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CS3 - Introduction to Computer Systems |
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http://homepage.smc.edu/morgan_david/ |
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David Morgan |
Santa Monica College
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On successful completion of this course you will have a survey-level
understanding of:
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Computer hardware ·
The CPU (central
processing unit) ·
Storage: memory and
disk ·
Input and output to
and from devices |
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Computer software ·
Programming
languages ·
Operating systems |
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Connectivity ·
Computer networks ·
The internet ·
Security and privacy |
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Application programs ·
Word processing ·
Spreadsheets ·
Database management |
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Course Particulars
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Prerequisites |
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None |
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Required Textbooks |
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Discovering Computers 2007, by Shelly, Cashman, Vermaat; Course Technology, 2007 http://scsite.com/dc2007 Alice in Action,
by Joel Adams, Course Technology |
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Catalog Description |
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This is a beginning course intended for students who plan to take additional computer programming or computer science courses. Emphasis in the course is divided between a broad survey of the field of computer information systems and the acquisition of computer skills necessary for more advanced classes. Such skills would involve use of the operating system, file management techniques, use of an editor, and an introduction to
programming. |
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Grading System
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Past
benchmarks (may differ):
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40-50% of Grade |
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Examinations |
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A@90% |
B@80% |
C@70% |
D@60% |
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50-60% of Grade |
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Classwork |
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Quizzes may be given
at any time during the course. Percentages are approximate. Grade
determination is ultimately at my discretion. |
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Website – http://homepage.smc.edu/morgan_david/
I will make extensive use of this
website to communicate with you. You are responsible for awareness of the
information posted there, e.g., announcements, grade reports, assignments.
Access the website from any SMC computer lab, or an internet-connected browser
anywhere.
Submittal folder – \\zeus\data\morgan_david\ You may be asked to submit assignments into this folder. It is located on a server computer at the College. Each of you must create in it a subfolder bearing your last name (as listed in College enrollment records). Within that, in turn, you will create further subfolders to hold individual assigned projects. You will “copy” finished assignments into the folder. Unlike the website this folder is not accessible from off-campus.
Cheating – results in
automatic zero on the affected work and automatic issue of an Academic
Dishonesty Report Form. The Form enters your record along with regular grades
to indicate your dishonesty. I am exerting an honest effort to contribute to
your education for your benefit. If you intend to repay it with deception drop
the class.
Makeup work – Assignments: accepted after due date only at my discretion. Makeup tests: will not be given. If exactly one test is missed,
at the end of the semester I may assign it a score equal to the average of your
other tests, minus 10 penalty points (one letter grade). If more than one test
is missed they will remain as zeros. Tests will not be dropped. If the final
exam is missed you will not pass the course.
Missing assignments – far
more mathematically damaging to an average than poor assignments. “D” or “F” is
worth 50 or 60 points; “missing” assignment is worth 0. F is far better than
zero. Turn in something rather than nothing.
Drop policy - be sure to
formally drop the class if you decide to stop participating in it. Though I try
to drop students whose continued participation is in doubt on the school’s
prescribed drop dates (and web-post names), don't rely on it. Leaving yourself
officially enrolled without submitting the required work results in an F.
Please protect your academic record by dropping if you don't participate, and
participating if you don't drop.
Absence – affects your grade. While the usual formula for calculating final grades has no arithmetic “absence factor,” absence affects grades two ways. Occasional absence limits your class awareness and subject-matter knowledge, which expresses itself in your work. And for chronic absence I will reduce the final calculated grade at my discretion (usually by one letter). If you enroll please attend; if you don’t attend please don’t enroll.
To reach me outside class:
