Computing & Society

CS 102
Spring 2001

Instructor:

Thomas P. Kelliher
Hoffberger 140
Office phone: 337-6189
Home phone: 931-2946
Send mail to kelliher AT DOMAIN goucher.edu
http://phoenix.goucher.edu/~kelliher/
Office hours: MWF 8:30--10:20am. Th 8:30-11:20am. Other times by appointment.

Class:

Hoffberger 149
MWF 12:30--1:20pm
http://phoenix.goucher.edu/~kelliher/s2001/cs102/

Objectives:

Communicating, computing what's the difference? We will explore the world of computing: its capabilities and limitations. The Internet and the World Wide Web are a large part of that world, unlocking personal communication on a scale never before seen. Where else can one communicate with so many, so inexpensively. How do we locate the information we need among this ever-growing body of ``knowledge?'' How do we evaluate that which we find? How can we communicate most effectively with others?

We will also be introduced to some of the technical aspects of computing, as well as the many areas of social and ethical concern raised by the rapid evolution of computer technology. Topics include the Internet and worldwide information exchange, the power and limitations of the computer as a problem solver, and the issues of privacy, security, and computer crime. The course will be very much ``hands-on.'' Large parts of the course are devoted to an exploration of specific computer applications and the Internet.

Textbooks:

1. D. Plotkin, How to Do Everything with FrontPage 2000. Osbourne. 2000. Required.
2. L. Acklen and M. Reader, Word 97 Essentials, Que E & T, 1998. Required.

Other Resources:

There are many, many resources available on the Internet and especially the World Wide Web. Two of our course goals are discovering and evaluating these resources.

Grading:

Grade Distribution

A = [92--100], A- = [90--92), B+ = [88--90), B = [82--88), B- = [80--82), etc.

Course Point Distribution

There are 900 total points for the course:

1. Quizzes --- Quizzes will be given on alternate Fridays and a final quiz will be given during the final period. Quizzes are non-cumulative. If you cannot appear for a quiz, make arrangements with me beforehand. Quiz dates: 1/26, 2/9, 2/23, 3/9, 3/30, 4/13, and 4/27. The final quiz will be scheduled by SAS. Eight quizzes, 60 points each.

2. Papers --- Two 4--5 page papers, 60 points each. The due dates and lists of suggested topics will be announced later.

3. Projects --- Internet resource search, Powerpoint presentation, spreadsheet analysis, and personal home page. 60 points each.

4. Attendance, participation. 60 points.

Course Handouts:

Most course handouts will be made available once in class. After that, they may be obtained from the class home page on the World Wide Web (see the class URL above). Some course handouts will only be distributed through the class home page.

Attendance:

Attendance of classes is expected and is a part of your grade. It is your responsibility to catch up on missed class work. Roll will be taken at the beginning of class; if you're late you'll be marked ``half present.''

Integrity:

Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. We are all bound by the Academic Honor Code.