Course Syllabus

Fall 2025 | CIS-1280-VO01 - Introduction to Data Analytics

Online Class

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

Faculty

Kristi Cross
View Faculty Credentials
View Faculty Statement
Hiring Coordinator for this course: Deb Grant

General Education Requirements

Digital and Computing 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 introduces foundational skills, concepts, applications, and techniques used in the field of data analytics. Students explore a variety of applied business scenarios and examine how analysts structure, present, communicate and make data-driven decisions. Topics include data types and formats, structured thinking, bias and the ethical use of data, the role of databases and spreadsheets, and best practices for organizing and securing data.

Essential Objectives

1. Define and explain key concepts, practices, analytical skills, tools, and processes used in data analytics.
2. Demonstrate effective questioning techniques and strategies that help guide data analysis.
3. Discuss the role of spreadsheets, query languages, and data visualization tools in data analytics.
4. Explain how each step of the problem-solving process contributes to common data analysis scenarios.
5. Examine how analysts decide which data to collect for analysis.
6. Discuss the use of data in the decision-making process including how data analysts present and communicate findings with teams and stakeholders.
7. Demonstrate the use of spreadsheets in the data life cycle including organization, formulas, functions, and custom data tables.
8. Describe how analysts use spreadsheets and SQL with databases and data sets.
9. Examine how assumptions, decisions, and data sources can lead to biased data sets, skewed outcomes, inaccuracy, lack of credibility, and/or systemic prejudice.
10. Explore open data and the relationship between and importance of data ethics and data privacy.
11. Identify best practices for organizing and securing data.
12. Explore the scope and diversity of career opportunities in the field of data analytics through assignments such as informational interviews, job shadows, or other career-exploration activities.

Required Technology

More information on general computer and internet recommendations is available on the CCV computer recommendations Support page.

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.

Integrated: This course's generative AI policy acknowledges the use of AI is an essential skill in today's world. By using genAI for specific purposes, students become equipped with relevant skills and tools necessary to thrive in a technology-driven society. Emphasizing the mastery of generative AI should empower you to harness its potential, enhancing your problem-solving abilities and preparing you for future challenges and opportunities. Be aware, however, that any time generative AI is used at any point in the assignment without attribution it may be considered a violation of CCV's Academic Integrity Policy.

Methods

• group discussions
• interactive projects and/or activities
• multimedia presentations and resources
• readings, writing, and inquiry-based research

Evaluation Criteria

Labs	25%
Assignments	25%
Discussions	12.5%
Quizzes	12.5%
Final project	20%
Mid Term	5%

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

Weekly Schedule

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.

Participation Expectations

Attendance Policy

Attendance is required for all class weeks. The following are considered 'no participation' for the week and constitutes an absence:

1. Not following the participation policy.
2. Not submitting required assignments.
3. Not contributing meaningful discussion in the discussions.

Please keep in mind, simply logging into the course does not constitute participation. You must demonstrate active participation in the course by submitting required assignments and contributing to discussion forums.

Participation Policy

Participation (Discussions) count for a good portion of your grade, so be sure to follow the policy below:

Keep in mind, our ‘week’ runs Tuesday until Monday (ending at 11:59pm).

1. Your initial discussion post must be submitted by 11:59 pm on Thursday. Asking a question of your classmates at the end will help engage conversations. Five points per day will be subtracted for every day that it is late after the deadline.
2. Responses to your classmates must be submitted by 11:59 pm on Monday. You will want to respond to at leasttwoclassmates. I recommend responding to one question and one discussion post.
3. Three post minimum (your initial discussion and the two responses to classmates). To get maximum points, you will want to go beyond that requirement.
4. You should participate on at leasttwoseparate days during the week.
5. Be sure to follow the discussion rubric for criteria on what constitutes a quality post and reply.

Please communicate with me early if you are unable to meet the participation requirements.

Missing & Late Work Policy

Be sure to pay careful attention to the rubrics for repercussions on late submissions. It is important that you communicate with me early if you are going to be late. This allows a chance for us to discuss any challenges you are having with the submission and how to plan ahead for future submissions. Late work will automatically incur a 5% deduction per day. The assignment will not be accepted after seven (7) days late, unless prior arrangements have been made.

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

Apply Now for this semester.