CIS 1055 Computers and Applications
Lecture Syllabus – Summer 2010 – Section 23
Contact Information
Instructor:
E-mail:
Web:
Office:
Phone:
Office Hours:
Course Web:
Blackboard:
Christopher Biehl
cbiehl@temple.edu
http://astro.temple.edu/~cbiehl
414 Wachman Hall
215.204.3043
Tues | Thurs 3.30 – 4.30
http://isc.temple.edu/cis1055
http://ww2.cis.temple.edu/cis1055
http://blackboard.temple.edu
Objective
With the explosion of computer technology, knowledge of computing applications as tools for all
disciplines has become a necessary asset. This course will introduce the student to understanding the
components of a computer system; the use of the computer to process information; the technology
behind computers and networks and how this technology is likely to change; purchasing and
maintaining a personal computer system; understanding the technology of the Internet; and social and
ethical implications of computing.
The laboratory portion of this class will provide students with hands-on experience to supplement the
lecture material. Operating system concepts, a working knowledge of collaborative software and the
following applications are covered: advanced features of word processing, spreadsheets, presentation
software and the resources of the Internet including developing a website using sound design
techniques to publish course documents and incorporating multi-media components.
Required Materials
Lecture:
Discovering Computers 2010 Introductory Edition, Shelly Cashman Series
Lab:
USB flash drive – 1GB minimum (purchase one without U3 software)
Temple University e-mail account
Optional Book Microsoft Office 2007 – Introductory Concepts and Techniques by Shelly, Cashman and
Vermatt
Available for purchase at the University Bookstores and on reserve at the following locations:
Temple University Main Campus, SIC in Tuttleman – 1st Floor Lab, Circulation Reserve
Temple University Ambler Campus, Library Room 29
Temple University Center City (TUCC), Room 404, 15th & Market Streets
Important Dates
First lecture class: July 6, 2010
First lab class: July 6, 2010
Last day to drop a course: July 19, 2010
Last day to withdraw (no refund): August 2, 2010
Final exams (lecture and lab): August 13, 2010
Key Course Dates
Quizzes – July 13, July 20, July 27
Blog due dates – see blog assignment paper
Group Work Day – August 3
Group Video Project – August 5
Lecture Exam and Lab Exam – August 12
A cumulative lecture exam will be given based on the assigned reading material and any additional
material (including discussions) covered in class. A lab exam will be given in lab based on the material
covered in lab. There will be no makeup of these exams, unless you have made arrangements with me
PRIOR to the day of the scheduled exam and have documentation as to a valid reason for being absent.
Note: Make up exams tend to be more difficult than the original exam, so it is in your best interest to
take the original exam.
Homework - Projects - Lab Work (Lab Exam August 12)
There will be lab assignments and other work to be handed in during the semester. Failing to hand in a
lecture assignment when the assignment is due will result in a late fee for that assignment. The late
penalty is A ONE LETTER GRADE deduction for every class it is late. Lab assignments have their own
late penalties and due dates which can be found in the lab syllabus. Once class starts, an assignment is
considered late. If you think you will be late, e-mail the assignment early and then turn in the printout
once you get to school.
All assignments, both in the lab and in the classroom, must include your full name and section number
and must be stapled if they contain more than one page. All assignments are to be done individually,
unless otherwise noted by me.
You can expect to spend at least 15-20 hours per week minimum (summer) on this class alone – this
includes time spent in the classroom. Time management is a main key to receiving a high grade in this
class.
Quizzes
Three lecture quizzes will be given during the semester - often during the first few minutes of class (but
not always). There will be no makeup of these quizzes unless you have made arrangements with me
PRIOR to the day of the scheduled quiz and have documentation as to a valid reason for being absent.
Note: Make up quizzes tend to be more difficult than the original quiz, so it is in your best interest to
take the original quiz. Quizzes will need to be made up during office hours.
Academic Honesty
Cheating in any form will not be tolerated. All assignments/exams/etc must be your own work. Any
student suspected of cheating on an exam will receive a 0 on the exam, an F for the course, and will be
referred to the Disciplinary Committee. Any student suspected of cheating on a lab or other
assignment will receive an F for the course, and will be referred to the Disciplinary Committee.
Students should also be familiar with the University statement on academic honesty found at the
following link: http://tinyurl.com/ylxrd2
"Temple University believes strongly in academic honesty and integrity. Plagiarism and academic
cheating are, therefore, prohibited."
Student and Faculty Academic Rights and Responsibilities
The University has adopted a policy on Student and Faculty Academic Rights and Responsibilities
(Policy # 03.70.02) which can be accessed through the following link:
http://tinyurl.com/2g9bkx
Incompletes
Incompletes will only be given under VERY extraordinary situations. Incompletes will not be given in a
situation where a student is unable to keep up with the workload. Any incomplete given will require a
written contract to be signed, stating explicitly what work needs to be made up and when it is due.
Again, this will only occur in VERY extraordinary situations.
Minimum Lab Requirement
Students must obtain at least 90 points out of a possible 148 lab points to pass CIS 1055. Students
who do not obtain at least 90 points from lab cannot pass this class. If you have less than 90 total lab
points, you will receive a grade of F for the course independent of your overall average. There will be
no exceptions to this rule. Students passing CIS 1055 must demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft office
and the resources of the Internet in a standardized environment. Your lab grade counts as 30% of your
final grade, so be sure you do your best for the lab portion of this course.
Communication Outside of Class
My office hours and email are listed above. Email is typically the easiest way to reach me outside of
class or my office hours. You need to check blackboard and your Temple email regularly during the
semester.
Time Requirement
You can expect to spend at least 15-20 hours per week minimum (summer) on this class alone – this
includes time spent in the classroom.
Grade Breakdown
Lecture Quizzes - 20%
Final Exam - 25%
Labs - 30%
Blogs - 10%
Video Project - 15%
Participation - Wild Card: Class participation can help or hurt in borderline situations
Final Letter Grade
A
AB+
B
B-
92-100
90-91
88-89
82-87
80-81
C+
C
CD
F
78-79
72-77
70-71
60-69
00-59
Students with Special Needs
Any student who has a need for accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact me
privately to discuss the specific situation as soon as possible. Contact Disability Resources and Services
at 215-204-1280 in 100 Ritter Annex to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with
documented disabilities.
Good Luck Everybody!
Feel free to contact me during the semester with any problems you have with the lecture or lab class.
Have a great semester!