| Instructor: | Rich Maclin |
| Instructor Email: | rmaclin |
| Office: | 315 Heller Hall |
| Phone: | 726-8256 |
| Office Hours: | 13:00-14:30 Tuesday and Wednesday and by appointment |
| Teaching Assistant: | Jason Sonnek |
| TA Email: | jsonnek |
| Texts: | Shelly, Cashman and Vermaat, Discovering Computers 2003: Concepts for a Digital, Course Technology, Thomson Learning |
| Shelly, Cashman and Vermaat, Microsoft Office XP: Introductory Concepts and Techniques, Course Technology, Thomson Learning | |
| Lecture: | 18:00 - 19:50 M, HH 302 |
| Lab: | 18:00 - 18:50 W, MWAH 177 |
1 year of high school algebra, Comp 1110 or 1120 or approval of instructor.
Introduction to computing systems. Survey of widely used software: operating systems, database systems, spreadsheets, graphics, programming languages. Brief introduction to computer hardware organization, microprocessors, networks.
General introduction to computers and computing. Experience with popular applications used on microcomputers (spreadsheets, database management systems, internet) The purpose of this course is to present a very general introduction to these software packages and to the important historical events, hardware and software advancements, persons and institutions behind today's world of computers. You probably will not be an 'expert' in any of these applications when you have finished this course, but you will have had first-hand experience with them. The primary course objective is for you to become familiar with the capabilities of these resources. It is hoped that you can later apply your knowledge, using computers profitably in your chosen field of endeavor.
This course satisfies a Liberal Education requirement under Category 3 - Communication, Computer Science, and Foreign Languages. Courses in this category should develop the ability to use and analyze human and computer languages. Emphasis should be on the theory and/or development of skills in the methods of human and computer languages, and rhetoric.
Specifically, the goals and objectives of this course that contribute to this liberal education requirement are as follows: to understand the basic concepts in the field of Computer Science, to develop competency in computer-related skills, and to provide students with the skills necessary to use computer systems as an effective tool for electronic communication, knowledge acquisition, and personal productivity.
Final grades are based on total points distributed as follows:
* - the final exam will likely be half written and half laboratory (if I can arrange the use of a lab room).
Grades are assigned on a percentage basis, and then an adjustment is applied based on a minimum effort requirement (see below). The grade percentage cutoffs are as follows:
These percentages may be lowered but will not be raised.
Minimum Effort Requirement: Students must turn in a minimal credible effort for EVERY lab and homework assignment or their grade will be reduced one full letter grade (an A would become a B, an A- a B-, a B+ a C+, etc.). A turned-in assignment achieving at least 40% of the possible points (before late assignment penalties) will be considered a minimal credible effort (though this percentage may be revised downwards by the instructor as warranted). For example, if a homework has a maximum possible 10 points, then a turned-in assignment achieving at least 4 points before late penalties would be considered a minimal credible effort.
Lab assignments make up a significant portion of the course. Policies governing lab assignments are found on the lab policies document.
You are responsible for what goes on in class, including lecture material, handouts, and turning in assignments. If you are unable to attend class it is your responsibility to obtain copies of class notes and any materials distributed in class. You may turn in copies of assignments early or have other members of the class turn in an assignment for you. Note that copies of the overheads used for lecture may be downloaded from the textbook web page (the TA can help you find these notes during lab).
No exam will not be given early. An exam can be made up only in the case of emergencies such as severe illness or death in the immediate family. You must contact me 24 hours in advance in order to arrange a makeup.
Labs: are due by the start of lab one week after they are assigned unless otherwise noted (e.g., the lab assigned Wednesday of week 2 is due at the start of lab Wednesday of week 3). A lab may be handed in by 4 pm the day after it is due and it will incur a late penalty of 25%. Labs submitted after 4pm the day after they are due will not be accepted for credit though they will be graded for minimal credible effort purposes (see above).
Homework: is due by the start of lecture one week after it is assigned (e.g., homework assigned during lecture on Monday of week 8 is due at the start of lecture Monday of week 9). Homework may NOT be handed in late for credit (though it will be graded late for minimal credible effort purposes).
As instructor I shall make every attempt to treat all students equally, without regard to race, religion, color, sex, handicap, age, veteran status, or sexual orientation. I encourage you to talk to me about your concerns of equal opportunity in the classroom. To inquire further about the University's policy on equal opportunity, contact the Office of Equal Opportunity (6827), 269-273 DAdB.
If you have any disability (either permanent or temporary) that might affect your ability to perform in this class, please inform me at the start of the semester. I may adapt methods, materials, or testing so that you can participate equitably. To learn about the services that UMD provides to students with disabilities, contact the Access Center (8217), 138 Kirby Plaza, or the Office of Equal Opportunity (6827), 269-273 DAdB.