Instructor: Stephen J. Dietrich
E-mail: Stephen.J.Dietrich@saic.com or
Phone:
858 – 826 – 2303 (SAIC office with voice mail)
619 – 660 – 4000 x3144 (Cuyamaca College –
voice mail only)
Semester Dates: August 23, 2004 – December 20, 2004
Days/Time: Monday/Wednesday 7:00 PM – 9:50 PM
Classroom Location: E-102
Prerequisite: None
Recommended Preparation: None
Required Texts:
Discovering Computers 2005 (2004):
Shelly, G.; Cashman, T.; and Vermaat, M.: Course Technology; Boston, MA
Microsoft Word 2003 Introductory (2004): Shelly, G.; Cashman, T.; and Vermaat, M.: Course Technology; Boston, MA
Microsoft Excel 2003 Complete (2004): Shelly, G.; Cashman, T.; and Quasney, J.: Course Technology; Boston, MA
Microsoft Access 2003 Introductory (2004): Shelly, G.; Cashman, T.; and Pratt, P.: Course Technology; Boston, MA
Microsoft PowerPoint 2003 Introductory (2004): Shelly, G.; Cashman, T.; and Sebok, S.: Course Technology; Boston, MA

Required Items:
▶Three (3) 1.44MB (high-density) floppy diskettes or one (1) 100MB or 250MB Zip disk,
▶One (1) three ring (2 inch wide) binder, paper, and pen
▶Reliable computer
▶Reliable Internet connection
▶Reliable email account (Yahoo and Hotmail accounts not recommended)
Software:
Windows XP:
Note: Windows XP Professional is available for less than $10.00. See the CIS Web Site for details.
Office 2003 Professional (which includes Access):
Notes:
1) The Student and Teacher Edition does not include Access.
2) This software is needed to complete class assignments.
3) Academic (full) version available at significant reduction over full street prices
Course Description:
A course to develop basic knowledge of computers and information systems. The broad overview of topics includes computer organization, hardware and software systems, and application software. The lab portion of the course will consist of hands-on problem solving using tools such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation graphics.
Course Objectives:
Upon satisfactory completion of this course, the student should be able to correctly:
1. Compare and contrast computer literacy and information systems.
2. Explain the components of a computer hardware system.
3. Analyze the various sizes and types of computers.
4. Identify the four operations of the information processing cycle: Input, Process, Output, and Storage.
5. Explain how data are represented and processed within a computer.
6. Summarize remote and local area networks and other characteristics of data communication.
7. Differentiate between operating systems and application software.
8. Demonstrate knowledge of the use and functions of an operating system.
9. Differentiate between the major functions and characteristics of application software including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation graphics.
10. Assess the social implications of computers.
11. Evaluate employment opportunities utilizing computer technology.
12. Summarize the function and operation of the Internet and World Wide Web.
13. Employ a word processing software program to prepare, edit, and print a document.
14. Use a database program to create, maintain, and extract information to produce a report.
15. Employ a spreadsheet software program to create a spreadsheet report with appropriate charts.
16. Use a presentation graphics software program to create visual presentation material.
Instructional Facilities: Classroom/computer lab
NOTE:
Per college policy, no food or drink is
allowed in the classroom
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Class Schedule: |
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Date |
Required Reading, Lecture, and Test Information |
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Week I 08/23/04 |
Introduction, course overview and expectations Reading / Lecture: Discovering Computers 2005 Chapter 1: “Introduction to Computers” |
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Week II 08/30/04 |
Quiz: Discovering Computers 2005 – Chapter 1Reading / Lecture: Discovering Computers 2005 Chapter 2: “The Internet & The World Wide Web” |
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Week III 09/06/04 |
9/6 No Class – Labor Day Holiday Quiz: Discovering Computers 2005 – Chapter 2 Reading / Lecture: Discovering Computers 2005 Chapter 3: ”Application Software” |
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Week IV 09/13/04 |
Quiz: Discovering Computers 2005 – Chapter 3 Reading / Lecture: Discovering Computers 2005 Chapter 4: “The Components of the System Unit" |
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Week V 09/20/04 |
Exam 1: Microsoft Word 2003
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Week VI 09/27/04 |
Quiz: Discovering Computers 2005 – Chapter 4 Reading / Lecture: Discovering Computers 2005 Chapter 5: “Input” |
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Week VII 10/04/04 |
Quiz: Discovering Computers 2005 – Chapter 5Reading / Lecture: Discovering Computers 2005 Chapter 6: “Output” |
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Week VIII 10/11/04 |
Quiz: Discovering Computers 2005 – Chapter 6Reading / Lecture: Discovering Computers 2005 Chapter 7: “Storage” |
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Week IX 10/18/04 |
Quiz: Discovering Computers 2005 – Chapter 7Reading / Lecture: Discovering Computers 2005 Chapter 8: “Operating Systems and Utility Programs” |
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Week X 10/25/04 |
Quiz: Discovering Computers 2005 – Chapter 8 Reading / Lecture: Discovering Computers 2005 Chapter 9: “Communications and Networks” |
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Week XI 11/01/04 |
Reading / Lecture: Discovering Computers 2005 Chapter 9: “Communications and Networks” (cont.) |
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Week XII 11/08/04 |
Exam 2: Microsoft Excel 2003
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Week XIII 11/15/04 |
Quiz: Discovering Computers 2005 – Chapter 9Reading / Lecture: Discovering Computers 2005 Chapter 11: “Computers and Society, Security, Privacy, and Ethics” |
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Week XIV 11/22/04 |
Reading / Lecture: Discovering Computers 2005 Chapter 11: “Computers and Society, Security, Privacy, and Ethics” (cont) |
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Week XV 11/29/04 |
Exam 3: Microsoft Access 2003
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Week XVI 12/06/04 |
Quiz: Discovering Computers 2005 – Chapter 11 Project Books due (12/06/04) |
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Week XVII 12/13/04 |
Exam 4 (Final Exam): PowerPoint 2003 December 13, 2004 (7:30 P.M. – 9:30 P.M.) |

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Important Dates: |
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Last Day to add or drop a class without a “W” |
09/03/04 |
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Labor Day Holiday |
09/06/04 |
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Last Day to apply for “CR/NC” |
09/24/04 |
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Last Day to drop |
11/11/04 |
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Thanksgiving Vacation |
11/25/04 – 11/27/04 |
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Final Exam Dates for College |
12/13/04 – 12/20/04 |
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Close of Fall Semester |
12/20/04 |
Grading |
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Item |
Value |
Points Earned |
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Exam I - Word |
125 points |
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Exam II – Excel |
125 points |
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Exam III – Access |
125 points |
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Exam IV – PowerPoint |
125 points |
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Discovering Computers 2005 Quiz: Chapter 1 |
50 points |
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Discovering Computers 2005 Quiz: Chapter 2 |
50 points |
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Discovering Computers 2005 Quiz: Chapter 3 |
50 points |
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Discovering Computers 2005 Quiz: Chapter 4 |
50 points |
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Discovering Computers 2005 Quiz: Chapter 5 |
50 points |
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Discovering Computers 2005 Quiz: Chapter 6 |
50 points |
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Discovering Computers 2005 Quiz: Chapter 7 |
50 points |
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Discovering Computers 2005 Quiz: Chapter 8 |
50 points |
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Discovering Computers 2005 Quiz: Chapter 9 |
50 points |
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Discovering Computers 2005 Quiz: Chapter 11 |
50 points |
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Lab: Word (3 assignments) |
75 points |
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Homework: Word (3 assignments) |
75 points |
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Lab: Excel (6 assignments) |
150 points |
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Homework: Excel (6 assignments) |
150 points |
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Lab: Access (3 assignments) |
75 points |
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Homework: Access (3 assignments) |
75 points |
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Lab: PowerPoint (2 assignments) |
50 points |
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Homework: PowerPoint (2 assignments) |
50 points |
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Class Project |
150 points |
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Participation/Attendance |
150 points |
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Total Points Possible |
2000 points |
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Extra Credit |
<50 points> |
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Grade Scale |
Points |
Grade Scale |
Points |
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A |
1801+ |
D |
1201 – 1400 |
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B |
1601 – 1800 |
F |
Below 1200 |
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C |
1401 – 1600 |
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Class Information and
Rules:
· Attendance at each session is critical. The instructor may drop a student for excessive absences - consisting of any 12 hours of non-consecutive class time.
· Students are expected to be on time for every class. Late arrivals cause disruptions. If you must arrive late, please do not disturb others with questions. If you have any questions about the official attendance policy, please refer to Cuyamaca’s catalog.
· Absolutely no cell phones or pagers allowed to be used in class. These devices must be turned off or set to vibrate mode while in the classroom.
· Student work assignments shall be turned in at the beginning of the class period. Late assignments and/or makeup quizzes/exams will be accepted only with the prior approval of the instructor. If you are unable to attend a class session and have an assignment due, e-mail it or make other arrangements to get it to the instructor prior to the class session.
· Students are responsible for all of the terms and concepts in the chapters covered. All reading assignments are to be completed prior to the scheduled class session.
· Assignments may be amended as deemed necessary by the instructor.
· All students must take the final exam (Exam #4) in order to receive any grade other than an “F”.
Class Participation:
Participation includes attendance, punctuality, and contribution to class
discussions. Those students who show innovation, creativity, and demonstrate
extra effort will score higher on the participation points segment of the
grade. Those who demonstrate average, active participation and attitude, score
accordingly. Students who disturb or interfere with
the class by inappropriate conversations will also score accordingly. The
participation points are earned (as determined by the instructor) based on the
criteria listed above.
Additional Information:
For those students with disabilities, assistance may be available through Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS) Office. Please contact them at Room A-03 or via phone at 660-4215 to determine the procedures to obtain assistance
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This Course adheres to the policies outlined in the Cuyamaca College catalogue. For further information, see Academic Policies stated in the catalogue. |
Instructor Information:
Education: University of Phoenix: MS in Computer Information Systems;
BS in Business, Computer Information Systems
Grossmont College: AS in CSIS, LAN Specialist
Employment: Science Applications International, Corporation: 11 ˝ years.
City of San Diego: 13 years
Teaching: Adjunct Instructor at Grossmont College, Cuyamaca College and Miramar College
5+ years teaching Computer Systems at SAIC
2 ˝ years In-Service Training Instructor for the City of San Diego