AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER STUDIES AND ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY

Course Syllabus: COSC 1301 (003) – Introduction to Computing

Synonym 44228 – SPRING 2012

Lecture: NRG, 4230, Saturday 9:00am – 10:40am

Lab: NRG, 4230, Saturday, 10:50am – 12:30pm
Instructor: Weidong Allen Hu
Office Telephone: 223-3191
Fax: 223-3191
Office: NRG Adjunct Office (or NRG 4216A)
Office Hours: Saturday 12:30pm – 1:30pm or by appointment
E-mail: whu@austincc.edu
Home page: http://www.austincc.edu/whu

Course Description: Overview of computer systems—hardware, operating systems, and

microcomputer application software, including the Internet, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation
graphics, and databases. Current issues such as the effect of computers on society, and the history and
use of computers in business, educational, and other modern settings are also studied.

This course provides the required computer literacy core competencies that all students need to attain by
graduation.

Pre-requisite: Reading – R.
Keyboarding and mouse operation skills recommended.

Approved Course Texts:

CMPTR, 1st Edition, Pinard/Romer, Course Technology,2012.

Note: This textbook Must be selected from one of the two BUNDLES (the only difference is that
one bundle provides a 180 day license to Microsoft Office 2010)

ISBN-10: 1-133-22090-8   :  (Textbook, CourseMate, and SAM Access)

ISBN-10: 0-495-96549-9   :  (Textbook, CourseMate, SAM Access, and 180 day Microsoft
Office 2010 license) 

Instructional Methodology: This course will have both 2 hours of lecture and 2 hours of lab
each week. If the students are unable to finish the assigned lab work within the lab time, they
will need to visit the CIS open labs to complete their assignments.

Course Rationale: This course meets the Computer Literacy course requirements as defined by the
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. This course is included in several degree plans and
certificates including:
 Associate of Applied Science – Computer Programming

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  Associate of Applied Science – Web Programming
 Associate of Applied Science – Local Area Network Administration
 Associate of Applied Science – User/Desktop Support
 Associate of Applied Science – Game programming
 Associate of Applied Science – Microcomputer Application Support

Course Objectives/Learning Outcomes:

The students will learn to “use computer-based technology in communicating, solving problems, and
acquiring information”. Students will have an “understanding of the limits, problems, and possibilities
associated with the use of technology, and acquire the tools necessary to evaluate and learn new
technologies as they become available”. After successful completion of this course, students should be
able to:
1. Define and describe the hardware used in information technology (IT).
2. Define and describe the types of software used in IT.
3. Delineate and discuss societal issues involving the use of IT and networks.
4. Demonstrate the ability to create and use documents, spreadsheets, presentations and databases in
order to communicate and store information as well as to support problem solving.
5. Use IT to acquire, differentiate and evaluate information and technology.

SCANS (Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills):

Refer to http://www.austincc.edu/cit/courses/scans.pdf for a complete definition and explanation
of SCANS. The following list summarizes the SCANS competencies addressed in this particular
course:

RESOURCES INTERPERSONAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS

1.1 Manages Time 3.1 Acquires and 4.1 Understands Systems
Evaluates Information 4.2 Monitors and
3.2 Organizes and Corrects Performance
Maintains Information
3.3 Uses Computers to
Process Information
TECHNOLOGY BASIC SKILLS THINKING SKILLS PERSONAL SKILLS
5.1 Selects Technology 6.1 Reading 7.2 Decision Making 8.1 Responsibility
5.2 Applies Technology 6.5 Listening 7.3 Problem Solving 8.2 Self-Esteem
to Task 7.4 Mental 8.3 Sociability
Visualization 8.4 Self-Management
7.5 Knowing How to 8.5 Integrity/Honesty
Learn
7.6 Reasoning

Grade Policy:
Grade will be assigned based both on concepts and practical application. Written exams,
homework and lab projects will be a part of the grade. An overall grade will be assigned on the
following grading scale:
90% - 100% A
80% - 89% B

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70% - 79% C
60% - 69% D
0% - 59% F
Each student’s grade for this course consists of non-comprehensive exams on concepts, chapter
homework on Microsoft office 2010 applications, Microsoft Office 2010 projects, and a
departmental final exam. .
Each Microsoft Office 2010 Lab is due at the beginning of the next scheduled class following the
laboratory. Late assignments will be accepted for one week with a late penalty of 20%. No
credit will be given for exercises received after one week. Scheduling of computer time outside
of regular lab time is the student’s responsibility. Availability of computers is NOT an excuse
for being late with any assignment. The last date to submit assignments for consideration this
semester is May 4th, 2012.

3 - Concept Exams 125 points 375 points total

Concept Research Paper 50 points 50 points total

4 – LAB Exams 100 points 400 points total

15 Chapter Homework Assignments 5 points 75 points total

PowerPoint Presentation 50 points 50 points total

Department Assessment 50 points 50 points total

TOTAL 1000 points

The concepts exams are closed book exams. The lab exams are SAM based, and you may use
your textbook, your notes, or the Windows/Office “Help” feature as references. However, you
may not seek or use the aid of another person.
Makeup Exams will be given only if the student contacts the instructor PRIOR to the start of the
regular scheduled exam to schedule a makeup date. Any student taking a makeup exam will
NOT receive the benefit of any curve applied to the regularly scheduled exam.

Course/Class Policies:

Academic Integrity
A student is expected to complete his or her own projects and tests. Students are
responsible for observing the policy on academic integrity as described in the current
Student Policies Handbook.

The penalty accessed will be in accordance with the current policy. See
http://www.austincc.edu/admrule/1.04.006.htm for more information.

For this course, the penalty for scholastic dishonesty is a grade of ‘F’ for the course.

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Incomplete
A student may receive a temporary grade of “I” (Incomplete) at the end of the semester only if
ALL of the following conditions are satisfied:
1. The student is unable to complete the course during the semester due to
circumstances beyond their control.
2. The student must have earned at least half of the grade points needed for a “C” by
the end of the semester.
3. The request for the grade must be made in person at the instructor’s office and
necessary documents completed.
4. To remove an “I”, the student must complete the course by two weeks before the
end of the following semester. Failure to do so will result in the grade automatically
reverting to an “F”.

Freedom of Expression Policy

It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others when expressed in
classroom discussions.

Tutoring
Free tutoring is provided for this course. For schedules and details please refer to
http://www.austincc.edu/cit .

Attendance / Withdrawal

Regular and punctual class and laboratory attendance is expected of all students. If
attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may
withdraw students from the class.
It is the student’s responsibility to complete a Withdrawal Form in the Admissions Office
if they wish to withdraw from this class. The last date to withdraw for this semester is
April 23, 2012. It is not the responsibility of the instructor to withdraw the students from
their class even though the instructor has the prerogative to do so under the above listed
circumstances.

Students who enroll for the third or subsequent time in a course taken since Fall 2002 are
charged a higher tuition rate. State law permits students to withdraw from no more than
six courses during their entire undergraduate career at Texas public colleges or
universities. With certain exceptions, all course withdrawals automatically count towards
this limit. Details regarding this policy can be found in the ACC College Catlog.

ALERT: New state law for new students. No more than six course withdrawals throughout
your undergraduate education, regardless of how many colleges you attend. Students who
entered college before fall 2007 are not affected. Ask a counselor for details.

Student Files – Privacy

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 The information that a student stores in his/her student volume in the Computer Studies Labs
may be viewed, but not changed by his/her instructor for educational and academic reasons.
Instructors have read-only access to the students’ files.

Students with Disabilities

Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or
psychological disabilities. Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations
through the Office for Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the
majority of their classes. Students are encouraged to make this request three weeks before the
start of the semester. (Refer to the current ACC Student Policies).

Communication

The ACC online Blackboard system http://acconline.austincc.edu and the ACCmail

accounts will be used as the official communication system during this semester. Lecture
notes, handouts, changes to course schedule or assignments and your grades will be
posted on Blackboard and all email communication will be via the ACCmail accounts.
All students are expected to check both Blackboard and their ACCmail accounts on a
regular basis. For information on how to log onto Blackboard and ACCmail please visit
the following sites: http://irt.austincc.edu/blackboard/StudentSupport.php and
http://www.austincc.edu/google/.

Safety Statement

Each student is expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety
procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies. Emergency posters and Campus
Safety Plans are posted in each classroom. Additional information about safety
procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be found at
http://www.austincc.edu/emergency/.
Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another
individual will be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity, may be withdrawn from
the class, and / or barred from attending future activities.

Use of Electronic Devices

The use of cell phones, pagers and personal electronic devices are not allowed at any time
in the class or lab. The use of a laptop computer in class or lab is restricted to instructor
approved activities

Proposed 16 Week Schedule for COSC 1301 (Jan 17 – May 13)

Week/ Concepts Lecture (100 min) Lab Session (100 min) Homework Assigned
Date
1 Course Orientation Lab Orientation / SAM Logons

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 Chapter 1 (LO 1.1, 1.2) Chapter 7 – Windows 7 (LO 7.1, Practice It 7-1
01/21 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6)
2 Chapter 1 (LO 1.3, 1.4) Chapter 8 – Managing Files (LO Practice It 8-1
8.1, 8.2, 8.3)
01/28 Chapter 2 (LO 2.1, 2.2) Chapter 9 – Intro Office 2010
(LO 9.1, 9.2, 9.3)
3 Chapter 2 (LO 2.3, 2.4) Chapter 9 – Intro Office 2010 Practice It 9-1
(LO 9.4, 9.5, 9.6)
02/04 Chapter 2 (LO 2.5, 2.6) Chapter 10 – Creating a
Document (LO 10.1 – 10.5)
4 Chapter 3 (LO 3.1, 3.2) Chapter 10 – Creating a Practice It 10-1
Document (LO 10.6 – 10.11)
02/11 Review for Concept Exam Chapter 11 – Formatting a Long
(CH 1-2) Document (LO 11.1 – 11.5)
5 Concept EXAM (CH 1 - 2) Chapter 11 – Formatting a Long Practice It 11-1
Document (LO 11.6 – 11.9)
02/18 Chapter 3 (LO 3.3 3.4) Chapter 12 – Enhancing a Practice It 12-1
Document (LO 12.1 – 12.5 only)
6 WORD Lab Exam (SAM Projects)
Chapter 3 (LO 3.5, 3.6, 3.7) Chapter 13 – Creating a
02/25 Workbook (LO 13.1, 13.2, 13.3)
7 Chapter 4 (LO 4.1,4.2) Chapter 13 – Creating a Practice It 13-1
Workbook (LO 13.4, 13.5, 13.6,
13.7)
03/03 Chapter 4 (LO 4.3, 4.4) Chapter 14 – Formatting a Practice It 14-1
Worksheet (LO 14.1 – 14.6)
8 Chapter 4 (LO 4.5, 4.6) Chapter 15 – Working with Practice It 15-1
Formulas and Functions (LO 15.1
– 15.6)
03/10 Chapter 5 (LO 5.1, 5.2) Chapter 16 – Inserting and
Formatting Charts (LO 16.1 -
16.4)

9 Review for Concept Exam Chapter 16 – Inserting and Practice It 16-1

(CH 3-4) Formatting Charts (LO 16.5 –
16.9)
03/24 EXCEL Exam (SAM Projects)
10 Concept Exam (CH 3-4) Chapter 17 – Creating a Database
(LO 17.1 – 17.4)
03/31 Chapter 5 (LO 5.3, 5.4) Chapter 17 – Creating a Database Practice It 17-1
(LO 17.4 – 17.8)
11 Chapter 6 (LO 6.1, 6.2, 6.3) Chapter 18 – Maintaining and Practice It 18-1
Querying a Database (LO 18.1 –
18.4 only)
04/07 Chapter 6 (LO 6.4, 6.5, 6.6) Chapter 19 – Creating Forms and Practice It 19-1
Reports (LO 19.1 – 19.7)
12 ACCESS Exam (SAM Projects)
Review for Concept Exam Chapter 20 – Creating a Practice It 20-1
04/14 (CH 5-6) Presentation (LO 20.1 – 20.7)
13 Chapter 21 – Enhancing a
Presentation (LO 21.1 – 21.4))
04/21 Concept Exam (CH 5-6) Chapter 21 – Enhancing a Practice It 21-1
Presentation (LO 21.5 – 21.7)
14 Review for Department Chapter 22 - Integrating Word, Practice It 22-1 (steps 1-15 only)

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 Assessment Excel, Access, and PowerPoint
04/28 (LO 22.1 only)
PowerPoint Exam (SAM Projects)
15 Present PowerPoint Projects
Department Assessment
05/05

NOTE: The instructor has the prerogative to change the course schedule as required.
Students are expected to read and study the assigned material, per the course schedule,
BEFORE each class, this includes the lab assignments!!

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