RANGER COLLEGE SYLLABUS
Course: COSC 1401 Introduction to Computers
Credit Hours: 4
Instructor: Debbie Lamprecht
Office Location: Business building
Office Hours: Monday – 3:00 to 4:00
Tuesday - 10:00 to 11:00; 3:00 to 4:00
Wednesday - 3:00 to 4:00
Thursday - 10:00 to 11:00; 3:00 to 4:00
Email: dlamprecht@rangercollege.edu
Office Phone: 254-647-5814
1.
Catalog Description
Overview of computer information systems – hardware, operating systems, and
microcomputer application software, including Internet, word processing, spreadsheets,
presentation graphics and databases. Current issues such as the effect of computers on
society, and the history and use of computers in business, educational, and modern
settings are also studies. This course is not intended to count toward a student’s major
field of study in business or computer science.
3.
Required Background or Prerequisites
Keyboarding proficiency.
4.
Textbooks Required
1. Discovering Computers, 2014, Course Technology, ISBN 978-1-285-16176-1
2. Guidelines for Microsoft Office 2013, Paradigm, ISBN 978-0-76385-258-0
5.
Methods of Instruction
Lectures, supervised learning online, audio and visual aids, instructor-provided
supplementary handouts, tests, research, presentation to class, and assigned homework.
All assignments will be turned in using Blackboard. Paper assignments will not be
accepted.
6.
Course Objectives
After studying the material presented in this course of study, the student should be able to
do the following:
1. Understand the components of a computer including system units, input, output
devices, storage devices, and communication devices.
Syllabus 2
2. Understand the two categories of software including system software comprised
of operating systems and utility programs, and application software.
3. Understand the five categories of computer users – home users, small office –
home office users, mobile users, power users, and enterprise users.
4. Understand computer applications in society and how people interact directly with
computers in the fields of education, finance, government, health care,
manufacturing, publishing, science and travel.
5. Understand the Internet and the World Wide Web including the relationship
between the two.
6. Understand data, information, and databases as well as the differences between
file processing and database management.
7. Understand computer security and information privacy. More importantly,
understand the ethics of information usage and how important it will be in the
decades ahead.
7.
Classroom Policies
1. Regular and punctual attendance in all classes and labs is required of all students.
Attendance will be checked at the beginning of each class period. Unexcused
absences are counted from the list the first day of class, as listing in the college
calendar, regardless of the data of the student’s registration. The only excused
absence is an authorized college activity. The absence policy found in the Ranger
College catalog will be applied in this course. If the student has the equivalence
of three weeks of unofficial absences in a course in which he or she is currently
enrolled, the instructor may drop the student from a non-developmental course
with a grade of “F”.
2. If you are absent the day of the test, on an excused absence, a make-up will be
given the following class meeting. If you miss the test and the make-up, you will
receive a zero. Exceptions for extended and excused absences will be made by
the instructor.
3. While in the Computer Information Technology Lab, students need to properly
care for the lab equipment. Severe mistreatment will result in removal from the
course. Cell phones, headphones, IPods, are not appropriate in classrooms;
therefore do not bring them to class. Students should not text or use phones in
class.
4. Any assignment reflecting cheating, plagiarism or any other form of academic
dishonesty will receive a grade of zero. A second instance of plagiarism results in
automatic failure of the class.
5. Adult behavior is expected of all students at all times. Misconduct, including
sleeping in class, will be punishable by immediate dismissal from class.
6. Tutoring is available upon request.
7. ADA Statement: Ranger College provides a variety of services for students with
learning and/or physical disabilities. The student is responsible for making the
initial contact with the Ranger College Counselor. It is advisable to make this
contact before or immediately after the semester begins.
Syllabus 3
8.
Computer Lab Policies
1. Students have an assigned class time to attend the computer lab. Do not interrupt
other classes that are in progress in the lab.
2. Absolutely NO food or drink is allowed in the lab. Ranger is tobacco free, and no
tobacco can be used anywhere on campus.
3. Students are required to remain in lab until all assignments are completed. All of the
assignments must be turned in to Blackboard before you can leave.
4. The computer lab is for class work only. Do not use these computers for
entertainment of for personal use.
5. Do not copy, delete, or change any files on the computers in the lab.
6. Do not install any software onto the computers in the lab.
7. Do not change any settings on the computers.
8. Do not download files from the Internet unless instructed to do so by your teacher.
9.
Assessment
Students missing lectures are responsible for getting notes, handouts, etc. from the
instructor or classmates. Make up exams will be given for official absences and/or at the
discretion of the instructor. Failure to make up an exam will result in a grade of zero.
The course grade will be computed as follows:
Lab work – including lab exams
Final Project
Exams
Final Exam
10.
40%
10%
30%
10%
Grading
To pass the class, the student must achieve at least a 60% overall grade and they must
pass the final exam.
A=90-100
B=80-90
C=70-79
D=60-69
Below 60=F
11.
“In case of fire or other emergency, the nearest exit from this classroom is the front
door.” Please remain outside the building until otherwise notified by college
officials.
12.
ADMISSIONS, EMPLOYMENT, AND PROGRAM POLICIES OF RANGER
COLLEGE ARE NONDISCRIMINATORY IN REGARD TO RACE, CREED, COLOR,
SEX, AGE, DISABILITY, AND NATIONAL ORIGIN.
The above schedule and procedures in this course are subject to change in the event of
extenuating circumstances.
Syllabus 4
Syllabus Receipt
COSC 1401
Introduction to Computing
Legibly print the following information:
Name: _________________________________________
Date:___________________
If you participate in any organized sport at Ranger College, please list it below.
______________________________________________________________________________
“I have received and understand the information in the syllabus for COSC 1401 and I agree to
abide by the stated policies.”
Signature of the student:
________________________________________________________