Other important phone numbers:
Computer Science: 535-2533
PSC Stormline: 535-3535
Textbook: Understanding Computers in a Changing Society - Deborah Morley
Course Description:
This course is an introduction to computers, including hardware, software, communications and social issues.
A history of computing and computers will be discussed throughout the course in order to provide
an understanding of how we got to where we are today in the computer field.
Students will develop a basic understanding of current computer technology (hardware, operating systems, file storage, and commonly used application software), as well as a greater understanding of the Internet.
Ethical and social issues associated with computing technology will be addressed throughout the course. Current and potential social consequences of electronic communications will be examined by discussing many of the political and ethical questions facing society due to these evolving technologies. Security and privacy are very important issues and are constantly being discussed in the news.
Laboratories will expose students to use of the World Wide Web and a number of software applications. Because most students already have a basic understanding of word processing and other common applications, these applications will not be taught in this course. Students will be expected to use these applications to solve problems, however, and help will be given if necessary.
Plymouth State University is committed to providing students with documented disabilities equal access to all university programs and facilities. If you think you have a disability requiring accommodations, you should immediately contact the PASS Office in Lamson Library (535-2270) to determine whether you are eligible for such accommodations. Academic accommodations will only be considered for students who have registered with the PASS Office. If you have a Letter of Accommodation for this course from the PASS Office, please provide the instructor with that information privately so that you and the instructor can review those accommodations.
| Introduction to the World of Computers | Rounds 206 | Lecture Week 1 | Chapter 1 | |
| Computer Hardware | on line | Lecture Week 2 | Chapter 2 | |
| Software | on line | Lecture Week 3 | Chapter 2 | |
| Review for Exam 1 | Rounds 206 | Lecture Week 4 | Chapter 2 | |
| Rounds 206 | Lectures (weeks 1 - 4) | Chapters 1, 2 | ||
| The Internet and the World-Wide Web | on line | Lecture Week 6 | Chapter 3 | |
| Network and Internet Security | on line | Lecture Week 7 | Chapter 4 | |
| Computer Security and Privacy | on line | Lecture Week 8 | Chapter 5 | |
| Multimedia | on line | Lecture Week 9 | none | |
| Rounds 206 | Lectures (Weeks 6 - 9) | Chapters 3, 4, 5 | ||
| Intellectual Property and Ethics | on line | Lecture Week 11 | Chapter 6 | |
| Health, Access, and the Environment | on line | Lecture Week 12 | Chapter 7 | |
| Emerging Technologies | on line | Lecture Week 13 | Chapter 8 | |
| Artificial Intelligence | Rounds 206 | none | ||
| Rounds 206 | Lectures (Weeks 11 - 14) | Chapters 6, 7, 8 |
The dates above are for Tuesday classes - all Thursday classes will meet in the Memorial 213 Lab.
Grading:
Exams 40%
Lab Work 40%
Research Paper 10%
Presentation 10%
Labs are due one week after they are assigned.
Late labs will lose 10% per week.
Note: You may want to use a storage device, such as a USB FLASH drive for storing your lab work.
The storage device is optional, but it can be useful for transferring files between computers.