Computing & Society

CS 102
Fall 2006

Instructor:

Thomas P. Kelliher
Hoffberger 140
Office phone: (410) 337-6189
Home phone: (410) 931-2946
E-mail: kelliher AT DOMAIN goucher.edu
http://phoenix.goucher.edu/~kelliher/
Office hours: MWThF 10:30-11:20am. Other times by appointment.

Class:

Hoffberger 149
MWF 11:30am-12:20pm
http://phoenix.goucher.edu/~kelliher/f2006/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 explorations of specific computer applications and the Internet.

Textbook:

W. G. Lehnert, Web 101: Making the 'Net Work for You, 2nd ed., Addison Wesley, 2003. 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. Grades are ``one point rounded.''

Course Point Distribution

There are approximately 850 total points for the course:

1. Online quizzes. These will be conducted before each class for which there is assigned reading, starting Sept. 6. They will be based upon the assigned reading and will be due 1 hour before class starts. Each quiz will be worth one point. You are granted three missed quizzes.

2. Class attendance. One point each day, starting Sept. 6. You are granted three missed classes.

3. Quizzes. Quizzes will be given approximately every two weeks. Quizzes are non-cumulative. If you cannot appear for a quiz, make arrangements with me beforehand. Quiz dates: 9/8, 9/22, 10/6, 10/20, 11/3, 11/17, 12/1. Seven quizzes, 70 points each. No quizzes will be dropped.

4. Projects (subject to change) -- Internet resource search, Powerpoint presentation, spreadsheet analysis, 4-5 page paper, and personal home page. 60 points each.

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. You are allowed three unexplained absences. Explained absences should be explained before the class for which you are absent.

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 mental telepathy if you must hold a personal conference during class. I have ways of making you not talk!

Integrity:

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

Tom Kelliher