CS101: Introduction to Computers and Computing Lecture Syllabus and General Information Fall 2009

Instructor:

Course Goals and Objectives:

1. Understand the capabilities and limitations of computers and technology and the theoretical foundations of computing that drive future computing and technological advancements.
2. Understand the interconnected and every-changing relationships among the natural, physical, and technological sciences.
3. Critically assess the social and ethical implications of science and technology in relation to their daily life.
4. Improve problem solving and critical thinking skills through application of scientific knowledge using hands-on activities.

Lecture Times and Places:

Needed Lecture Materials:

• iClicker
• Textbook = Technology In Action, Sixth Edition (you could also use the Fifth Edition as it is very similar to the Sixth Edition. You can also purchase an electronic version of the text book at CourseSmart.com.)

Note: In the SSU bookstore the textbook comes bundled with a coupon for a discounted iClicker and a booklet containing the MyITLab access code needed for lab as shown below:

If you can locate your own copy of the textbook you can purchase the iClicker needed for lecture and the MyITLab access code needed for lab each separately at the SSU bookstore. You can also purchase the MyITLab access code (try using the coupon code EU-23AA-PEUF) at the at the following website. (If you purchase the code from this website you will not receive a booklet, instead it will have you create a user name and password. Make sure you bring this user name and password to your third lab meeting to complete the registration process. You will not be able to enroll in a MyITLab course until your instructor gives you a course code during your third lab meeting.)

Needed Lab Materials:

• Paper for Laser Printing
• MyITLab Access Code

Each student needs an MyITLab access code for lab class.  In the SSU bookstore the textbook comes bundled with a coupon for a discounted iClicker and a booklet containing the MyITLab access code needed for lab as shown below:

If you can locate your own copy of the textbook you can purchase the iClicker needed for lecture and the MyITLab access code needed for lab each separately at the SSU bookstore. You can also purchase the MyITLab access code (try using the coupon code EU-23AA-PEUF) at the at the following website. (If you purchase the code from this website you will not receive a booklet, instead it will have you create a user name and password. Make sure you bring this user name and password to your third lab meeting to complete the registration process. You will not be able to enroll in a MyITLab course until your instructor gives you a course code during your third lab meeting.)

Grade Information:

• 60% of your CS101 grade will come from lecture and 40% of your CS101 grade will come from lab.
• You must pass both the lecture and the lab portions of this course.  This means you must get at least a D- in both lecture and lab.
• A grade of C or better is usually needed to use CS101 as a prerequisite.
• You are responsible for all material presented or assigned in CS 101 lecture.  Material for the lecture quizzes, mid-term, and final exam will be taken from all material presented or assigned in lecture even if the material is not directly covered during a class period.
• Lecture quizzes and mid-term will be administered in lab.
• Neither the mid-term nor the final exam can be retaken or made up. If you miss either the mid-term or final a paper can be written in place of the missed test score.  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 both your other test score and the average of your four lecture quizzes. Only one paper maybe written a semester.  For more information about a missed test see the CS101 frequently asked questions web page.
• The dates for the lecture quizzes and mid-term are tentative and will be confirmed by posting on the Lecture Assignments and Test Dates web page.
• The final exam will be 1 hour and 50 minutes long and will be administered in Ives 101.

Your CS101 grade will be weighted and determined as follows:

iClicker Quizzes and Participation = 15%

• iClicker quizzes will be administered during lecture.

Lecture Quizzes = 15%

• Three electronic quizzes pertaining to lecture material will be administered during lab periods and each will be worth 5% of your grade.
  

Mid-Term = 15%

• A mid-term pertaining to the material covered from the beginning of the class to the mid-term will be administered in lab.

Final = 15%

• A final will be given during the final exam period and will cover the material covered since the mid-term and will be administered in Ives 101.
• Final Exam Dates:
  
• M-W 9 - 9:50 a.m. Lecture = Final Time Wednesday December 16, 8am - 9:50am Ives 101
  
• T 11 - 12:50 p.m. Lecture = Final Time Tuesday December 15, 11am - 12:50pm Ives 101

A (100.0% - 94%)	A- (93.9% - 90.0%)	B+ (89.9% - 86.0%)	B (85.9% - 82.0%)
B- (81.9% -78.0%)	C+ (77.9% - 74.0%)	C (73.9% - 70.0%)	C- (69.9% - 66.0%)
D+ (65.9% - 62.0%)	D (61.9% - 58.0%)	D- (57.9% - 54.0%)	F (53.9% - 0.0%)

Sonoma State University Policies:
There are important University policies that you should be aware of, such as the add/drop policy; cheating and plagiarism policy, grade appeal procedures; accommodations for students with disabilities and the diversity vision statement.  Go to this URL to find them.
http://www.sonoma.edu/uaffairs/policies/studentinfo.shtml

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