Course Title: Principles of Information Systems

Course Number: CSIS110 Section

Instructor: Robert Lingvall

Instructor Contact Info:

Email: Please use robert.lingvall@gcccd.net .

Course Description:

The objective of this course is to develop basic knowledge of computers and information systems. The broad overview of topics includes computer organization, hardware and software systems, and application software. Approximately one-third of the course will consist of hands-on problem solving using spreadsheets. Another one-third will cover applications, and the final one-third will address computer concepts and terminology.

Attendance: You must log into the class at least 2 times a week to be considered in attendance for that week. If you do not log into the class for an entire week you can be dropped. If you are having problems logging in, please contact me so I do not drop you.

Student Conduct: See Grossmont College Catalog. Be sure all discussion posts, email, and assignments submitted respect all persons and groups and in no way contain anything lewd, indecent, or obscene.

Required Text: Shelly/Cashman Custom Edition
Required Software: Please use one of the following software suites: Office 2003 for Windows, or Office XP for Windows (sometimes referred to as Office 2002 for Windows) or Office 2000. Important: Be sure your Office suite includes Access, Word, Excel, and Powerpoint.

Course Objectives:

A. Use application software packages:
1. Use spreadsheet program to create and edit worksheets. Create a variety of charts based upon worksheet data. Become skilled at using formulas and functions to manipulate worksheet data and perform what-if analyses. Create templates, workbooks with multiple worksheets, data tables and database manipulations are includes. Use programming to create macros that modify or create data in a worksheet.
2. Use a database program to create and maintain a database. Extract information from the database and create useful reports and queries. Understand the fundamental database design principles.
3. Use internet browsing, searching, and e-mail capabilities.
4. Integrate other application programs to perform useful tasks.
5. Design, prepare, edit, and print documents using word processing software.

B. Obtain facts about computer software.
1. Explain how to create a spreadsheet to produce useful information, reports, charts from numerical data.
2. Interpret the data structures with the computer (field, file, etc.).
3. Identify the difference between systems and application software.
4. Demonstrate the use and functions of an operating system.
5. Appraise systems analysis methods and implementation.
6. Integrate and evaluate the major functions and characteristics of application software including spreadsheets, databases, presentation graphics, and word processing.

C. Describe computer information system:
1. Gain general understanding of the components of an information system.
2. Distinguish between different sizes/types of computers and how those systems are used.
3. Discuss how data are represented within a computer.
4. Identify the components of a computer: input, process, output, and storage.
5. Define local and wide area networks and other characteristics of data communication.

D. Identify characteristics of the industry:
1. Discuss the social implications of computers.
2. Describe, compare and interpret the various jobs found within an information center.
3. Understand available employment opportunities.
4. Debate common ethics issues such as copyright, privacy, etc.

Grading:

12 Quizzes @ 25 points each. 300
12 Lab Assignments @ 50 points each. 600
4 Discussion Board Topics @ 50 points each. 200
Final Project 100
Total 1200

A= 1074 - 1200
B= 954 - 1073
C= 834 - 953
D= 714 - 833
F= less than 714

Note 1: All discussion forums will be open for 2 weeks. You have the 1st week of the forum to complete your initial post and then you have the 2nd week of the forum for your responses. No credit will be given for late posts. All due dates are in the course calendar.

Note 2: Assignments must be submitted by the due date to be eligible to receive full credit. Assignments submitted late will only be eligible to receive only half credit. All quizzes, and assignments, except the Final Exam, will be accepted up through August 3, 2003. You will have until August 5, 2003 to complete your Final Exam.

Note 3: All quizzes are available for you to take as of the first day of the semester but each quiz has a set due date. You must take the quiz before its due date. These due dates are listed in the course calendar. It is strongly suggested that you take the quiz 2 days before the due date. This will give you ample time to take care of any technical problems that might arise. You may only attempt a quiz one time and you have 1 hour maximum to complete the quiz.

Note 4: All assignment file names must have no spaces or special characters in the name. Modify any filename suggested in your assignment instructions in your lab texts so that the filenames follow these rules.

Note 5: Discussion Topics: All questions which pertain to class procedures, content and topics should be posted in the Discussion forum entitled, Questions, Problems, Suggestions, & Insights, so that all students will have the benefit of the responses.

Note 6: I will be reviewing the email and discussion board Monday through Friday, excluding school holidays. The school calendar regarding holidays will be followed, meaning that emails and discussion boards will not be monitored on those days. As a regular practice, I will review all posts, replying when appropriate, and all emails by the next day during Monday through Friday, again excluding days designated as school holidays.

Note 7: Grading Rubric for Graded Discussion topics: see detailed description in the Course Information area.

Note 8: Discussion Post Format: see detailed description in the Course Information Area

End of Syllabus