CPS 120 - Introduction to Computer Science
Course Overview - Spring/Summer, 2019

Instructor: Kathie Gourlay and John Diehl
Telephone: 313-268-6537
Message E-mail gourlay@wccnet.edu and jrdiehl@wccnet.edu
Mailbox: BE 200 (734-677-5431)
Home Page: http://courses.wccnet.edu/~gourlay
Office hours: By appointment.

Course Description

This course is an introduction to computer science both for those who plan to take advanced courses in the computer programming field as well as for those who want to learn basic computer skills. Students learn to write, enter, compile and execute simple computer programs. This course is intended to bridge the gap between a basic computer literacy and advanced courses. Topics include numbering systems, operating systems, database, programming, networking, Internet and algorithms. Students must have basic computer literacy in order to be successful in this course.

Prerequisites

Reading and Writing Levels of 6; CIS 100 or CIS 110 with a minimum grade of "C" are preferred, or permission of the instructor.

Course Objectives

• Identify the basic components and functions of computer hardware,
• Define vocabulary terms used in computer science,
• Explain how data are represented in computers,
• Demonstrate conversion between different numbering systems,
• Explain how computer programs are represented in computers and how they are processed by the computer
• Understand how operating systems manage application programs, and be able to use a graphical user interface to create, edit, and run programs
• Describe popular operating systems, such as Linux, DOS, and Windows,
• Understand the differences between low-level and high-level programming languages, compilers, and interpreters,
• Convert problems into algorithms and pseudo-code that can then be converted to computer programs,
• Write simple, well-written computer programs using basic data types and sequential, conditional, and iterative instruction sequences,
• Understand how functions and arrays are implemented,
• Understand relational database structures,
• Create simple SQL to retrieve data from a database,
• Describe procedures to ensure privacy and security when using databases,
• Understand how data is sent from one computer to another, including security and integrity techniques,
• Understand the security dangers to computers when connected to other computer equipment,
• Create simple Web pages using HTML and Javascript

Texts and supplies

1. “CPS 120: Introduction to Computer Science Kathie Gourlay Summer 2019”, a custom e-book by ZyBooks for this course, which costs $40 from the publisher.
2. A flash drive or a storage location on which to keep your files.
3. You do not need to purchase software, because you may do your homework at the College's Computer Commons on the 2nd floor of the library. However, for your information, we will be using: Python, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, which are all free and one alternate assignment using Microsoft Access.

Grading Policy

Assignment Due Dates and Late Exercises

Late Tests - If you are absent the day of a test, you MUST make arrangements with the instructor to take it before the next class, and you must have an extraordinary reason. This is because the tests will be gone over during the next class period. The test days are shown on the syllabus.

Late exercises and assignments- No late exercises or assignments will be accepted. However, your lowest exercise/assignment grade will be dropped. The homework will be graded leniently. I understand that you are learning, and I do not expect perfection. If you are absent, you may submit the assignment to Blackboard.

Your final letter grade will be determined as follows.

Academic Dishonesty

Although you are encouraged to help each other, the work you hand in must be your own. If you are caught cheating or are guilty of plagiarism you may be sanctioned as described according to the Board of Trustees Policy 4095 regarding academic dishonesty, which is found on the W.C.C. website.

Attendance and amount of time for this Class

Attendance is not a direct component of your grade. However, it is important, as the course moves quickly through the material. See the section on “Late Tests” if you must be absent on a test day. Two hours spent on homework for each hour of a college class is reasonable. For a mixed-mode class it will be more.

Miscellaneous:

No eating or drinking near any computer. The instructor will show you where you may store your food and drink.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act all qualified students are entitled to reasonable accommodations. This includes pregnant students. Please notify the instructor if any accommodations are needed, or go to Learning Support Services in LA 104. If a pregnancy is impacting your ability to attend classes, please contact the Ombudsman's office. Additional information is available at: pregnant student rights on W.C.C.'s website.

While I want you to feel comfortable coming to me with issues you may be struggling with or concerns you may be having, please be aware that I am a mandatory reporter. For example, if you inform me of an issue of sexual assault, domestic/dating violence, stalking, remarks of self-harm, or potential threats to others, I am required to report it. If you would like to report it directly, you may contact the Ombudsman office at ombudsman@wccnet.edu.

Information on sexual misconduct prevention, awareness, reporting methods, and victim resources are available from the WCC website at: W.C.C.'s sexual misconduct consumer information.

Out of class help:

• You may use the computers in the Computer Commons (734-973-3420) on the 2^nd floor of the library in the GM building to do your computer assignments.
• There are group tutoring sessions every day of the week. Go to W.C.C. Group Tutoring and click on “Programming” to see the schedule and location.
• Learning Support Services in LA 104 (734-973-3342) has tutors who can give you non-computer study help.
• You may email (maximum 48 hour turnaround time) or phone me with questions or make an appointment to meet with me.

Important Dates for this Class

• Last day to drop and get a refund is May 22.
• Last day for student to adjust schedule with instructor permission or to change credit or audit status is May 25. You may also request an audit or a withdrawal from the instructor as a final grade, but approval is up to the instructor.
• Withdrawal deadline for students (no refund) is June 18.

Tentative Schedule