CIS1055: Computers & Applications
Section 402
Syllabus - Fall 2009
Lecturer: Christopher M. Pascucci
Contact Information
Office: Wachman Hall, Room 412
215-204-9656
Office Hours: Monday 10:00am – 11:30am
Wednesday 10:00am – 11:30am
Thursday 4:00pm - 5:00pm (TUCC)
Friday 10:00am – 12:00pm
Other hours by appointment
Website http://astro.temple.edu/~cp2579
Email: cpascucci@temple.edu
Class Meeting Times:
Section
402
Lecture
Thursdays: 5:10pm – 7:40pm
Room: TUCC414
Lab
Tuesdays: 5:10pm – 7:00pm
Room: TUCC410
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, databases,
presentation software and the resources of the Internet including developing a web site using sound
design techniques to publish course documents and incorporating multi-media components.
Required Materials:
USB (jump/flash) drive
Temple University Access-Net Account (commonly referred to as your “Astro” account)
Discovering Computers 2010, Introductory Edition, Shelly/Cashman
Optional Lab Book: MS Office 2007, Introductory Concepts and Techniques, Shelly/Cashman.
Also on reserve at Temple libraries.
Grades:
Grades will be assigned as follows:
Lab
30%
Midterm
17%
Final
23%
Quizzes
15%
Projects
10%
Misc. Assignments
5%
***These percentages are subject to change.
Course Policies:
1. Students must obtain at least 90 points out of a possible 145 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. The lab in CIS 1055 is worth 30% of your final grade.
2. There are no quiz make-ups unless there are unusual and unavoidable circumstances that I believe
warrant a retake. If you are not present when the quiz is distributed (late/absent/whatever) you
will receive a 0 for that quiz. At the end of the semester your lowest class quiz grade will be
dropped. The final will be cumulative. Any material that is in the book or mentioned in class can
be included in your quizzes and exams.
3. Your Lab Instructor will provide details regarding the requirements and grading for lab. The lab
component for this course is very time consuming. Your lab instructor is fully responsible for all of
your lab work.
4. 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. You
should also contact Disability Resources and Services at 215-204-1280 in 100 Ritter Annex.
5. 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://policies.temple.edu/getdoc.asp?policy_no=03.70.02.
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 the class’ website and your Temple email regularly during the
semester.
Attendance:
Attending classes is critical for you to be successful in this course. The “class participation” portion of
your grade is at my discretion and includes your attendance.
Cell phones and pagers MUST be turned off in my class.
Academic Honesty:
Do not cheat in this class. I take this very seriously as does the university!! This includes plagiarism. If
you quote someone else’s material, you MUST cite it properly. This includes all material taken from the
Internet. All of your work must be your own…this includes your lab assignments.
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.
"Temple University believes strongly in academic honesty and integrity. Plagiarism and academic cheating
are, therefore, prohibited."
Students should also be familiar with the University statement on academic honesty found at the
following link.
http://www.temple.edu/bulletin/Responsibilities_rights/responsibilities/responsibilities.shtm
Withdrawal Policy & Important Dates:
Students may withdraw at any time as long as it meets university guidelines.
First class: Thursday, September 3, 2009
Last day to drop a course: Monday, September 14, 2009
Last day to withdraw (no refund): Monday, November 2, 2009
Last day of classes: Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Final Exam: Tuesday, December 15, 2009
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.
Time Requirement:
You can expect to spend at least 10-15 hours per week on this class alone – this includes time spent in the
classroom.
Final Grades will be assigned as follows.
Final Grade
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
Percentage
92-100
90-91
88-89
82-87
80-81
78-79
72-77
70-71
68-69
62-67
60-61
0-59
Semester Schedule:
This schedule is subject to change throughout the semester. Changes will be communicated in class.
DATE
LECTURE TOPIC
READING
Week 1:
9/3
Week 2:
9/10
Week 3:
9/17
Week 4:
9/24
Week 5:
10/1
Week 6:
10/8
Week 7:
10/15
Course Introduction
Introduction To Computers
Internet & World Wide Web
E-commerce
Input & Output
Chapter 1
Quiz # 1
Storage
System Unit
Chapter 7
Week 8:
10/22
Week 9:
10/29
Week 10:
11/5
Week 11:
11/12
Week 12:
11/19
MIDTERM EXAM: 10/22
Week 13:
11/24
Calendar Adjustment (Tuesday 11/24 follows
Thursday 11/26 schedule)
Group Project Presentations
Review for Lecture Final Exam
Week 14:
12/3
Week 15:
12/15
Chapter 2
Chapters 5, 6
Chapter 4
Quiz # 2
Operating Systems & Utility Programs
Review for Exam
Chapter 8
Databases
Chapter 10
Communications & Networks
Chapter 9
Quiz # 3
Work on Group Projects
Computers Security, Ethics, & Privacy
Chapter 11
LECTURE FINAL EXAM:
Tuesday 12/15
5:45pm - 7:45pm