Sullivan University

Sullivan University

Computer Science Department

CSC 104 - Information Processing

Instructor: WJ Patterson

Phone: 456-6504 ext. 429

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course introduces the student to the use of microcomputers, including features and techniques of graphical user interfaces, word processing, spreadsheets, databases and graphical presentations.

Prerequisite: KEY105 Keyboarding Essentials

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Use Windows to manage files.

2. Use Word to create and format a document.

3. Use Excel to create a worksheet and chart worksheet data.

4. Use Access to create a database table, a query and a report.

5. Use PowerPoint to create a graphical presentation.

REQUIRED TEXT / MATERIALS

Shelly, Gary B., Cashman, Thomas J., Vermaat, Misty E. (2006) Microsoft Office 2003 Illustrated Concepts and Techniques, 2nd Ed. Course Technology. ISBN 0-619-25485-5.

You will need to purchase a SAM code. This will be provided by your instructor, not the bookstore.

COURSE OUTLINE

Week 1: Introduction to Windows, Internet Basics

Week 2: Word Projects 1 & 2

Week 3: Word Project 3

Week 4: WORD EXAM, Excel Project 1

Week 5: Excel Project 2

Week 6: Excel Project 3

Week 7: EXCEL EXAM, Access Project 1

Week 8: Access Project 1 (cont.), Project 2

Week 9: Access Project 2

Week 10: ACCESS EXAM, PowerPoint Project 1 & 2

Week 11: Final Exam

Note: This course schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor due to time constraints or other extenuating circumstances.

Many students enter this course with prior knowledge of computers, and experience using Microsoft Office software applications. Many other students have had no prior exposure to the course material. This course has been structured in a manner that will accommodate the individual needs of every student.

Classroom demonstrations for each course topic will follow a structured schedule. However, students are free to progress through the textbook material at their own pace and are encouraged to complete software exercises and projects not specifically assigned by the instructor.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Attendance is a required part of this course. When a student has accumulated 3 or more absences, the student forfeits his/her professionalism points. The result is the lowering of the student's final grade by one letter.

EVALUATION

Assignments - 35%

Each student will complete hands-on assignments based on topics discussed in class: Windows, Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint. Assignment printouts are due according to the attached course calendar. Assignments not turned in at the appropriate time will receive a 10-point deduction for each day they are late, with a maximum of 50 points deducted for late assignments.

Attendance/Professionalism - 10%

One aspect of professionalism refers to attendance. Attendance is recorded and awarded points. Another aspect of professionalism is participation. For participation, points are awarded for being on time and being on-taskProfessionalism points are also earned from demonstrating the appropriate behaviors outlined in the Student Responsibilities section. The professionalism grade is earned based on the total points gained / total points possible.

Please note that you are a student of higher learning. As such, you are expected to submit quality work at all times. This does not mean just academically, but in presentation. The work should be organized, neat in appearance, and professionally presented. (10% IS THE MAXIMUM DEDUCTED FOR PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATION)

Exams - 35%

Hands-on exams will be given covering the MS Office applications: Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. Any student absent the day of an exam must complete a make-up exam within two weeks of the scheduled exam date or a grade of zero (0) will be recorded for the exam. Make-up exams will receive a 10-point deduction.

Final Exam – 20%

A comprehensive final exam will be given during the regular final exam period for the course during week 11. This exam will cover components from all material learned over the term, including Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.

MAKE-UP EXAMS

Missed exams can be made-up ONLY on Monday of finals week (week 11), and only one make-up exam will be available. The attached calendar lists the exact dates of all exams scheduled for this course, and students are expected to take the exams as scheduled. Ten points will be deducted from the grade of any make-up exam.

TEACHING AND LEARNING STRATEGIES

Instructor Responsibilities

Course material will be presented through the use of instructor-led computer activities, discussions, and lectures. The instructor will assist students with assignments as needed during in-class labs and on Plus Friday mornings.

Student Responsibilities

Students are expected to read textbook material prior to class discussions. Students will answer written questions, and complete assignments to develop and practice skills covered in the discussions. Students will complete exams to test their understanding of the concepts covered during the quarter.

Students will be provided lab time in class to work on assignments and projects. However, it is not expected that every student will complete all assignments during class lab time. It is the student’s responsibility to work on assignments during scheduled lab hours and outside of class as needed.