Course Syllabus

Fall 2024 | CIS-1100-VO02 - Introduction to Computer Science

Online Class

Online courses take place 100% online via Canvas, without required in-person or Zoom meetings.

Faculty

Thomas Burl
View Faculty Credentials

Hiring Coordinator for this course: Deb Grant

General Education Requirements

VSCS Digital and Technical Literacy

Note

Many degree programs have specific general education recommendations. In order to avoid taking unnecessary classes, please consult with additional resources like your program evaluation, your academic program catalog year page, and your academic advisor.

Courses may only be used to meet one General Education Requirement.

Course Description

This course is designed to give a broad-based introduction to all aspects of computing. Students focus on core aspects of the discipline including hardware, networking, the Internet, programming logic, ethics, and the history and future of industry. The goal of this course is to give students a working knowledge of the computer industry and provide a solid foundation of knowledge to begin technical training. Students have the opportunity to take the CompTIA IT Fundamentals certification exam in this course.

Essential Objectives

1. Discuss computing history and driving forces of change in the computer industry.
2. Explain the systems of inequality in computing history and the impacts and opportunities for social change.
3. Describe the use of system and application software.
4. Determine appropriate hardware and software to complete a variety of tasks.
5. Define the role of databases in applications.
6. Compare computer hardware architecture including RAM, CPU, storage, and busses.
7. Compose a basic program in a high level language, demonstrating algorithmic thinking to solve programming problems.
8. Explore the scope and diversity of career opportunities in the field of computer science and information technology through assignments such as informational interviews, job shadows, or other career-exploration activities.
9. Demonstrate safe, ethical, and accurate communication of information, thoughts, and ideas.
10. Discuss software systems development as an engineering discipline.
11. Explore the foundations of networking, operating systems, and data security.
12. Demonstrate appropriate prompt engineering when working with generative AI applications for text and media.

Required Technology

More information on general computer and internet recommendations is available on the CCV IT Support page. https://support.ccv.edu/general/computer-recommendations/

Please see CCV's Digital Equity Statement (pg. 45) to learn more about CCV's commitment to supporting all students access the technology they need to successfully finish their courses.

Required Textbooks and Resources

*** This is a no cost textbook or resource class. ***

This course only uses free Open Educational Resources (OER) and/or library materials. For details, see the Canvas Site for this class.

Artificial Intelligence(AI) Policy Statement

CCV recognizes that artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI tools are widely available and becoming embedded in many online writing and creative applications.

Allowed: This course's generative AI policy acknowledges technology, including generative AI, plays a supportive role in learning and feedback. During our class, we may use AI writing tools such as ChatGPT in certain specific cases. You will be informed as to when, where, and how these tools are permitted to be used, along with guidance for attribution. Any use outside of these specific cases constitutes a violation of CCV's Academic Integrity Policy.

Methods

Your final grade will be based on the following assessments:

Assignment Category	Grade Weight Percentage
Demonstrate Your Learning Forums	20%
Labs	20%
Quizzes	20%
Python Assignments	20%
Paper Assignments	20%

Grading Criteria

CCV Letter Grades as outlined in the Evaluation System Policy are assigned according to the following chart:

	High	Low
A+	100	98
A	Less than 98	93
A-	Less than 93	90
B+	Less than 90	88
B	Less than 88	83
B-	Less than 83	80
C+	Less than 80	78
C	Less than 78	73
C-	Less than 73	70
D+	Less than 70	68
D	Less than 68	63
D-	Less than 63	60
F	Less than 60
P	100	60
NP	Less than 60	0

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance and participation in classes are essential for success in and are completion requirements for courses at CCV. A student's failure to meet attendance requirements as specified in course descriptions will normally result in a non-satisfactory grade.

• In general, missing more than 20% of a course due to absences, lateness or early departures may jeopardize a student's ability to earn a satisfactory final grade.
• Attending an on-ground or synchronous course means a student appeared in the live classroom for at least a meaningful portion of a given class meeting. Attending an online course means a student posted a discussion forum response, completed a quiz or attempted some other academically required activity. Simply viewing a course item or module does not count as attendance.
• Meeting the minimum attendance requirement for a course does not mean a student has satisfied the academic requirements for participation, which require students to go above and beyond simply attending a portion of the class. Faculty members will individually determine what constitutes participation in each course they teach and explain in their course descriptions how participation factors into a student's final grade.

Missing & Late Work Policy

This is a regular course with weekly deadlines.

Late Policy

In an academic environment, adhering to deadlines is crucial for maintaining the integrity and structure of the course. As a policy, late work is not accepted to ensure fairness and to encourage students to manage their time effectively. Submitting assignments on time allows instructors to provide timely feedback and ensures that grading is consistent for all students. Exceptions to this rule are made only in rare and extenuating circumstances, such as serious personal emergencies or documented medical conditions. In such cases, students should proactively communicate with the instructor as soon as possible to discuss potential accommodation. This policy helps foster a disciplined and equitable academic environment for all participants.

Accessibility Services for Students with Disabilities:

1. Provide disability documentation to the Accessibility Coordinator at your academic center. https://ccv.edu/discover-resources/students-with-disabilities/
2. Request an appointment to meet with accessibility coordinator to discuss your request and create an accommodation plan.
3. Once created, students will share the accommodation plan with faculty. Please note, faculty cannot make disability accommodations outside of this process.

Academic Integrity