Computing & Society

CS 102
Fall 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 10:30--11:20am. Th 1:00-3:00pm. Other times by appointment.

Class:

Hoffberger 149
MWF 2:30--3:20pm
http://phoenix.goucher.edu/~kelliher/f2001/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. Active Education, Microsoft FrontPage 2000 Step by Step, Microsoft Press, 1999. Includes CD with practice file. 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 780 total points for the course:

1. Quizzes. Quizzes will be given approximately every two weeks with a final quiz given during the final period. Quizzes are non-cumulative. If you cannot appear for a quiz, make arrangements with me beforehand. Quiz dates: 9/14, 9/28, 10/12, 10/29, 11/9, and 11/30. The final quiz will be scheduled by SAS. Seven 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.

Your lowest grade, excluding attendance and participation, will be dropped. Current grades (password protected) may be viewed on the class home page.

Course Handouts:

Course handouts will be made available once in class. After that, they may be obtained from the class home page. 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.

Electronic Communication:

From time-to-time, I will need to send e-mail messages to the class. These messages will be addressed to your official Goucher e-mail addresses. You are responsible for checking your e-mail on a timely basis.

Distractions:

Cell phones must be turned off or set to ``silent'' during class. If you must enter late, do so as unobtrusively as possible. Likewise if you must leave early. Please use sign language if you must hold a personal conference during class.

Integrity:

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