UMD IMAGE

CMSC 102 - Introduction to Information Technology
Spring 2006

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Syllabus

Course Description

An introduction to computer terminology and concepts of computing. Hands on experience with tools available on the Internet to find information, as well as microcomputer applications such as a word processor and a spreadsheet package.

Goal

To understand history behind the technology we use today, and how we might be able to envision future paths and prepare for new technologies as they unfold based on this history. To learn the relevant terminology and underlying concepts of today's technology. To explore different operating systems (both graphical and command line). To be able to use the tools and information available on the Internet to gather ideas and facts, and to organize and format information gathered both on and off the net in a professional manner. To consider societal impact and implications of technology.

Required

Suggested

Grading

Assignments due in class will be due at the beginning of your section's class time on the date specified in the project descriptions. Assignments due electronically will have their due times listed in the project description. For each project there will be a one-week late period. Assignments turned in during this one-week late period will be assessed a 50% late penalty regardless of when during the late period it is submitted. With a valid medical excuse for the due date, a project can be submitted at the next class you attend after your medical problem and will not be penalized for lateness. If you have a medical problem for one week or or more that causes you to need an excused extension for a project, the medical excuse will need to cover that extended period of time and a letter from your physician with his/her phone number and the dates for which you were incapacitated WILL BE required at a minimum. Even with a valid excuse, you will still be expected to hand in your assignment, but will be given appropriate time. Assignments may not be handed in at the undergraduate office, in the computer science mailroom, or place other than in class or my office hours. Assignments are to be done INDIVIDUALLY. Working in ANY way with other students will be considered cheating. Cheating is (of course) PROHIBITED. A student found to be cheating on a project, paper or exam will receive a zero for that project and will be reported to the honor council for an academic review.

The semester exams will be given during the normal class period. The exam will be given at the beginning of the period. University IDs must be available for inspection on exam day. You should bring with you at least one number 2 pencil with an eraser.

There will be no make-up exams given for the hourly exams. A student with acceptable medical documentation will have their grade for the course based on the two exams that were taken. If more than one exam is missed with acceptable documentation, the instructor reserves the right to give a special exam to substitute the two missed exams. This documentation must be provided at the class session following the exam, or in the case of extended absence due to medical reasons, the class session immediately following the end of the excused period. If a student expects to miss an exam for a university function they are REQUIRED to attend, an explanation from a faculty member will be required IN ADVANCE. As with projects, cheating on exams is PROHIBITED. This includes looking at another student's exam, showing another student your exam, using any notes during the exam. Students caught cheating in any way will receive a zero on the exam and will be reported to the honor council for an academic review.

The University of Maryland, College Park has a nationally recognized Code of Academic Integrity, administered by the Student Honor Council. This Code sets standards for academic integrity at Maryland for all undergraduate and graduate students. As a student you are responsible for upholding these standards for this course. It is very important for you to be aware of the consequences of cheating, fabrication, facilitation, and plagiarism. For more information on the Code of Academic Integrity or the Student Honor Council, please visit http://www.studenthonorcouncil.umd.edu/whatis.html.

Any student eligible for and requesting reasonable academic accommodations due to a disability is requested to provide, to the instructor in office hours, a letter of accommodation from the Office of Disability Support Services (DSS) within the first two weeks of the semester.

Projects, Papers, and In-Class Discussions

There will be six projects during the semester. Some of the projects might have multiple parts each of which having a separate due date. On average, you can expect to have a project due every other week. Some projects (or parts) will be submitted in paper form, and others will be submitted completely electronically. There will be in-class discussions that will be graded for participation and quality. There will be an individual written assignment about the "True Names" book.

Exams

The (highly probable) semester exam dates are March 6th and April 19th. The final exam will be on Saturday May 13th at 4:00pm.

Topics

Web Accessibility