Computer Science 1300
    Essential Computer Skills

    Fall, 1998

    Curtis Brown
    cbrown@trinity.edu
    CGC 23
    phone:  8306; Margaret Carrasco:  8305

      This course is designed to satisfy the computer skills requirement.  It includes seven main components:  1.  A general introduction to computing, including discussion of hardware, software, files, and formats.  2.  Computers and text:  an introduction to word processing software.  3.  Computers and numbers:  quantitative analysis using spreadsheet software.  4.  Computers and information retrieval:  structuring and retrieving data using database software.  5.  Computers and graphics:  visualizing and illustrating data using graphics software.  6.  Computer communications:  using local area networks, email, and the world-wide web.  7.  Computer ethics:  ethical issues raised by the use of computers, including issues about privacy and about ownership of software.  We will attempt to maintain a balance between hands-on use of specific software; general considerations about what such software is for and how it works; and more theoretical issues, including ethical issues and some of the basics of computer science.

      Books:

      Kurt F. Lauckner and Mildred D. Lintner, The Computer Continuum
      Jeffrey Byrne, Easy Microsoft Access 97
     
      Software used in the course will include Microsoft Office 97 (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, Powerpoint) and Netscape Communicator.

      Office Hours:

      MW 2:30 - 4:30
      TR 10:00 - 12:00
      or by appointment.

      I am usually in my office during office hours, but occasionally a meeting or another commitment prevents this.  If you just drop by during office hours, you will almost certainly find me in; if you want to see me at another time, or if you want to be certain I'll be in, we can set up an appointment.

      Grades will be based on the following work:

      1. There will be two in-class examinations, tentatively scheduled for Thursday, October 1 and Thursday, November 5.  Each exam will count 20% of the final grade.

      2. There will be a final exam.  The final is scheduled for Friday, December 11, at 8:30 AM.  This will be a cumulative exam. It will also count 20% of the final grade.

      3.  I will give regular laboratory assignments -- usually at least one per week and sometimes more.  Some of these will be modest; others will be more challenging.  The only way to learn this material is to use it, so the laboratory assignments are the most important feature of the course.  Laboratory assignments must be turned in on time in order to receive full credit.  Grades for late assignments will be reduced 10% (or one letter grade) for each week day they are late.  Laboratory assignments will count 40% of the final grade.

      5. Attendance and participation will be taken into account in determining the final grade. Excessive absence is grounds for an F in the course. (I intend to get tough about this. Two or three absences is not a big deal; beyond that, you should expect absences to have a negative effect on your grade. Six absences would represent approximately a fifth of the course; no one with this many absences should expect to receive a passing grade.)

      Tentative Schedule of Topics and Readings

      Note:  more detailed information on topics, readings, and assignments will be placed on the web as the semester progresses.  You should check the web site for the course often.

      I. Introduction
       

        Overview of the course; basic features of Windows NT; introduction to computer hardware; using e-mail.
         
      II. Computers and Text:  Using Word-Processing Software

                  Remember:  the word processor is not a typewriter!

      III. How do Computers Work?

                  More on computer hardware and software.
                  Reading:  Lauckner & Lintner, chapters 2 - 4.

      IV. Computer Communications:  Networks and the WWW

                  Reading:  Lauckner & Lintner, chapters 6 - 8.
                  Surfing the World-Wide Web; finding and evaluating information on the web.
                  Designing and constructing your own web site.

      V. Computers and Graphics

                  Constructing and modifying graphical images.
                  Using graphics in presentations and in web page construction.
                  Reading:  Lauckner & Lintner, chapter 10.

      VI. Computers and Numbers

                  Using spreadsheet software.
                  Using the spreadsheet as a simple database.

      VII.  Computers and Information Retrieval

                  Using database software.
                  Reading:  Lauckner & Lintner, chapter 9; Access text.

      VIII. Computers and Ethics

                  Reading:  Lauckner & Lintner, chapter 15;
                  Peter Ludlow, ed., High Noon on the Electronic Frontier.
       
       

      Last modified: September 17, 1998
      Curtis Brown
      cbrown@trinity.edu