CS101: Introduction to Computers and Computing CS101 Frequently Asked Questions Fall 2008

1) What is CS101?

The official course description in the SSU catalog is as follows:
Lecture, 2 hours/week; laboratory, 2 hours/week.
Topics include history of computing, computer types, computer organization and operation, survey of computer languages, program development, computer applications (word processing, database, graphics, spreadsheets, etc.), and computers in society.
Weekly hands-on experience with a variety of applications.
Fulfills 3 units/category B3 General Education.
Recommended for all students.
Not applicable to the CS major.

The unofficial course description is as follows:

For two hours every week we will meet in a lecture hall.  During this time you will learn how computer's work.  Just about everything from what happens inside the computer to the farthest reaches of the Internet will be covered.

For two hours every week we will meet in a computer lab.  During this time you will learn how to do many different things on a computer.  Just about every week you will learn how to do something new.  The topics range from creating your own database to editing your own movie.  All the time you are learning new things you will be adding them to your own web site.

2) How do I add CS101?

Enroll using online registration.  If a class is full it may become restricted.  If a class is restricted you must obtain instructor permission to add the class.  This can be done by attending a class session and asking the instructor.

Attendance is not taken in lecture.  However, some items that appear on the test will only be covered in lecture.  If you miss a lecture it is recommended that you read any assigned reading and/or download any information pertaining to that lecture from the Lecture Reading and Test Dates web page.  It is also recommended that you find someone in class who takes good notes and ask if you can copy them.  Once you have studied any material assigned for that lecture and obtained the notes for that lecture then if you have any questions contact the instructor.

Six percent of your CS101 grade is obtained from lab attendance.  Attendance will be taken during each lab. You get one free absence that will not count against you.  However, you must still complete the lab assignment you missed and turn it in by the due date to earn the assignment points.  You can make up one other lab by attending another lab section, which is doing the same assignment you missed, and completing the assignment.  If you miss more than two labs you cannot make up the lab or associated assignment (except by arrangement with your lab instructor).  Each unexcused absence will lower your attendance grade two full percentage points up to a maximum of six. If you miss more than 3 labs you can be dropped from CS101.  If you miss more then 5 labs you will fail CS101 lab. If you cannot regularly attended the lab section for which you are enrolled you must drop CS 101 since attendance is mandatory.

In lecture as soon as you know you will be missing a test, or have just missed a test, contact Glenn Carter as soon as possible.  No make up tests are given.  The only way to make up a test is to write a paper.  The paper must meet two requirements: 1) It must demonstrate that you understand the material that was covered for that test. 2) It must take you at least as long to write the paper as it would take someone to study for the test. After I read your paper you will be assigned one of three potential scores for the test.  1) An unsatisfactory paper will result in an test score of zero.  2) A marginal pass paper will result in a test score of a D-.  3) A satisfactory paper will result in a score equal to the average of your other two test scores. Only one paper maybe written to make up for one test during a semester.

You will receive a zero for that test score.

Follow the links from the CS101 home page.