HIGH POINT UNIVERSITY
EARL N. PHILLIPS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Course Syllabus
CIS 150
Introduction to Client/Server Development Logic and Design
Instructor Information:
Instructor: Dr. Mike Collins
Office: Phillips School of Business RM#229
Hours: As posted on our Class webpage
Phone: 841-4522
Email: mcollins@highpoint.edu
Class Website: www.highpoint.edu/~mcollins
Course Description:
This course is an introduction to client/server development logic and design. Course emphasis will be on
teaching the underlying fundamentals and design considerations of client/server application development.
Development and design considerations of graphical user interfaces are also introduced within the course.
Course Audience:
CIS 150 is designed for both the Computer Information Systems (CIS) major as well as any student
interested in learning about client/server development logic and design for elective credit. The CIS major
usually takes this course in their first or second year of course work. The blend of conceptual, tool-based,
and hands-on material is suited to serve the entire university population.
Course Prerequisites:
None
Course Topics Covered:
 Pseudo code
 Flowcharting
 Hierarchy charts
 Logic structures in client/server development
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Assignment structures
Decision structures
Looping and iteration structures
Graphical user interface development
Introduction to Object Oriented programming
using ALICE
Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Understand the importance of up-front planning in client\server development
2. Introductory understanding of client/server coding logic and design
3. Employ multiple information technology tools and techniques to aid in client/server development
4. Compare and contrast the different types of client/server coding structures and their uses
5. Understand how to incorporate client/server coding structures within systems development
6. Introductory understanding of graphical user interface design and development
Course Materials:
Required Supplies:
 Flash drive

Visual Logic Software Key (Provided in your textbook bundle)
Required Textbook(s):
 Alice 2.0—Introductory Concepts and Techniques
Course Theme:
The intent of this class is to teach the core coding structures underlying client/server systems development.
The focus and structure of the class will be developed with students having an array of backgrounds and
majors in mind. While required of CIS majors, the class has no prerequisites and will be actively marketed
to any student wanting an introduction to the client/server design and development domain. Emphasis will
be on understanding the logic and planning structures of client/server development as opposed to actually
completing systems themselves.
Course Methods, Projects, and Requirements:
Although the material may be summarized and elaborated upon during lecture time in class, the bulk of
class time will be dedicated to further demonstrate the tools and techniques and to answer specific questions
students might have.
Course Grades:
The grade in this course is determined by your performance on five essential criterions: semester-wide
projects and programs, announced and unannounced quizzes, mid-term examination, final examination, as
well as attendance and participation. The instructor reserves the right to deviate if necessary from this
grading schedule presented below.
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Grading Percentages:
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93% through 100% A
90% through 92% A88% through 89% B+
83% through 87% B
80% through 82% B78% through 79% C+
73% through 77% C
70% through 72% C68% through 69% D+
63% through 67% D
60% through 62% D< 60% F
Examinations 3@167: 50%
Alice Assignments 4@75—15%
Assignments/Quizzes Varies—35%
Course Policies:
Withdrawal Policy
You may withdraw from this course for any reason, without a failing grade, anytime up until the published
university withdrawal date. After this withdrawal period, all withdrawing students will receive a withdrawn failing
or withdrawn passing grade for the class. The instructor reserves the right to evaluate individual cases of students
withdrawing after the published deadline for class withdrawals.
Class Attendance and Participation Policy
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Class attendance and participation are mandatory. All readings and other assignments and projects, some quizzes,
and all tests will be announced in class. Class lectures will assume all assignments have been completed. Students
are allowed three excused or unexcused absences. After which time, the instructor has the right to notify the student
of the intent to drop the student after the next absence. Following the fifth absence, the instructor has the right to
drop the student from the class. If a class is missed, it is the student's responsibility to obtain assignments, lecture
notes, etc. from his or her peers.
Examination Make-up Policy
There is no make-up policy for absences which are not excused and cleared by the instructor ahead of time. Any
unexcused missing of an examination will result in a zero. Excused absences will be made up on a case-by-case
basis subject to the instructor’s approval. Generally, all excused absences must be documented and approved—in
advance—with the instructor or through the Dean of Academic Affairs office. Failure to secure such documentation
or instructor permission will result in an unexcused absence.
Late Assignment/Project Policy
Assignments and projects are accepted after the due date with a 10% penalty for each class meeting day they are
late. Once the assignment or project is completed and turned in, it is graded like all others, a score is derived, and
the percentage off late penalty is then assigned from the graded score. Any exception to this policy must be obtained
from the instructor of the class. Petitions for waving the penalty will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Academic Dishonesty Policy
Any student who cheats during an examination or who assists another student in cheating during an examination will
automatically fail the exam at the minimum. The case will also be forwarded to the Dean of Academic Affairs for
University action. Cheating includes, but is not limited to, unauthorized crib sheets or notes, copying answers from
another student’s exam, unauthorized use of any device to aid in the examination, or gaining unauthorized access to
the exams or its answers prior to the assigned date.
Incomplete Grades Policy
Incomplete grades will be given only under the most extreme situations. Documented extended illness or prior
approved extended absence from the University by the class instructor or the Dean of Academic Affairs are two of
a very select set of scenarios in which an incomplete may be given in the class. In this type of situation, all class
assignments remain firm; however, the individual is not penalized so long as any make-up work is completed
within a mutually agreed upon time period.
Grade Appeals Policy
It is the student’s responsibility to keep all graded materials that have been returned. The instructor’s grades will be
assumed to be accurate unless you—the student—can prove to the contrary. Any student wishing to appeal a
grade—to the instructor—must submit a written appeal indicating the specific class and section the student is
requesting a reevaluation of the grading within. In addition, a complete explanation—including re-grading
rationale—of why the student feels they deserve a different grade is required. Any documentation supporting the
student’s position should be submitted at that time. Verbal grade appeals are not accepted.
It should be noted that being prepared, coming to class, and taking notes are necessary but not sufficient
conditions for doing well in this course. Many of the concepts covered in this class need to be reinforced through
use and study outside of class to become part of the student’s knowledge domain.
STUDENTS NEEDING ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS:
Students with documented disabilities who may need academic accommodations should discuss these with the
Director of Academic Services, Smith Library, Lower Level. Any student eligible and needing academic
adjustments because of a documented disability should meet with me to arrange these accommodations during the
first week of class.
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Course Outline for CIS 150—Subject to change based on class needs
Wk(s)
1
Topics and Objectives
Syllabus, Expectations for class work. Questions, Comments, Course Layout and Design.
1-2
1.
2.
3.
4.
Introduction to Visual Logic—Flowcharting Software
Hands on Activities Hand Out Work
Chapter One IPO Handout
Various in/out of class assignments/quizzes
3-5
1. Hands on Activities Hand Out Work
2. Chapter Two—Making Decisions IPO Handout
3. Various in/out of class assignments/quizzes
Examination #1—Date to be announced
6-8
1. Hands on Activities Hand Out Work
2. Chapter Three—Repeating Actions IPO Handout
3. Various in/out of class assignments/quizzes
Examination #2—Date to be announced
8-10
1. Hands on Activities Hand Out Work
2. Chapter Four—Arrays IPO Handout
3. Various in/out of class assignments/quizzes
Examination #3—Date to be announced
11
1. Hands on Activities Hand Out Work
2. Various in/out of class assignments/quizzes
12
1. Hands on Activities Hand Out Work
2. Various in/out of class assignments/quizzes
Examination #4—Date to be announced
13
1. Shelly Cashman Herbert Alice 2.0 Project One
2. Various in/out of class assignments/quizzes
14
1. Shelly Cashman Herbert Alice 2.0 Project Two
2. Various in/out of class assignments/quizzes
15
1. Shelly Cashman Herbert Alice 2.0 Project Three
2. Various in/out of class assignments/quizzes
16
1. Shelly Cashman Herbert Alice 2.0 Project Four
2. Various in/out of class assignments/quizzes
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16
Examination #5
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