2618
Des Plaines Telephone: 847-635-1904
E-mail Address:
mreznick@oakton.edu
Instructor Web Address: http://www.oakton.edu/~mreznick
OFFICE HOURS
Monday
12:30pm-1:50pm
Online at mreznick@oakton.edu
Tuesday
10:00am-10:50am
Des Plaines campus: Room 2618, 847-635-1904 and online at mreznick@oakton.edu
Wednesday 8:00am-8:50am
Online at mreznick@oakton.edu
Thursday
10:00am-10:50am
Des Plaines campus: Room 2618, 847-635-1904 and online at mreznick@oakton.edu
Friday
By appointment
Also, you may call me on my mobile number at 334-OAKTON1 anytime between 8:00am and 8:00pm seven (7) days a week; I
will return your call as soon as possible.
ACADEMIC ADVISING CONTACTS
Computer Applications for Business (CAB) Coordinator: Doris Gronseth, 847-376-7055 or
dgronset@oakton.edu or Click here for the CAB website
Computer Information Systems (CIS) Coordinator: Michele Reznick: 847-635-1904 or
mreznick@oakton.edu or Click here for the CIS website
Computer Networking Systems (CNS) Coordinator: Ed Gallagher: 847-635-1435 or
egallagh@oakton.edu or Click here for the CNS website
Electronics and Computer Technology (ELT) Coordinator: Majid Ghadiri: 847-635-1909 or
mghadiri@oakton.edu or Click here for the ELT website
PREREQUISITE
Recommended High School Algebra, MAT070, or equivalent skills.
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COURSE (CATALOG) DESCRIPTION
Course introduces computers and information systems. Content includes fundamental concepts of
hardware and software as applied to computers in a business environment; programming, operating
systems, the Internet, data communications, systems development life cycle, and information systems;
use of typical software packages including word processing, spreadsheeting, database and presentation
graphics. Hands-on experience with personal computers in labs is recommended. Intended for those
seeking a career as a computer professional, an understanding of the role of Information Systems in the
business community, or introductory “end user” computer skills.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Students who successfully complete this course will be “computer literate” with a working knowledge of
a variety of business software. They will understand the capabilities of computers and will be able to
apply them to their own environments. Students will be able to:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
L.
M.
Understand the functions of hardware, software, data, procedures, and people in a
business computer system
Identify the major hardware elements of a computer system and describe the purpose of
each element.
Understand the role of and use a variety of widely-used software packages including
spreadsheets, word processors, databases, presentation software.
Demonstrate an understanding of the operating system and execute its associated
commands properly.
Demonstrate an understanding of the programming process and the role of software in
solving business-related problems.
Describe how communications and network technology is used.
Understand the role of and use the Internet.
Identify the requirements for choosing specific hardware systems and software packages.
Explain the role of information and how management information systems (MIS) are
developed and used in an organization.
Understand how multimedia is used to enhance communication.
Understand basic systems analysis and design techniques.
Understand computer-related ethical, security, privacy, and legal issues.
Describe careers opportunities in the computer field.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Students and employees at Oakton Community College are required to demonstrate academic integrity
and follow Oakton’s Code of Academic Conduct. This code prohibits:
 cheating
 plagiarism (turning in work not written by you, or lacking proper citation)
 falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth)
 helping others to cheat
 unauthorized changes on official documents
 pretending to be someone else or having someone else pretend to be you
 making or accepting bribes, special favors, or threats
 any other behavior that violates academic integrity
There are serious consequences to violations of the academic integrity policy. Oakton’s policies and
procedures provide students a fair hearing if a complaint is made against you. If you are found to have
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violated the policy, the minimum penalty is failure on the assignment and, a disciplinary record will be
established and kept on file in the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years.
Details of the Code of Academic Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook.
OUTLINE OF TOPICS
A. Introductory computer concepts
1.
The major components of a computer
2.
Categories of computers
3.
The information processing cycle (input, process, output, and storage)
4.
History of computers and related technological advances
5.
Data representation and organization
B. Hardware
1.
Input devices
2.
Output devices
3.
Processing devices
4.
Primary and secondary storage
5.*
Use of hardware
6.
Hardware selection
C. Software
1.
Application software
2.
System software
3.
Programming languages
4.
Integrated software
5.
Software selection
D. Operating systems
1.
Functions of an operating system
2.
Major operating systems used today
3.
Utilities and language translators
4.
Organization, creation, access, and back-up of files and disks
5.*
Operating system access and usage
E. Word processing software
1.
Business use of word processing
2.
Word processing concepts and terminology
3.*
Word processing usage
F. Spreadsheet software
1.
Business use of spreadsheets
a.
Problem solving
b.
Decision support
2.
Concepts and terminology of spreadsheeting
3.*
Spreadsheeting usage
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G.
Database management software
1.
Traditional approaches to information processing
2.
File versus database systems
3.
Components of a database management system
4.
Database administration
5.
Database organization
6.*
Database usage
H.
Presentation software
1.
Business use of presentation software
2.
Concepts and terminology of presentation software
3.*
Presentation software usage
I.
Communications, networks, and the Internet
1.
Communications hardware and software
2.
Data transmission
3.
Types of networks
4.*
Internet and the World Wide Web
a.
Browsers
b.
Finding information
5.*
E-mail
J.
Introduction to programming
1.
Overview of programming languages
2.
The programming process
3.
The role of structured programs
4.*
Writing program code
K.
Introduction to systems analysis and design
1.
Life cycle of a computer system
2.
Role of the systems analyst
3.
Analysis and design tools
L.
Management information systems
1.
The role of information in an organization
2.
How information is used in organizations
3.
Types of management information systems
M.
Multimedia
1.
Media used in multimedia applications
2.
Uses of multimedia applications
3.
Development of multimedia applications
N.
Ethical, security, privacy, and legal issues
1.
Security risks and safeguards
2.*
Viruses and virus protection
3.*
Computer, disk, and file backup
4.
Information privacy issues
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5.
6.
O.
Ethical issues related to the information age and the Internet
Copyright issues
Career opportunities in the computer field
*Laboratory instruction and hands-on exercises will be given for each of these topics.
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
 LECTURE TEXT: Understanding Computers: Today and Tomorrow 14h Edition; authored by
Morley and Parker; published by Course Technology; ISBN: 978-133-19024-0
 LAB TEXT: Microsoft Office 2010 Fundamentals; authored by Hunt and Waxer; published by
Course Technology; ISBN: 978-0-538-74944-2
 Office 2010 software (available on both campuses in all Oakton computer labs); some software
is available for free (see below)
 Supplemental materials may be required. Instructor will provide these materials as handouts or
provide students with information how these materials may be obtained.
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
With reference to the Understanding Computers textbook, instruction will include lecture, class
discussion, practical applications, and individual and/or group assignments. With reference to the lab
book, instruction will include demonstrations and hands-on instruction.
COURSE PRACTICES REQUIRED
 Reading the textbook
 Attending lecture/lab
 Completion of assignments, projects, and exams
 Use of computer hardware and software
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GRADED ACTIVITIES
Lecture Assignments: A variety of assignments and/or quizzes.
TOTAL: LECTURE ASSIGNMENTS
250
Lab Assignments: A variety of assignments and/or quizzes.
TOTAL: LAB ASSIGNMENTS
250
Mini Research Assignments: A research topic(s)/ethical question(s) will be stated.
Specific instructions will be given.
TOTAL: MINI-RESEARCH ASSIGNMENTS
100
Projects: Two projects will be assigned. Specific instructions will be given.
TOTAL: PROJECTS
100
Midterm Exam: Midterm exam is will be a mixture of multiple choice, true/false, and
short answer questions, etc. See Additional Course Information about completing
exams.
TOTAL: MIDTERM EXAM
100
Final Exam: The Final Exam will be a mixture of multiple choice, true/false, and short
answer questions, etc. See Additional Course Information about completing exams.
TOTAL: FINAL EXAM
TOTAL POINTS
200
1000
GRADE DISTRIBUTION
The final grade will be based on points earned. Grade distribution is as follows:
Grade/Percent
Point
Range
A (93%)
930-1000
B (84%)
840-929
C (75%)
750-839
F (less than 75%)
0-749
COURSE PRACTICES REQUIRED
In order to pass the course (i.e. A, B, or C), you must (minimally) complete the midterm exam, the final
exam, five (5) lecture assignments, and five (5) lab assignments. Your final grade will be based on the total
(actual) points earned.
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OBSERVANCE OF RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS
Oakton recognizes the broad diversity of religious beliefs of its student population. It is the College’s
practice that examinations and major assignments should not be scheduled or due on major religious
holidays. Students should inform their instructor of an intended absence for a major religious
observance and will not be penalized.
DISABILITIES
If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability you may be entitled to
reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations or services, contact the
Access and Disability Resource Center at the Des Plaines or Skokie campus. All students are expected
to fulfill essential course requirements. The College will not waive any essential skill or requirement of
a course or degree program.
TUTORS
Faculty tutors and student tutors are available in the Learning Center on both campuses and the 2600 labs
on the Des Plaines campus. Check the following website for the days and times when tutors are available
Des Plaines:
http://www.oakton.edu/resource/iss/tutschdp.htm
Skokie:
http://www.oakton.edu/resource/iss/tutschrhc.htm
If you have a question about any assignment, please ask me. If you have a question about other software
applications, please ask me or a tutor.
GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION
General
 If you are taking this course as a requirement or elective for a CIS degree or certificate, you must receive
a grade of C or better; otherwise, the course cannot be used to satisfy a graduation requirement.
 You can expect 48-hour turnaround time to respond to your emails Monday-Friday. Turnaround time
will most likely be less than 48 hours seven days a week.
 My rule of thumb for grading your assignments is whatever length of time you have to complete the
graded activity is the same amount of time I have to grade the graded activity.
 Use D2L email as one way to contact me regarding CIS101. When doing so, put the course name and
section (CIS101-007) in the subject.
 In order to successfully complete this course, you must be able to speak, read, and write in English.
 All graded activities will be submitted using a web application called D2L; to login to D2L, login into
MyOakton or use this website: https://D2L.oakton.edu; it is strongly recommended to use FireFox as
your browser.
Extra Credit
 Throughout the semester, there will be opportunities to earn extra credit points; take advantage of those
opportunities.
 Extra credit points will be posted in a single column titled Extra Credit on the Grades page; if you would
like to see a breakdown of your extra credit points, please contact me.
 If you are not present when an extra credit assignment is completed in class, it cannot be made up.
 There will be no special extra credit assignments at the end of the semester.
Exams
 You must take the exam during the scheduled dates; the exam will not be graded if it is received after the
due date; however, if extenuating circumstances arise, you must contact me BEFORE the exam.
Perhaps an adjustment will be made based on the circumstances.
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 All exams will be open book and open notes but not open mouth; in other words, you should not be
discussing the questions and answers with anyone during the exam.
 There will be a time limit for completing the midterm exam and the final exam.
Lecture Assignments and Lab Assignments
 All graded activities should be done INDIVIDUALLY unless otherwise indicated.
 Do not share your work with your classmates.
 All graded activities must be completed and submitted. Graded activities that are not turned in will
receive zero (0) points. Any graded activity that is submitted after the due date will be not be graded and
the assigned grade will be zero (0) points (see late policy below). This includes all lab assignments,
lecture assignments, mini-research assignments, midterm exam and final exam.
 When submitting any work for a grade, a maximum of ten percent (10%) of the total points can be
subtracted for spelling or grammar errors.
Late Policy
 During this course this semester, you will be allowed to submit a maximum of two assignments late by
at the most one (1) week without any penalty.
 After reaching this one-week maximum on two assignments, an assignment will receive zero (0) points
if it submitted past the due date and time.
 This late policy can be applied to a lecture assignment(s), lab assignment(s), or a mini-research
assignment(s). It cannot be applied to the project(s) or either the midterm or final exam.
 To submit late assignments, you will need to email me using D2L email; I will extend the due date so
you can upload your assignment in D2L.
CLASSROOM SECURITY
In response to Columbine, Virginia Tech, and NIU tragedies, police agencies in Illinois have developed
training for law enforcement and the public school systems. These nationally accepted law enforcement
response plans have been adopted by Oakton’s Public Safety Department. Your actions will influence
others; therefore, in the event of any type of threatening situation, Oakton is asking you as a student to:
 stay calm
 secure the immediate area; lock, block, & barricade
 call 911 and report your specific location, number of people at your location, identify injuries,
and give as much information about assailants (gender, race, clothing, physical features, type of
weapon) as possible
There is a phone for emergency purposes placed in every classroom.
RESPONSIBLE USE OF COMPUTERS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
All users of Oakton CC’s information technology facilities and resources, including hardware, software,
networks, and computer accounts, are expected to act in a responsible and efficient manner consistent
with the instructional, academic, and administrative goals of the college. All users are expected to
respect the rights of other information technology users.
Check Oakton’s website at
http://www.oakton.edu/resource/it/forstu.htm or in the computer labs for policies and rules for
responsible computer use. Lab assistants are available to assist you in the lab regarding general usage of
software and hardware.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES IS ANY OF THE SOFTWARE USED AT OAKTON TO BE COPIED.
OCC has an extensive library of software that you will use for learning purposes. Suspected violations will
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be vigorously investigated and, if warranted, appropriate penalties applied. Specifically, you do not
have the right (1) to make copies of software for yourself or others, (2) to receive and use unauthorized
copies of software, or (3) copy all or parts of a program written by someone else.
SOFTWARE AVAILABILITY
Oakton Community College has partnered with the MSDN (Microsoft Developer Network) Academic
Alliance to provide credit students who are registered for CIS or CAB courses some of Microsoft’s
software that you may use to complete your studies. It may not be reproduced, redistributed, sold,
rented, leased, or transferred to any third party including contractors, other students, other department’s
personnel, other companies, or consultants performing services. Any reproduction or redistribution of
the software is prohibited by law, and may result in severe civil and criminal penalties.
Currently this software includes MS Visual Studio.NET 2010, Microsoft Office Access 2010, Windows
7 Professional, Windows 8, Project Professional 2010, Microsoft Visio Professional 2010 and several
other products. This service does not provide installation support, nor does Oakton. The software is
downloadable and is free; however, if you want a CD, a minimal fee is charged. Start the process by
emailing your instructor (mreznick@oakton.edu) who will contact the appropriate person to register you
with the MSDNAA. You will receive an email from Microsoft when the registration process is
complete and then you can start downloading the software.
There are two additional Microsoft initiatives through which students can obtain software:
 Microsoft Office Professional Academic 2013 is available to students at Oakton CC via the
Ultimate Steal (http://www.microsoft.com/education/en-us/buy/Pages/academicsavings.aspx) for
$79.95.
 DreamSpark (https://www.dreamspark.com/Student/Default.aspx) makes available for free
download a variety of software for programming and web development.
Note: Prices and terms of these offers are subject to change and Oakton provides no technical support
whatsoever.
Other software is not available, but as a student you qualify for academic pricing on many software
packages. Check with the Oakton bookstore or search for “academic priced software” on the web.
IMPORTANT DATES
Jan 14
Jan 21
Feb 10
Feb 10
Feb 18
Mar 9
Mar 9
Mar 11-17
Mar 25
Apr 8
May 9-10
May 14
May 14
Spring 2013 semester begins
Martin Luther King holiday, College closed
Last day to drop from a 16-week course and have course removed from your record
Last day to change to Audit status for a 16-week course
Presidents’ Day holiday, College closed
Last day for filing Graduation Petitions
Last day to withdraw with a “W” (for a 16-week course) on your transcript
Spring Break
Registration opens for the Summer 2013 semester
Registration opens for the Fall 2013 semester
Evaluation days
Grades due
Commencement
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The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the syllabus on an as needed basis. Any such
changes will be emailed to you via D2L. It is your responsibility to read about these changes using your
D2L account.
This syllabus is a contract between you and me regarding my expectations of you in CIS101-007 and
your expectations of me. It is expected that you have read the syllabus and understand the structure and
expectations for CIS101-007 for the Spring 2013 semester.
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