CMSC 102 - Introduction to Information Technology

 Fall 2005

 

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.

 

Student Goals

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.

Course Coordinator

 
Name    Office
Nelson Padua-Perez   AVW 1129  

For office hours and other contact information, visit the contact web page.

TextBooks

Required

Suggested

Topics (not necessarily in strict order)

Projects & Papers

There will be six projects during the semester.  Some of the projects might have multiple parts each of which have 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 quality. 
There will be an individual written assignment about "Leonardo's Laptop".

Exams

The (highly probable) semester exam dates are October 10th and November 16th.

 

The final exam will be on Thursday, Dec 15, 2005 from 4:00pm-6:00pm

Grading

Final grades will be computed according the following weights.

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 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 my mailbox, 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.  University IDs must be available for inspection on exam day.  You should bring a blue or black pen with you to your seat on an exam day as well as 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.

Academic Honesty

All individual assignments/exams must be done individually. Please visit the webpage of the Student Honor Council for a detailed explanation of what constitutes academic dishonesty. Note that it includes not only cheating, fabrication, and plagiarism, but also includes helping other students commit acts of academic dishonesty by allowing them to obtain copies of your work.

 

Cases of academic dishonesty will be dealt with harshly. Each such case will be referred to the University's Office of Judicial Programs. If the student is found to be responsible of academic dishonesty, the typical sanction results in a special grade "XF", indicating that the course was failed due to academic dishonesty. More serious instances can result in expulsion from the university. If you have any doubt as to whether an act of yours might constitute academic dishonesty, please contact your TA or one of the course coordinator.

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