Metropolitan Community College
Class Syllabus – 2011/FALL
CLASS IDENTIFICATION
TITLE:
PREFIX/SECTION:
CREDIT HOURS:
CLASS BEGINS/ENDS:
MEETING DAY(S)/TIMES:
NO CLASS DAYS:
SECTION CENSUS DATE:
WITHDRAWAL DATE:
CLASS LOCATION:
LAB LOCATION:
Information Systems and Literacy
INFO 1001/7G
4.5
07 Sep 2011/21 Nov 2011
Mondays & Wednesdays/2:00 p.m. – 3:55 p.m.
n/a
19 Sep 2011
7 Nov 2011
SOC MHY 222
SOC CON 217 (2nd floor: Academic Resource Center)
CONTACT INFORMATION
Instructor Name:
Alan R. Reinarz
METRO OFFICES
HOURS*
LOCATION
PHONE
FAX
M, W
T:
4:00p-5:00p
10:00a-11:00a
3:30p-4:30p
SOC MHY 110F
738-4089
(voice-mail)
738-4535
Th:
10:00a-11:00a
3:30p-4:30p
FOC 10 104B
457-2274
457-2283
*Stated office hours may need to be changed due to special circumstances or events. If the student wishes to meet with the
instructor at a time other than scheduled office hours, the student should make an appointment with the instructor.
Home phone:
Email Address:
Faculty Web Site(s):
Academic Program Area:
(402) 556-3071
areinarz@mccneb.edu
http://faculty.mccneb.edu/AReinarz/ (also see
https://mccadc.mccinfo.net/infostudents/Reinarz/)
Dr. T. C. Pensabene, Dean of Information Technology & eLearning (tpensabene@mccneb.edu)
COURSE INFORMATION
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course introduces the student to information systems and information literacy concepts that
are needed in the day-to-day academic course of study. Basic skills are developed using library,
research, and office productivity software. The student learns computer file management by
organizing, managing and printing files; creates, edits, and formats documents using a word
processor; plans, develops and validates basic work sheets such as editing cells, employing
formulas using a spreadsheet; builds basic slide presentations using headings, key phrases, notes
and displays the presentation using presentation software; applies user level security such as
selecting passwords and securing the desktop; and uses electronic mail to send and receive
messages and attach documents. Information literacy concepts such as accessing information
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using library databases and the Internet and evaluating sources to determine validity and
reliability of material are also part of this course.
COURSE PREREQUISITES:
RDLS 130A and RDLS 130B or basic understanding of computer systems is recommended.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Recognize, identify, and utilize the basic terminology used in information systems and
literacy; understand the main social implications of information and systems.
2. Identify essential objects and basic operating systems; evaluate, plan, organize and
execute a file management plan.
3. Identify, locate, analyze, and organize researched information using the resources in the
library and on the Internet. Evaluate researched information for accuracy and document
information correctly to avoid plagiarism.
4. Utilize collaboration systems and discuss the social and ethical implications involved as
well as the inherent vulnerabilities of using these types of communication systems.
5. Create, edit and format messages, letters, memos, and publications using word
processors.
6. Create worksheets, populate the sheets with labels and values, and create formulas to
calculate sums and percentages using spreadsheet software.
7. Utilize relative and absolute cell references in formulas correctly by evaluating solutions
when using spreadsheet software.
8. Create effective slide presentations using presentation software, incorporating bullets,
graphics, and transitions.
9. Identify the Acceptable Use Policy at Metro Community College and discuss the best
practices to secure personal information while using technology.
REQUIRED & SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS:
1) Textbooks: NONE; however, course resources will be available online through ANGEL
at http://angel.mccneb.edu
2) USB Device (Thumb drive)
3) Software to include:
a. Web Browser
b. Word processing software that can save to RTF file format
c. Spreadsheet software that can save to XLS file format
d. Slide Show software that can save to PPT and use Speaker’s notes
SOFTWARE/FILE SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
Metropolitan Community College uses Microsoft products as part of its standard software and
encourages students to do the same. You may save word-processed documents for file
attachments in Microsoft Word .doc or .docx format. If your software does not allow either of
these, then save files in Rich Text Format (.rtf).
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CLASS STRUCTURE:
a. Major activities that will occur (e.g., lectures, guest speakers, online activities,
reading, field trips, papers) Instruction consists of lecture material presented by
the instructor, group discussion and demonstration. In all meetings, discussion
opportunities will be provided and the student is encouraged to ask questions and
clarify information as the instructor is lecturing and/or presenting material.
b. Streaming demonstrations and narrated lectures will be available online as they
are completed.
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT WORK
TYPES OF ASSESSMENTS/ASSIGNMENTS:
In each lecture during this course, the instructor covers material the student needs to learn and
accomplish. In addition, written handouts will be provided. These are used to replace traditional
text materials and customize the course. It is essential the student practices principals covered in
class and complete the activities.
There will be no make-up test for this course.
All assignments are due on the weeks indicated unless waived or the instructor excuses the
student. Students missing assignment deadlines will lose the credit for that assignment unless a
valid excuse accepted by the instructor. All assignments will be posted in the appropriate Angel
“drop-box,” in the appropriate folder on the SharePoint Server, via TurnItIn®, or elsewhere, as
indicated by the Instructor and particular assignment instructions. Assignments are NOT
accepted by any other means.
Assignments turned in late may lose 10% per class day for up to a week and may then receive a
grade of 0 although this is at the instructor’s discretion. All assignments must be turned-in as per
the instructor’s direction.
GRADING POLICY:
Grades will be determined by activities, discussions, quizzes, homework and a final test.
Discussions (9 @ 20 ea pts)
Weekly Homework (9 @ 25 pts)
Final Test 100 pts
Final Project (paper and presentation) 200 pts
Total
CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING FINAL COURSE GRADE:
A
B
C
D
F
90% - 100%
80% - 89%
70% - 79%
60% - 69%
Below 59%
636 – 705
565 – 635
495 – 564
424 – 494
Below 424
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180
225
100
200
705
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING PROGRAM:
Metropolitan Community College is committed to continuous improvement of teaching and
learning. You may be asked to help us to accomplish this objective. For example, you may be
asked to respond to surveys or questionnaires. In other cases, tests or assignments you are
required to do for this course may be shared with faculty and used for assessment purposes.
USE OF STUDENT WORK:
By enrolling in classes offered by Metropolitan Community College, the student gives the
College license to mark on, modify, and retain the work as may be required by the process of
instruction, as described in the course syllabus. The institution shall not have the right to use the
work in any other manner without the written consent of the student(s).
Instructor Policy:
Nothing in this section shall be construed as superseding the College and program area
policies and procedures described and referenced in the Academic Honesty Statement. (CT)
INSTRUCTOR’S EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS
ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION POLICY:
The course will be covered partially by assigned portions of the text and may be presented in a
sequence different from the text. Material will also be covered that is not in the text. Attendance
is necessary to understand the course material. Each student is expected to recognize the
importance of class attendance and promptness.
Students are expected to attend and participate in class discussions. For on-line courses, the
discussion board is required each week and students must actively participate in the discussions
to receive credit.
The following interprets college attendance policy and may be subject to adjustment.
 WX: After the first class meeting and through the Census Date, the instructor will
disenroll (WX) students who have never attended. The Census Date is listed under the
Important Dates for the course in the official Class Schedule at
http://www.mccneb.edu/schedule/.
 FX: A student who fails to meet class attendance expectations will receive a final grade
of FX, indicating an absence-related failure. A student earning an FX grade prior to the
end of the quarter may avoid receiving the failing grade by withdrawing from the course
before the Last Date to Withdraw from Class.
o Instructor Note: An FX has the same effect on GPA and Satisfactory Academic
Progress as an F (http://www.mccneb.edu/fa/standards_of_progress.asp,
http://www.mccneb.edu/catalog/financialaid.asp,
http://www.mccneb.edu/bogpolicies/policies/40000/40302_student_academic_pro
gress_and_review_of_academic_status.htm, and
http://www.mccneb.edu/catalog/academicinformation.asp#standardsacademicpro
gress). In addition, the instructor must report a Last Date of Attendance to the
Registrar in order to facilitate the College and Federal government recovering
financial student aid from the student.
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
Current policy of instructor: unless there is documented instructor assent to an alternative
means to meet course requirements, your grade will be reported as “FX”
o If your final grade computation is “F,” AND you have not attended class for two
weeks or more, cumulative; OR
o If you have not attended class for four weeks or more, cumulative, regardless of
final grade computation; OR
o If you fail to take either the mid-term OR the final exams or both.
Portable electronic devices may not use for any assessment unless approved by the instructor.
The Internet may be used as part of an in-class exercise or assignment and the instructor reserves
the right to have all PCs shutdown if surfing interferes with the management of the class.
COMMUNICATION EXPECTATIONS:
When you communicate with others in this course, you must follow the Student Code of Conduct
(http://www.mccneb.edu/catalog/studentinformation.asp), which calls for responsible and
cooperative behavior. Please think critically, ask questions, and challenge ideas, but also show
respect for the opinions of others, respond to them politely, and maintain the confidentiality of
thoughts expressed in the class. You may also wish to review information at
http://www.albion.com/netiquette/.html.
RECORDING IN THE CLASSROOM:
Students may not video or audio record class sessions without the instructor’s knowledge and
permission. If recording of class sessions is authorized as a reasonable accommodation under
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the instructor must have the appropriate documentation
from College Disability Support Services. Permitted recordings are to be used only for the
individual student’s educational review of the class session and may not be reproduced, posted,
sold or distributed to others. Students who violate this policy are subject to disciplinary
procedures as outlined in the Student Conduct Code.
ACADEMIC HONESTY STATEMENT:
Students are reminded that materials they use as sources for classwork may be subject to
copyright protection. Additional information about copyright is provided on the library website
at http://www.mccneb.edu/library or by your instructor.
In response to incidents of student dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, etc.), the College imposes
specific actions that may include receiving a failing grade on a test, failure in the course,
suspension from the College, or dismissal from the College. Disciplinary procedures are
available in the Advising/Counseling Centers or at http://www.mccneb.edu/procedures/V4_Student_Conduct_and_Discipline.pdf.
To promote ethical use of source materials and integrity in students' written work, Metro
Community College subscribes to Turnitin.com, a service that provides document source
analysis in order to detect plagiarism. Students enrolled in this section of INFO 1001 agree that
all required work may be submitted by the instructor to Turnitin.com.
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STUDENT WITHDRAWAL: If you cannot participate in and complete this course, you should
officially withdraw through WebAdvisor at http://webadvisor.mccneb.edu or by calling Central
Registration at 402-457-5231 or 1-800-228-9553. Failure [to meet the attendance and
participation requirements of the course and] to officially withdraw will result in either an
attendance-related failure (FX) or failing (F) grade, [unless there is documented instructor assent
to alternative means to meet course requirements]. [The former procedure for instructor
withdrawal of a student (“IW”) is no longer available.] The last date to withdraw is noted in the
CLASS IDENTIFICATION section of this syllabus.
LEARNING SUPPORT
MCC's Academic Resource Centers, Math Centers, and Writing Centers offer friendly,
supportive learning environments that can help students achieve educational success. Staff
members in these centers provide free drop-in assistance with basic computing, reading, math,
and writing skills. Self-paced, computer-assisted instructional support in reading, vocabulary,
typing, English as a Second Language, and online course orientation is also available.
Detailed information about the Academic Resource, Math, and Writing Centers is in the Student
Handbook, College Catalog, and online at http://www.mccneb.edu/arc/.
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:
If you have a disability that may substantially limit your ability to participate in this class, please
contact a Disability Support Services Counselor located in the Student Services Office on each
campus. Metropolitan Community College will provide reasonable accommodations for persons
with documented qualifying disabilities. However, it is the student’s responsibility to request
accommodations. For further information, please visit http://www.mccneb.edu/dss/ and/or
contact Student Services.
TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT
 If you have difficulty connecting to the Internet, call your Internet provider.
 If you need help connecting to the course resources from the ANGEL login page, refer to
“Getting Started Online” at http://www.mccneb.edu/elearning/orientation.asp.
o If you are unable to solve the problem, contact MCC Online Support:
 Erik Peterson (402) 457-2769 or espeterson2@mccneb.edu
 Curtis Bryant (402) 457-2853 or cebryant@mccneb.edu
 Chuck Davis (402) 457-2866 or cwdavis@mccneb.edu
 For assistance with student email, passwords, and most other MCC technology, contact
the Help Desk at 457-2900 or mcchelpdesk@mccneb.edu.
TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES:
By using the information technology systems at MCC (including the computer systems and
phones), you acknowledge and consent to the conditions of use as set forth in the Metropolitan
Community College Procedures Memorandum on Acceptable Use of Information Technology
and Resources. It is your responsibility as a student to be familiar with these procedures. The full
text of the Procedures Memorandum may be found at the following website:
http://www.mccneb.edu/procedures/X-15_Technology_Resources_Use.pdf.
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SCHEDULE OF ASSIGNMENTS
Notice: This syllabus is written as an expectation of class topics, learning activities, and
expected learning outcomes. However, the instructor reserves the right to make changes in this
schedule that may result in enhanced or more effective learning for students. These modifications
will not substantially change the intent or objectives of this course and will be done within the
policies and guidelines of Metropolitan Community College.
Week:
Topics:
Assignments:
1
9/7/2011
9/12
2
9/14 9/19
3
9/21 9/26
Syllabus Review/Orientation
Read Handouts and Complete Worksheet
Student Resources & Student
Access
Computer Concepts: Working
with Files
Collaboration Tools
Read Handouts and Complete Worksheet
Read Handouts, Complete Worksheet and
Turn in Proposed Project/Topic to Instructor
4
9/28 10/3
Research & Evaluation
Read Handouts and Complete Research for
Project Topic
5
10/5
10/10
6
10/12
10/17
7
10/19
10/24
8
10/26
10/31
9
11/2 11/7
Citing Sources
Read Handouts, First Draft of Paper and
Complete Initial Annotated Bibliography for
Project
Read Handouts and Type Up Paper
10
11/9
11/14
11
11/16
11/21
Use word processing software to
create, edit, enhance save and
print information
Use spreadsheets software to
create, edit, enhance and print
information.
Misc. Apps (Images, Sounds, and
other Support Materials)
Presentation With Speakers Notes
Read Handouts, Create Spreadsheet and
Graphs to Support Paper
Read Handouts, Find and Insert Supporting
Images and Audio
Read Handouts and Complete
Class Presentations
Class Presentations
IMPORTANT DATES - www.mccneb.edu/sos/enrollman.asp.
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2011 Fall Quarter Important Dates
Classes Begin .......................................................................................................... September 6 T
Winter Priority Webadvisor only registration for Current Students w/ 50+credit hrs ...... Sep. 14 W
Winter Current Student Webadvisor only registration begins ................................ September 21 W
Winter General Registration Begins ....................................................................... September 28 W
Student Withdrawal Deadline to drop a class .................................................... ….Varies by class*
Summer Term Incomplete “I” Grades Due .............................................................. November 9 W
Classes end ............................................................................................................ November 21 M
All Fall grades due and posted to WebAdvisor by 11:59 p.m. ............................... November 23 W
Thanksgiving Day Recess/College Closed ................................................November 24-27 TH-SU
Students may view Important Dates on the Student Information Calendar . A link to this calendar
is available once a student is logged in on webadvisor.
*To view the Last Day for a student to withdraw “drop” a class; go to the class schedule found
on line at http://www.mccneb.edu/schedule/classschedule.asp. Then, find the course section and
click on the Important Dates link on the same line as the course title. The refund/withdraw dates
for each course section are automatically calculated based on the start and end dates and the
number of sessions for a course. A student must withdraw by this date to avoid being assigned a
grade of “F”.
REFUND POLICIES for Credit Courses
A student is responsible for withdrawing “dropping” from a course(s) if unable to attend. Nonattendance or non-payment does not relieve a student from the obligation to pay. To withdraw
“drop” from a course, log on to WebAdvisor https://webadvisor.mccneb.edu and click “Register
and Drop Sections”.
An official schedule change that reduces or terminates a student’s academic credit load may
entitle the student to a refund. The eligibility and amount of a refund is automatically calculated
by the date of the withdrawal. A student may see the refund percentage received through
midnight of the same day by logging into WebAdvisor and clicking on the Tuition Refund
Calculator. Note: Schedule changes may have implications for students on Financial Aid.
Check with the Financial Aid Office prior to any schedule changes at 402-457-2330.
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