CS 101 Daily Schedule

Class web page: Use Moodle, https://moodle.cs.wwu.edu

Class Meeting: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11:00am to 11:50am in Communication Facilities Building (CF 115)

Lab Meeting:  Labs meet either in CF 162 or CF 164 depending on your section

OFFICE: CF 487,  Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12:00pm to 12:50pm, and by appointment.

PHONE: 650-6879

TEXTBOOK: "Fluency with Information Technology: Skills, Concepts, and Capabilities" by Lawrence Snyder (3rd edition). Prentice Hall Publisher (ISBN-10: 0321512391 and ISBN-13: 9780321512390)

CONTENT: This course is about the study of computers, computer systems, and computer applications. It covers discussions of computer hardware and software fundamentals, networking, telecommunications, and the Internet. Labs and projects provide hands-on experience with a variety of standard computer applications. Classes cover computer-related social and ethical issues.

CLASS OUTCOMES: On completion of the course, students will demonstrate:

• Creating Web Pages using HTML and Javascript
• Operating common computer software such as:
  • Spreadsheet programs (MS Excel, OpenOffice.org)
  • Word Processors (MS Word, OpenOffice.org)
  • Image Editors (Adobe Photoshop, Gimp)
• Basic understanding of how computers work and what they can be used for

GRADING: Grading Policy is as described in the current WWU catalogue. A grade of A represents excellent work, B is above average while C is only average. Letter grades will be determined using a standard percentage point evaluation as outlined below (with + and - at the discretion of the instructor):

A 90%-100%, B 80%-89%, C 70%-79%, D 60%-69%, F Below 60% .

Furthermore, grades are based on the following factors and weights:
 

There will one midterm and one Final in CS 101. Exams will be closed book/notes and will test both assigned readings and material discussed in class.  The midterm is tentatively scheduled for Friday October 30th.  The exact date will be confirmed a week prior to the tests. The final is scheduled for Wednesday, December 9 from 10:30 to 12:30 pm. The final exam will be administred in CF 115 and it will be comprehensive. All exams will include material from the required readings and from the lectures.  Be aware that you will be asked questions about topics discussed in class. 

Exams missed will receive a grade of 0.  Exceptions will only be granted if you have a valid excuse, acceptable to your instructor. Deadlines and actual grading scales will be discussed in class

Note also that important material from the text and outside sources will be covered in class. Students should plan to take careful notes as not all material can be found in the texts or readings.  Questions in the exams will be asked based on the reading assignments, lectures and/or discussions.  Lab activities will be assigned weekly to reinforce material in the text. These assignments may require the application of various software packages. You must do your own work on all assignments.  Finally, note that some material will be distributed on the Internet, via email, and on Moodle.

Assessment Items:

1. Construct a web page using HTML and publish it on a CS department web server
2. Manipulate photos using software such as Adobe Photoshop and The Gimp
3. Understand the basics of how a computer network operates
4. Use Javascript to create interactive web pages
5. Trace computer programs and determine the result
6. Understand how information is stored in a computer
7. Create spreadsheets involving formulas
8. Compare and evaluate computer hardware as it pertains to both buying and building computers
9. Evaluate the security of a computer network

Teaching Assistants:

Teaching assistants teach the lab sessions and they do grade all labs and project assignments. Your assignments will be graded by the TA who teaches your lab session. If you have any questions about lab or project grades, contact your TA not your instructor.

Course Policies:

Missed Classes: The student is responsible for obtaining material distributed and/or discussed on class days when he/she was absent. Quizzes and tests (midterm and final) will include coverage of information from lectures which may not be in the textbook. Powerpoint presentations are only a highlight of the lectures. Therefore attending class is highly recommended.

Assignments: You must do your own work on all lab assignments, quizzes, and exams. All assignments have due date and due time and late submission will NOT be accepted unless you can provide your instructor with a University Approved excuse.

Academic Dishonesty: Plagiarism and cheating are serious offenses and may be punished by failure in the course; and or expulsion from the University. You are responsible for reading and understanding what constitutes plagiarism and cheating. For more information refer to the "Academic Dishonesty" policy in the University Bulletin (Appendix D of the Western Washington University Course Catalog).

Cheating on any assignment in this class will result in failing the class. Some of the things which constitute cheating in this class include:

• Copying another student's work on a project or lab
• Turning in a project or lab created by another student
• Reading another student's answers on a test
• Sharing all or part of your project or lab with another student.

CS 101 Daily Schedule