Heartland Community College
Master Course Syllabus
Division: Technology
Course Prefix and number: CSCI 101
Course Title: Introduction to Computer Information Science
DATE PREPARED: August 06, 1998
DATE REVISED: April 30, 2008
PCS/CIP/ID NO: 11-110101
IAI NO. (if available): CS 910
EFFECTIVE DATE OF FIRST CLASS: January 1, 2009
CREDIT HOURS: 4
CONTACT HOURS: 5
LECTURE HOURS: 3
LABORATORY HOURS: 2
CATALOG DESCRIPTION (Include specific prerequisites):
Prerequisite: None. This course presents concepts of computer-based systems; computer
hardware, software, and organization environments; system categories, delivery modes; systems
development methods; career opportunities and responsibilities. This is a lecture course with
hands-on experience with microcomputers.
TEXTBOOK(S):
Pinard, K., & Romer, R., (2014) CMPTR 2 (2nd ed). Stanford, CT: Cengage Publishing.
and
Coursemate Access Card
RELATIONSHIP TO ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND
TRANSFERABILITY:
CSCI 101 fulfills 4 semester hours of elective credit for the A.A. and A.S. degrees. It should
transfer to most colleges and universities as an elective course. However, since this course is not
part of either the General Education Core Curriculum or a baccalaureate major program
described in the Illinois Articulation Initiative, students should check with an academic advisor
for information about its transferability to other institutions.
COURSE OBJECTIVES (Learning Outcomes)
At the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
Learning
Assessment
Outcome
Tool
Item
1. Identify the components of a computer system and explain their
role.
Assignments,
Labs, Exams,
&
Comprehensive
Final
2. Differentiate among various types of software.
Assignments,
Labs, Exams,
&
Comprehensive
Final
3. Explain the purpose and major functions of networks.
Exams, &
Comprehensive
Final
4. Describe categories of computers and their uses.
Assignments,
Labs, Exams,
&
Comprehensive
Final
5. Effectively find and use Internet-based resources.
Assignments,
Labs, Exams,
&
Comprehensive
Final
6. Understand how system software interacts with application
software.
Assignments,
Labs, Exams,
&
Comprehensive
Final
7. Identify and explain the uses of the different types of data
storage.
Exams, &
Comprehensive
Final
8. Differentiate between storage and memory.
Exams, &
Comprehensive
Final
9. Explain features common to most operating systems.
Assignments,
Labs, Exams,
&
Comprehensive
Final
10. Demonstrate an intermediate level of competency with the
applications in the Microsoft Office suite.
Assignments,
Labs, Exams,
&
Comprehensive
Final
11. Select appropriate Microsoft Office application to solve a
given business problem.
PS2
Labs, Exams,
&
Comprehensive
Final
12. Research and employ Microsoft Office application features
beyond those taught in class.
CT1
Assignments,
Labs, Exams,
&
Comprehensive
Final
13. Use multiple modes of communication to facilitate completion
of group project.
CO2
Group Project
COURSE/LAB OUTLINE:
1. Literacy Concepts
a. Hardware
b. Software
2. Internet
3. Operating System overview
4. Application Software
5. Microsoft Office products
6. System Components
METHOD OF EVALUATION (Tests/Exams, Grading System):
Exams/Assignments:
Assignments
Group Project
Exams
Comprehensive Final
Total
%
40
10
35
15
100
ASSIGNMENTS: Each student will be expected to complete graded assignments during
the semester. These assignments allow the student to demonstrate both their knowledge
of the subject matter and the integration of the problem solving strategies necessary for
success in both future courses and jobs. The assignments will also assist students in
preparing for the exams.
GROUP PROJECT: Students will be required to complete a group project which will
necessitate the use of the application software taught during the semester. The group
project will also require that the students communicate with each other in a timely and
professional manner. One of the objectives of the group project is to give the student
exposure to the team environment that is typical for many careers in the computer
industry.
EXAMS: The Computer Science Department believes that the demonstration of skills is
absolutely necessary in order to assess a student’s progress. Therefore the exams will
require students to demonstrate functional knowledge. The problems used in exams will
be representative of the problems presented in the assignments and labs.
Grading Scale:
A
B
C
D
F
90% - 100%
80% - 89%
70% - 79%
60% - 69%
Below 60%
REQUIRED WRITING AND READING:
There are no research or writing assignments in this course. However, communication is
an important part of work in the computer field. Therefore, students will be expected to
turn in assignments that demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate ideas.