Introductory Computer Concepts (3 Credits) (Note: This is a generic syllabus; a class specific syllabus including a detailed schedule will be handed out during the first class.)COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course, intended for individuals with no previous computing experience, includes the history of computers, a survey of how computers are used today, the basic components of computers and computer terminology and laboratory experiences using application software. A study of information systems and computer careers completes the course. Additional lab time is required in order to complete assignments. Four contact hours: one lecture period and one laboratory hour. PREREQUISITES:There are no other academic prerequisites. OFFICE HOURS:Office hours will be posted online
at this site and announced in class when the term starts. If you want or need to see me, the best thing to do is contact me with whatever method you are most comfortable with…email, telephone, or in person…and I will set a specific place, date and time to meet with you. Once I have you scheduled in my planner, you can count on me being there for you. Return to top EXPECTATIONS AND GUIDELINES FOR SUCCESS:Like any other process, you will gain from this course directly in proportion to the effort you put into it. With that said, here are some of my expectations and recommendations for you: Attendance: You should attend class and be on time. If you have a legitimate reason for missing class, I would like the courtesy of knowing in advance. That way, if special arrangements need to be made for exams, labs, etc., we have sufficient time to plan schedules. You will lose 10% of the Class Participation grade for each missed class.
Participation: A class with no student interaction is boring! If you are experienced with computers, share your knowledge with us. If you are inexperienced, you can participate by asking questions. Everyone is required to bring in ten news articles relating to any new technology that can be shared with the class. (More on this in class.) Collaboration: Although TEAM stands for together everyone achieves more, tests are individual efforts. Any collaboration will result in a bull's eye, zip, zero, the Big O, a really negative grade impact…you get the idea.
On-the-other-hand, we will be doing team assignments and projects in
this class. Personal Discipline: I strongly recommend that you complete the weekly reading assignment before the first class the week the assignment is due; start the lab units early; keep good class notes (exam questions can come from issues discussed in class, not necessarily all from the book); study for the exams as you go (not everything the night before); and keep track of your own progress. Ignoring this advice is a recipe for failure. Instructor Assistance: Computers can significantly impact our lives. They can make our lives easier. And they can make our lives miserable. If you find yourself getting frustrated, whether reading the textbook, doing the lab units, or sitting in the class room, it is time to talk to me. If you let your frustration build, you do yourself and computing an injustice. Contact me. You have my number and e-mail address. Use them. I will do my best to help alleviate your frustration. Return to top
GRADING:Your final grade will consist of the following inputs: Exams 40% Quizzes 30%
Project Assignments 10% Participation, Articles & Labs 20% The following grade scale will be used in assignment of your final letter grade: 90 – 100 A 80 – 89 B 70 – 79 C 60 – 69 D Below 60 F (or FN if you stop coming to class) Incomplete I (rare…only with extreme extenuating circumstances) LATE POLICY:Make-up exams are not normally given, however, extenuating circumstances will be considered. Assignments lose 10% of the grade for each day they are turned-in late. Return to top STUDENT NOTICES, WARNINGS, POLICY CHANGES, AND DISCLAIMERS:I. When students repeat a course at FCCJ, only the last grade earned is calculated in their cumulative grade point average (GPA). However, students with an excessive number of "W", "IW", or "NP" grades and students who repeat courses to improve their GPA jeopardize their admission to some programs in the Florida State University System (SUS) institutions or other institutions. II. Effective Fall Term (961) an instructor-initiated withdrawal grade of "IW" may be assigned by instructors to students who have been absent from more than 15 percent of the scheduled classes in any given term. An optional grade, the "IW" grade may be assigned only after a warning has been sent to the student. Faculty who intend to use this grade option must clearly state that intention in their course syllabi. Students may appeal an instructor-initiated withdrawal within 10 days of the withdrawal by contacting the campus student affairs office. It should be noted that this grade may not be assigned to college preparatory students since preparatory courses have a required attendance policy. III. Effective Fall Term (971) the State mandated the following changes that apply to students under the 1996/1997 FCCJ College Catalog and later. A student may have three attempts per course including the original grade, repeat grade and withdrawals. (See page 16 of the 1996-97 College Catalog.) A student will be permitted a maximum of two withdrawals per course. Upon the third attempt, the student will not be permitted to withdraw and will receive a grade for that course. A student cannot repeat a course when a grade of A, B, or C has been earned.
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