Course Syllabus

B894 CIS 121 S1 - Format effective 03-04-16.pdf

More Course Information

Before we start, let me know if you have not yet received your textbook. Also, check your book with the course syllabus to ensure it is the correct edition and version.

To start this course, review this module, and read the Welcome message I sent you through course Communications. I also sent you a video welcome message. After you finish this welcome module, I would like you to go to the next link on the course Home Page, which will take you to the Modules area, using the navigation menu on the left hand side of the homepage. There you will find the course materials in modular format. Click on Module 1 and work your way through the module. Modules contain PowerPoint presentations, practice quizzes, projects, homework assignments, quizzes. In the first module, you will find an assignment -- a DISCUSSION. You should compose a short introduction of yourself, telling the rest of the class a little about yourself, such as where you are in your studies, your goals for education and what you'd like to get out of this course. I have posted my short introduction there already. The introduction is your first assignment - please have it completed by the end of your first week to earn maximum points.

Please take a few moments to get acquainted with the layout of the course interface. It can be a little overwhelming at times. Take a look at the course menu on the left of the homepage, it has links to the areas you need.

Homework, Quizzes and Exams:

This course has homework assignments, quizzes and exams. All are located within the modules. There are also projects throughout the course. The homework consist of written answers. The system uses my exact answer to grade your response. I grade the homework by hand as your answer may have a typographical error, so please don't worry about it until I have looked at it. Should you disagree with my answer, please let me know -- but, have the exact page reference in your message. This is an overview course and I use the answers from the book to be fair for all students.

Grading Policy:

My grading policy is that all work is based on the textbook. This course is an overview course, meaning that students at all levels register for the class. To be consistent and fair, all answers for assessments, projects, and assignments will be from the book, except as noted. Although technology changes daily, we must be consistent in our approach to ensure a level playing field, and will rely upon our text for correct answers. I will be happy to discuss any technologies with you outside of assessments, but for the assessment, stick with the text.

Plagiarism and Cheating

The goal of the course is for you to learn and be able to understand, explain and show how computers work the way they do. Unfortunately, some believe it's okay to copy answers found in other locations and submit it as their own work as proof of their learning. Conduct such as this is unacceptable. Submissions believed to be plagiarized will be returned the first occurrence. Should there be a second occurrence, the submission will receive a 0 (zero) grade. A third occurrence will result in an immediate 0.0 for the course.

Incompletes/Extensions:

In most cases you will have ten weeks to complete your course. Should unforeseen circumstances cause need for an extension, this can be arranged between us. However, extensions will not be assumed and/or guaranteed and will only be granted upon request. To qualify for an extension, you must have shown steady progress/activity and completed at least 25% of the coursework with a passing grade at the time of the request. Special circumstances may be taken under consideration at the discretion of the instructor.

Extra Credit/Makeup Work:

There are no provisions for extra credit or makeup work within this course. Thus, I strongly suggest you adequately prepare for and put forth a full effort into completing the course requirements in full and on time.

Questions and Course Communication

If you should have any questions, problems or otherwise need to contact me, I can be reached via email using the course mail system. Just click on the orange colored Help button, located on the top right of the screen. Then, click "Ask your instructor a question" in the pop-up.

I try to check the mail daily, but sometimes life interferes and I am not able to check it for a couple of days. Please have patience with me on this.