Overview:
Computers & Society (CSCI 1304) is Trinity University's attempt
to prepare graduates to (1) utilize the computer efficiently and effectively
in the "academic world" and (2) be competitive and effective in the "real
world" in whatever major they have chosen. This class is a three hour computer
science course whose major topics are described below.
| # | Description | Software & Topics |
|
|
Introduction To Computing
Hardware, Software, Files, Formats |
Hardware Terminology
Window 95/NT Operating System UNIX Operating System |
|
|
Computers & Text
Word Processing Software |
Microsoft Word 97
Power Point 97 Text Editors vs Word Procesors |
|
|
Computers and Numbers
Quantitative Analysis Using Spreadsheet Software |
Microsoft Excel 97 |
|
|
Computers and Information Retrieval
Sturcturing & Retrieving Data Using Database Software |
Microsoft FoxPro (Version 5)
Create Database, Screens, Reports, Update, & Query Database |
|
|
Computers and Graphics
Visualizing & Illustrating Data Using Graphics Software |
Paint Shop Pro
Graphical Image Construction Graphical Image Formats Using Digital Cameras & Scanners Multimedia - PowerPoint Multimedia - Web Pages |
|
|
Computer Communications
Using Local Area Networks, E-Mail, & WWW |
Electronic Mail
Netcape & Explorer Browsers Decompression Software - WinZip Data Communications Local Area Networks FTP - Using WS_FTP HTML & Web Page Construction WWW Editors Internet Search Engines Download & Install Applications |
|
|
Computer Ethics
Issues of Privacy and the Legal Use of Software & Data |
Computer Ethics
Software Usage & Piracy Shareware/Freeware Copyright & The Law |
Web Multimedia Development
by David Miller
Optional Software:
Microsoft Office 97
Microsoft FoxPro (Version 5.0)
Grade Breakdown:
There will be two exams this semester.
Exam 1 - 200 points - 10/14/97
Exam 2 - 300 points - 12/4/97
There will be a brief (5 minute) quiz given each and every Tuesday this semester. This quiz (10 points) will be on the desk at the begining of lectue and collected 5 minutes after class begins. The lowest two quiz scores will be dropped. There will be no make-up quizzes given! Questions on the quiz will pertain to reading assignments, labs, and lecture during the previous three weeks. If class is cancelled on a Tuesday, there will be no quiz that week! See Secedule on the Web!
Laboratory assignments will be assigned regularly throughout the semester. These labs will be collected in wire-band binders every almost every other Thursday. The wire-band binders will generally be kept 1.0 - 1.5 weeks for grading and then returned. See Secedule on the Web!
Projects and Labs generally total 400-500 points. Computer Science is a "participant sport". A sizable portion of your grade is related to your usage of computers! In order to do well in this course, most of you should plan on using the computer at least an hour each day.
Grading Scale:
A 93% - 100%
A- 90% - 92.9%
B+ 87% - 89.9%
B 83% - 86.9%
B- 80% - 82.9%
C+ 77% - 79.9%
C 73% - 76.9%
C- 70% - 72.9%
D+ 67% - 69.9%
D 63% - 66.9%
D- 60% - 62.9%
F 00% - 59.9%
Students will receive at least the grades indicated by the scale above.
Materials Needed:
Floppy disks (at least 12)
Letter Size Wire-Band Report Covers (1)
Disk Accessory Insert [3-ring binder zipper insert or 3-ring floppy
disk pouch] (1)
Notebook dividers (10)
Lab Assignments & Projects:
It is essential that you do the assignments as scheduled. Collecting the binders every two weeks provides a little slack in the schedule in which you can get some help. Assignments are due when scheduled. I will periodically ask to see them in lecture, but the binders will only be collected every other Thursday. See Secedule on the Web!
The binders are to be left on the desk as you enter class (by 11:20) on the specified date. Binders submitted after 11:20 are late! Do not come to lecture late or skip a lecture because you are working on an assignment!
There will often be several assignments in the folder at one time. These assignments may not be submitted in multiple binders; you may turn in only one binder! Late binders are to be left in Dr. Hicks' mail box (201P); do not give them to him in a lab, slide them under his door, give them to a secretary, etc.
No assignments will be accepted more than 4 days late! [Exceptions for Major Medical or University Sponsored Events] Binders submitted after 11:20 Thursday or on Friday will be pentalized no more than 15%. Binders submitted on Monday will be pentalized no more than 30%. No binders will be accepted after Monday!
Wire-band Folder Requirements:
All assignments will be professional in appearance and professional in quality! No assignments will be accepted unless they are bound in the wire-band binders. Each assignment will be punched and properly inserted into the wire-band binder. Make sure that you adjust the margins for the binder prior to printing; it is important to be able to read your materials without removing them from the binder.
Do not submit a pocket folder! Do not submit a three ring notebook! Think ahead; you have two weeks to get this together!
Some assignments will be team assignments. Most assignments will be individual assignments. With the exception of fellow team members, working on a team assignment, each student is to complete his/her own work. All exams shall be done individually by each student. It is this professor's feelings that those students who sacrifice their own integrity by falsely representing their work, or who knowingly aide others in doing so, have no place in higher education.
The general policy for cheating is an automatic "F" in the course, a letter submitted to student affairs, and the proper following of Trinity University academic integrity policy.
Before you resort to turning in someone else's work as your own, let's talk. If you are under undue pressure to aide other students in such a way that your own security is threatened, let's talk. It is not worth failing a three hour course.
Office Hours:- Halsell 201J & Halsell 201K
Office hours are both by appointment and drop-in.
When having programming database programming difficulties
(1) bring with you a current hard copy of all programming code!
When seeking a letter of reference or a job recommendation:
(1) bring an informal transcript
(2) a letter listing work experiences, awards, scholarships, etc.
(3) a placement form to add the recommendation to your file (if applicable)
(4) stamped and addressed (typed) envelopes (if applicable)
(5) hard copies of significant programming efforts that I have not
seen (computer science majors)
Monday
9:00 - 11:00 AM
Tuesday
9:45 - 11:15 AM 12:45
- 2:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 - 11:00 AM
Thursday
9:45 - 11:15 AM 12:45 -
2:00 PM