Computer Concepts and Applications

Course Details

Course Number: 1013  Section Number: 201 & 202

Spring 2011

Location: Bolin Hall

Classroom Number: 320 & 213

Days & Times:

Section 201:  BO Room 320 MW, 8:00  &  DB Room 306 F 8:00

Section 202:  BO Room 213 MW, 9:00  &  DB Room 306 F 9:00

Course Attachments

Textbooks
MSU Faculty Member
Dr. Tina Johnson PhD   
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Course Objectives

This course is designed as a first course in computing and is intended for non-CS majors.  The intent is to provide a broad-based knowledge of computers, their applications, and their intrinsic roles in major areas in contemporary society.  The lab provides extensive preparation in MS Office.  

Students will:  

  • Understand the role of computers in society, past and present
  • Gain familiarity with computer terminology across a wide variety of disciplines, building a framework for computer use in a technological world
  • Demonstrate an understanding of lifelong learning and application of computers to everyday problems through software tools and online techniques
  • Learn to apply word processing, spreadsheet applications, and presentation software to business and other real-life problems (MS Office 2007)

Course Expectations

Texts:            1. Technology in Action, 6th Ed., Evans, Martin, Poatsy

                      2. (optional) GO! with Office 2007, Introductory, 2nd Ed.,Gaskin, Ferrett, Vargas, Marks

Software:  MyITLab Training and Assessment for Microsoft Office 2007.  This software is available in Dillard 306, 335, and 146, and in Bolin 103 and 119.  A software keycode is bundled with the required textbook, available at the MWSU Bookstore. If you plan to buy your textbook online, you must still purchase a separate copy of this keycode. All testing will be administered through the MyITLab program, therefore, it is not possible to pass this course without purchasing a new keycode.  A used keycode will not work with this software.

Additional Material:   A USB stick will be necessary for saving lab documents.  Avoid using a U3 Cruzer stick as these do not always work in the labs.


Submission Format Policy

The majority of homework assignments and all tests will be administered through the MyITLab system.  Other assignments will be submitted in hardcopy format.



Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

Assignments will be accepted late up to two weeks after the due date with a penalty of 5 points per day.  Late work will not be accepted after two weeks from the due date.


Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

Students should refer to the current MSU Student Handbook and Activities Calendar and the MSU Undergraduate Bulletin for university policies on academic dishonesty, class attendance, student rights and activities.


Other Policies

Disability Policy:  In accordance with the law, MSU provides academic accommodations to students with documented disabilities.  Students with disabilities must be registered with Disability Support Services before classroom accommodations can be provided.  The DSS office is located in Clark Student Center, Room 168, phone 397-4140.

Counseling Center:  MSU offers personal, group, career, and academic counseling.  Students are encouraged to take advantage of these free services by contacting the Counseling Center:   Room 108 Clark Student Center, 397-4618, counseling@mwsu.edu.

Course Content:The material includes text reading assignments, lectures, videos, and homework.  Students are responsible for all material regardless of attendance. The lab is a required portion of the course.


Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.