Preamble
- Course Title: Introduction to Computers (cs 110)
- CRN: 14182
- Credits: 3
- Prerequisites: There is no pre-requisite for this course
- Days: Monday and Wednesday
- Time: 9:55 – 11:10 am
- Room: Hillyer Hall, 319
- Dates: 17 January – 29 April 2024
- Professor: Roy Vanegas (pronounced “vuh-nay-gus”)
- Email: vanegas at hartford dot edu
- Phone: 860.768.5925
- Office: Charles A Dana Hall, 310B
- Office hours: I meet students on an appointment basis via video conference during the times listed here. (Click here for videoconferencing details.) Other times on Thursdays and Fridays are available, also. Email vanegas@hartford.edu to make an appointment.
- Tuesday: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Description
This is a computer concepts, fluency, and skills focused course designed for non-science majors. Students will build a fundamental knowledge of the components that comprise a computer, and will learn how these components represent digital information, including data, sound, graphics, and video. Students will also learn the computing foundations of communication and network infrastructures. The course will form a basis for problem solving skills that evolve and adapt as technology advances. Students will also master advanced skills in word processing, spreadsheet creation, and presentation software, among other applications. Previous computer experience is not expected; Not open to Computing Science majors.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will understand...
- To understand the parts of a computer and how they function and operate;
- To form a basis for problem solving skills that evolve and adapt as technology advances;
- To examine digital representation of information including data, sound, graphics, and video;
- To create a fluency with foundations of communication and network infrastructure;
- And, to master advanced skills in word processing, spreadsheet creation, and presentation software, among other applications.
Textbooks
You may purchase these books in our bookstore or anywhere online. Ensure the isbns match before making your purchase. This will ensure you’re using the right edition, title, and author. No other edition/isbn is supported in class.
New Perspectives on Computer Concepts 2018: Introductory
- isbn: 9781305951518
- Edition: 20th
- Author: June Jamrich Parsons
- Amazon link
New Perspectives Microsoft Office 365 & Office 2019: Introductory
- isbn: 9780357025741
- Edition: 1st
- Authors: Patrick Carey, Dan Oja, June Parsons, Katherine Pinard, Ann Shaffer, Mark Shellman
- Amazon link
Schedule
Important Notes
The University treats absences related to covid-19 as excused absences. Consequently, you’ll need to get notes from someone in class, as mentioned in the section of this syllabus marked Advice on Succeeding in Class. There will not be a streaming video option for anyone missing class.
Notable Dates
⟫ First day of classes (Week 1): Wednesday, 17 January 2024
⟫ Midterm (Week 8): Wednesday, 6 March 2024
⟫ Spring recess — No class (Week 9): Monday, 11 March, and Wednesday, 13 March, 2024
⟫ Last day to withdraw with a grade of “W” (Week 12): Tuesday, 2 April 2024
⟫ Final exam; Last day of classes (Week 16): Monday, 29 April 2024
Note: Time permitting, I will make every attempt to cover the topics listed below in order. However, depending on the cadence of the class, some topics may be overlooked.
In the schedule below, indicates the Computer Concepts book, while indicates the Office 2019 book.
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Assignments
There are five assignments provided via Blackboard and two paper-based, non-multiple choice exams given during class time. The weights assigned to each is as follows:
- Five assignments, each worth six percent (5 × 6% = 30%)
- Midterm (30%)
- Final (40%)
Class Policies
- Masks. I don’t require students to wear masks in class, per university policy dictated in spring 2022:
Effective immediately, masks are now optional in most University facilities and settings. They [masks] will continue to be required in the classroom or personal office spaces, unless otherwise specified by faculty members or staff.
And, of course, you’re welcome to wear a mask in class, should you feel more comfortable doing so. You may read more about the policy regarding face coverings here. - Consuming food in class. There is no eating inside our classroom, either during class or while on break. Eat before or after class. Drinks in covered containers, however, are allowed.
- Digital devices. Silence your mobile devices before class starts.
Academic Honesty
Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated in this course; make certain that all the work you submit is your own. Refresh your understanding of the college’s policy on academic honesty.
Students with Disabilities
Read about how The University of Hartford supports students with disabilities: https://www.hartford.edu/academics/academic-support/accessibility-services/default.aspx
Title IX and Sexual Assault
Sexual violence and other forms of sexual misconduct and harassment, including stalking and intimate partner violence, are prohibited under Title ix, federal and state law, and University of Hartford policy. Information on the University’s policies against sexual violence can be found at https://www.hartford.edu/about/policies/title-ix/. Resources regarding sexual violence can be found at https://www.hartford.edu/about/policies/title-ix/on-off-campus-resources.aspx
Note: University of Hartford faculty, staff, and ras are required to report incidents of sexual misconduct to the Title ix Office (title9@hartford.edu). For further information on The University’s policies and resources, please contact Jason Martinez (860.768.5255; jamartine@hartford.edu) or Justin Bell (860.768.4880; jbell@hartford.edu).
Mental Health and Well-Being
Mental Health is an important aspect of students’ well-being and integral to positive academic experiences and success. If, during the semester, you experience difficulties and would like support, consider contacting the University of Hartford’s caps, or Counseling and Psychological Services, which offers a range of short-term counseling services available to full-time undergraduate students at no additional cost, and to part-time undergraduate and graduate students for a small fee. caps is located in Gengras Student Union, Room 313 , and can be reached by calling 860.768.4482 or emailing Liz Inkel at inkel@hartford.edu. Office hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.
Advice for Succeeding in Class
Read over the following to understand procedures for maximizing your chances of succeeding in class.
- Advice for Succeeding in Class (in Markdown)
- Advice for Succeeding in Class (in pdf)
Office Hours
- Office: Charles A Dana Hall, 310B
- Office hours: I meet students on an appointment basis via video conference during the times listed here. (Click here for videoconferencing details.) Other times on Thursdays and Fridays are available, also. Email vanegas@hartford.edu to make an appointment.
- Tuesday: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Contact
Nowadays, I only use email for emergency situations, such as a pet emergencies, personal tragedies, etc. For matters related to our course, you’re advised to see me before or after class, during my office hours, or by appointment. My contact info is listed in the Preamble.