Course Syllabus

JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "CS 101"
COURSE NAME: "Introduction to Computer Science"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2014

SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Stefano Gazziano
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: MW 4:30 PM 5:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The course introduces students to the modern, state-of-the-art Information Technology, and provides them the adequate skills in basic computer science to professionally use IT in the context of a traditional liberal arts education of critical thinking and problem-solving, and in a standard business environment.

Prospective students may question or comment on our FB page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/CS101-Introduction-to-Computer-Science-at-JCU/484088545020165

SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

1. Computers architecture and technology

2. Software layers: operating systems and application software

3. How to trouble shoot basic issues on computers (plugging in laptops to overheads etc.) and how to use a computer and do basic troubleshooting; how to move to another computer

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

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

6. Introduction to Microsoft Office Package and how to use it. Ms Word. MS Excel. Power point presentations. Prezi

7. Publishing and editing

8. Cloud computing: the new paradigm. Local application v/s cloud suites

9. Professional presentation of information and computer etiquette

10. How the Web works: servers and browsers. Introduction to Web design: how to create a web site to express ideas graphically, writing for the web.

11. Databases and Multimedia

12. Use of primary data to manipulate into usable and well-documented formats so as to be able to communicate this information to end users

13. Collaboration on documents: how to collaborate and gain synergies from working with other people

14. Creating multimedia documents and copyright issues associated with digital sources

15. Privacy and personal data protection on the Internet. Mobile computing, location based services.

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

17. Searching with Google or gathering information from the website; being aware of the standard sources of information

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 to make a professional use of 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 security issues.

TEXTBOOK:

NONE

REQUIRED RESERVED READING:

NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:

NONE

GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:

Assignment	Guidelines	Weight
Midterm		25
Final exam		25
Class tests	Multiple choices tests or practical exercises will be scheduled and are an integral part of student assessment.	25
Class participation	Active participation in class, contribution to teaching by sharing experiences, workgroup	25

-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 cou
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. There is no textbook, and assigned readings must be read before classes.

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

1. Computers architecture and technology

2. Software layers: operating systems and application software

3. How to trouble shoot basic issues on computers (plugging in laptops to overheads etc.) and how to use a computer and do basic troubleshooting; how to move to another computer

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

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

6. Introduction to Microsoft Office Package and how to use it. Ms Word. MS Excel. Power point presentations. Prezi

7. Publishing and editing

8. Cloud computing: the new paradigm. Local application v/s cloud suites

9. Professional presentation of information and computer etiquette

10. How the Web works: servers and browsers. Introduction to Web design: how to create a web site to express ideas graphically, writing for the web.

11. Databases and Multimedia

12. Use of primary data to manipulate into usable and well-documented formats so as to be able to communicate this information to end users

13. Collaboration on documents: how to collaborate and gain synergies from working with other people

14. Creating multimedia documents and copyright issues associated with digital sources

15. Privacy and personal data protection on the Internet. Mobile computing, location based services.

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

17. Searching with Google or gathering information from the website; being aware of the standard sources of information