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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "CS 101"
COURSE NAME: "Introduction to Computer Science"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2017
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Stefano Gazziano
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: MW 4:30-5:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS: by appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course offers an overview and an  introduction to the capabilities and limitations of computing and digital multimedia; the theoretical foundations of computing that drive future computing and technological advancements; computer software including operating system and application software; fundamentals of computer networks and the Internet; networks types and standard protocols; cloud computing; next generation Internet or "Internet of the things"; additive manufacturing and 3D printers for business; business intelligence, data analysis, digital contact with customers; privacy and personal data protection on the Internet; “Cyber war,” computer risk, and security concerns.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

History of computing. Computers architecture and technology

Cloud computing. Sharing data

Networks architecture

Software layers: operating systems and application software

The Internet and the World Wide Web

Introduction to personal productivity suites

Creating simple multimedia documents and presentations

Security and Privacy

Current trends and new developments in Information and Communications Technologies (ICT)

Net neutrality and Censorship of the Internet

More content on out FB group page https://www.facebook.com/groups/355359201340455/ 
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students will understand how a computer works and will be able to trouble shoot basic issues. Students will learn how data, documents  and files are stored and retrieved at different locations: personal laptops, office PC, internet "cloud".

At the end of the course the student will possess the basic required skills use Information Technology in a standard modern business and college environment: writing clear, well formatted papers and presentations; use basic data manipulation; use the internet as a source of information and be able to assess its reliability; care of personal

Students will have a clear vision of the evolution of computer science, the actual trends and developments, and an introductory overview of the business and global implications of the data revolution.

Students will understand how a computer works and will be able to trouble shoot basic issues. Students will learn how data, documents  and files are stored and retrieved at different locations: personal laptops, office PC, internet "cloud".
TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
class tests 30
project 10
midterm  25
final 35

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the cour
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Attendance is mandatory. Standard JCU rules apply. Personal travel not an excuse. 
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
SCHEDULE

WEEK

TOPICS

1

History of computing. Computers architecture and technology

2

Cloud computing: the new paradigm.  Sharing data and assignments over the net.  Local application v/s cloud suites.

·         Organizing and managing your own data: file systems and file/folder management.

·        Networks architecture and protocols. Data storage and backup Local Area Network, Intranet, Internet . Access to data at different locations

3

Software layers: operating systems and application software

·        Software tools: compression/decompression, basic image processing

4

The Internet and the World Wide Web

·         History of the Internet. Internet as a source: searches,  information from the web; evaluating sources

5,6

Introduction to personal productivity suites

·         Open Office : Word, Excel, Powerpoint

·         MS Office

7

Recap and midterm

8

Creating simple multimedia documents and presentations

·         Prezi

·         Lucidpress

·         Copyright issues associated with digital sources

·         Professional  presentation of information and computer etiquette

9

Security and Privacy

·         Computer and network safety and security: viruses, frauds, fishing, spoofing, scam, secure protocols,  safe user behaviour.

·         Introduction to “Big Data”, business intelligence, data analysis, digital contact with customers.

·         Privacy and personal data protection on the Internet.

10

Current trends and new developments in Information and Communications Technologies (ICT)

·         “Internet of the Things”

·         Additive Manufacturing and 3D printers

11

Net neutrality

·         Censorship of the Internet, Industrial data protection. Military applications and "Cyber war,” social computer risk.