I. Catalog Description

BTED/COSC/IFMG 101 Microbased Computer Literacy 3 credits

0 lab hours

3 lecture hours

3c-0l-3h

An introductory course designed to provide students with a fundamental understanding of computers. The course familiarizes students with the interaction of computer hardware and software. Emphasis is placed on the application of microcomputers, the use of productivity software (word processing, spreadsheet management, file and database management, presentation graphics, web browsers, search strategies, and e-mail), and the social and ethical aspects of the impact of computers on society. (Does not count toward Computer Science major). Note: This course is cross-listed as BTED and IFMG 101. Any of these courses may be substituted for each other and may be used interchangeably for D or F repeats but may not be counted for duplicate credit.

II. Course Objectives

After successful completion of this course, The student will be able to:

· List the components of a microcomputer system.

· Use software in the categories of operating systems, word processing, spreadsheet, database management, and presentation graphics.

· Use e-mail and the Internet to communicate and locate information.

· Know the historical, current, and future trends in computing.

· Be prepared to new applications and technologies as they evolve in the coming years.

· Appreciate the value of computing as an intellectual skill.

· Identify issues in computing as they relate to ethical, social, psychological, political, and economic implications.

· Develop critical thinking skills in the area of current Information Technology issues.

III. Detailed Course Outline

A. Introduction to Computing Systems 3 hours

1. History of Computer Development

2. Components of Computer Systems

3. Classification of Computer Systems

B. Microcomputer Hardware 3 hours

1. Microprocessors

2. Primary and Secondary Storage

3. Input/Output Components

C. Microcomputer Operating Systems 4 hours

1. Single-user, Multi-user, and Multitasking Operating Systems,

2. System Software: Language Translators & Utility Programs

3. Advanced Features of Operating Systems

D. Major Applications

1. Word Processing 5 hours

a. Fundamental Concepts

b. Basic Applications

c. Integration

2. Electronic Spreadsheets 5 hours

a. Fundamental Concepts

b. Basic Applications

c. Integration

3. Record and File Management Systems 1 hour

a. Fundamental Concepts

b. Basic Applications

4. Database Management Systems 4 hours

a. Fundamental Concepts

b. Basic Applications

c. Integration

5. Presentation Graphics Applications and Integrated Software 4 hours

a. Fundamental Concepts

b. Basic Applications

c. Integration

6. Use of the Internet for Information Retrieval
and Communications 3 hours

a. Fundamental Concepts

b. Basic Applications

E. Other Personal Use Applications Software 1 hours

1. Personal Financial Management
2. Management Information Systems/Decision Support Systems

3. Artificial Intelligence and Expert Systems (Basic ideas)

F. Data Communications 2 hours

1. Components of Data Communications Systems

2. Diversity of Networks

3. Electronic Library Catalogs and other Public Database Systems

G. Impact of Computers on Society and the Individual 2 hours

1. Computers in Business, Education, Government, Arts and Sciences

2. Ethical considerations, social, psychological, political and economics

3. Ergonomics, Green Computing.

H. Information Assurance 3 hours

1. Individual Privacy on the Internet

2. Software Piracy

3. Computer Crime/hackers

4. Computer Viruses and hoaxes

5. Computer Surveillance

I. Class Tests 2 hours

Total = 42 hours

IV. Evaluation Methods

The final grade for the course will be determined as follows:

1.         Projects. Five projects covering word processing, spreadsheets, database management, presentation graphics and electronic mail. Suggested Percentage: 30-40%

2.         Reaction papers and book review. Library and Internet search and reaction to articls dealing with computer applications. A minimum of two reaction papers of this nature. Suggested Percentage: 10-20%

3.         Quizzes and homework assignments. Suggested Percentage: 10-20%

4. Examinations. Minimum of two exams during the

course of the regular teaching semester, and a final

exam at the end of the semester. Suggested Percentage: 40 – 50%

Grading Scale:

90 – 100 = A

80 – 89 = B

70 – 79 = C

60 – 69 = D

59 and below = F

Attendance Policy: The attendance policy will conform to the University-wide attendance criteria.

V. Required Textbook(s), Supplemental Books and Readings

This course requires three textbooks, one for theory, one for lab, and the other for book report. Following are typical up-to-date textbooks that have been used by various professors in all three departments.

Computer Concepts textbooks

(not limited to these texts)

Cashman, Thomas J, Shelly, Gary B, and Vermaat, Misty E Discovering Computers 2001 Concepts for a Connected World, -Course Technology Publishing, Copyright, March, 2000 ISBN: 0‑7895-5937-4

O’Leary, Linda I & O’Leary, Timothy J, Computer Essentials Brief, 1999-2000, McGraw-Hill Publishing, Copyright, 1999, ISBN: 0-07-365555-4.

Ola, Dan and Parsons Jamrich, June, New Perspectives on Computer Concepts Fourth Edition, Comprehensive, Course Technology Publishing, Copyright, March, 2000 ISBN: 0-7600-6499-7

Software Package Textbooks

(not limited to these texts)

Ageloff, Roy, Carey, Patrick, Parsons, Jamrich, Oja, June Dan New Perspectives on Microsoft Excel 2000 – Introductory, Course Technology Publishing, Copyright, 1999, ISBN: 0-7600-7087-3

Barber, MaryAnn, & Grauer, Robert, Exploring Microsoft Office Professional 2002, Brief, first edition, Prentice Hall Publishing, Copyright, 2001, ISBN: 0-13-034274-2.

ISBN 0-7600-6991-3@2000

O’Leary, Linda I, & O’Leary, Timothy J, Microsoft Office 2000 Introductory Concepts and Techniques, McGraw-Hill Company, Copyright, 2000. ISBN: 0-07-233474-8

Shaffer, Ann, Zimmerman, Beverly B, Zimmerman, S. Scott, New Perspectives on Microsoft Word 2000 – Brief, Course Technology Publishing, Copyright, July, 1999.

Zimmerman, Beverly B, Zimmerman, S. Scott New Perspectives on Microsoft PowerPoint 2000 – Introductory, Course Technology Publishing, Copyright, August, 1999,

Reading Requirement Books

(not limited to these books)

Berners-Lee, Tim with Mark Fischetti,, Weaving the Web, HarperSanFrancisco Publishing, Copyright, 1999, ISBN: 0-06-251586-1

Dushkin, CT, Guildford, Schellenberg, K Computers in Society (8th edition) McGraw-Hill.

Hafner, Katie & Markoff, John, Cyberpunk, Outlaws and Hackers on the Computer Frontier, Published by Simon & Schuster, Copyright, 1995, ISBN: 0-684-81862-0.

Shimomura, Tsutomu, with Markoff, John, TakeDown, The Pursuit and Capture of Kevin Mitnick, America’s Most Wanted Computer Outlaw—By the Man Who Did It, 1996, Hyperion, New York, ISBN: 0-7868-8913-6.

Smith, Michael, Station X, Decoding Nazi Secrets, Published by TV Books, New York, Copyright, 1999, ISBN: 1-57500-094-6