• Course Title
• Purpose of the Course
• Course Objectives
• Required Textbooks and Suggested Reading Lists
• Class and Laboratory Attendance Policy
• Course Evaluation
• Homework and Lab Assignments

Course Title:  Introduction to Computer-Based Information Processing Systems.

Number:        ISS101                           Prerequisite:  n/a

Class Time:    Monday and Wednesday, 9:00am - 9:50am
Lab:           Tuesday 12:00noon - 2:15pm.

Instructor:    Dr. Michael E. Thombs
Office:        O'Hare 204,  X3115

Purpose:
     
       This course provides the student with an introduction to common
     business oriented information processing systems.  Class lectures will
     emphasis business applications and ways that information specialists solve
     information processing problems.  Laboratory sessions reinforce class
     lecture and text material.  
       A one-credit Lab will accompany this course.  The Lab will introduce
     some of the more  popular  and  useful software-tools prevalent in 
     business-oriented information systems today.  Class assignments will
     provide reinforcement exercises with an emphasis on problem solving. Lab
     Attendance is mandatory.  This class will explore the features of the new
          DEC lab in O'Hare that utilizes MS-Windows.  
     
Approach:  
     
       Two regular classes will consist of classroom lectures, discussions,
     oral reports by students.   Software products used in lab will be
     demonstrated whenever possible in class prior to lab using a portable
     computer and overhead projection apparatus.   Labs are mandatory and
     will consist of supervised student activities on the computer in conjunction
     with workbook assignments.  Labs are due two weeks after they are
     assigned.  Lab assignments will be handed out in class prior to lab. 
     Students who are ambitious may work on lab prior to the regularly
     scheduled lab period.     

Required Text:
     
       Computers and Information Systems in Business (Merrill, 1990). 
          Robert A. Szymanski.  Laboratory Workbook is no longer required. 

Course Objectives:
     
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

1.  Demonstrate basic computer literacy.  Students should be able to      
    present a conceptual overview of the components and architecture of an
    information processing system, including hardware / software
    components, and common patterns of configuration.
2.  Describe the impact, past, and future of information technology and
    systems on society especially at work, home, and in education. 
3.  Understand the correct use and potential of input and output devices.
4.  Understand the importance of performing routine backup procedures
    and describe the significance od a disaster recovery plan in an
    organization. 
5.  Understand the geometry of different storage devices and explain the
    strengths, weaknesses, and appropriate use of each in different
    applications. 
6.  Understand the concepts, use and topology of data communication
    networks. 
7.  Describe the role and importance of office automation software
    including electronic mail and desktop publishing. 
8.  Demonstrate a working knowledge of several types of software such
    as electronic spreadsheets, data base managers, and wordprocessing. 
9.  Understand the basic capabilities of graphics software including CAD
    and multimedia. 
10. Describe career opportunities, job descriptions, and required
    qualifications for positions in the information processing field. 
11. Understand the implications of artificial intelligence and expert
    systems on the information processing industry. 
    

Class Policy:
     
       Class participation and class attendance are a positive factor
     considered when determining both the midterm and final grades.  
     Students entering late will excuse themselves for the interruption to
     their classmates.  
     
Laboratory Policy: 
     
       Students are encouraged to help each other, but all projects in all
     parts must be the original work of the individual or team passing such
     work for partial course credit.  Your instructor has the right to demand
     proof at any time of the genuineness and originality of the work.  This
     process would most likely be demonstrated by asking a student to
     reproduce a piece of the work from scratch at a terminal in a live
     performance.  Class and Lab Attendance:
     
     - Attendance is mandatory and will be taken at the end of every
       class and lab.  Authorized absences will be accepted only with prior
       approved notice. 
     - Athletes must give written notice of absences  prior to conflicting
       events from the head of the Athletic Department.
     - Each student  missing a class or lab is responsible for obtaining 
       any and all information pertaining to the missed class lab session(s).
     

 
Evaluation:
     
     Each student will be evaluated using a point system.   Each
     course element successfully completed will earn points toward a final
     grade.  100 points earned is the same as a 100% grade using a percent
     grading system.  Your grade will be determined by the following:
     30 points for Lab exercises.  There are approximately ten
     computer-based lab exercises.  Each lab will accumulate three points
     toward the final grade.  Each lab will be evaluated using a check minus,
     check, and check plus method.  Zero points will be awarded for missing
     or plagiarized assignments.  Labs will not be returned and it is each
     student's responsibility to verify that assignments have been received
     and recorded.  The instructor will provide several opportunities for
     students to review lab records during regularly scheduled office hours. 
          10 points Exam Chapters 1 - 4  Week 5 
          10 points Exam 2:  Chapter 5 & 12: Telecommunications
          10 points Exam Three: Chapters 6 - 10.
          10 points Final Exam 
          10 points Current events research paper or oral presentation.
     Each student is expected to visit the library and perform current
     events research and report to the class in written or oral form.  Written
     reports and handouts should be confined to three to five pages,  oral
     presentations should be between 5 and 10 minutes in duration.   It is
     possible to include a presentation of your final lab to fulfill this
     requirement.  Longer reports must be approved by the instructor.  
     10 points   subjectively awarded or removed by  instructor for
     class participation and consistent demonstration of quality and
     professionalism. 
          10 points   Class absences will be reflected in your final grade. 
     
Examinations:
     
   . Examinations will not be returned.  Students wishing to review  their 
     exam  may do so by making an appointment with the instructor.
   . Prior  notice must be given by the student if an examination is
     missed.  All such exams may be rescheduled at the discretion of the
     instructor.   Please leave a phone message at extension 3115 before
     class or lab.  
     

General Course Requirements: 
    
           - Textbook readings and class handouts and supplements.
           - Class and Laboratory lecture notes.
           - Lab projects 
           - Purchase and format three 3«" diskettes. 
           - Research and present one current events project.     
 
Homework:
     
     All lab. assignments must  contain a  cover-sheet.    All written 
     assignments  must be typed,  printed  or word-processed.  Pencil  or
     cursive writing is not considered acceptable.  Laboratory assignments
     will be graded but not returned to the student.  Late assignments will
     not be accepted.  Assignments are considered late when they are
     beyond two weeks from the date assigned.  Exceptions will be handled
     on a case by case basis.  If  the instructor is  not available (outside of
     class)  and  an assignment is due, assignments may be dated and given
     to Faculty Services.