CIS 1150 - Intro to Computer Information Systems

TEXTS: Computing Essentials 2015 by O'Leary

Suggested Surfing: Microsoft Office Web Site

COURSE MATERIALS: The texts, paper, pens, and optionally, a USB drive.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: An overview of the computing field and its typical applications. Covers key terminology components of computer hardware, software, and operating systems. Other topics include system development methods, management information systems, programming languages, communications, networks, application software, the Internet and career opportunities. Microcomputer applications include word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software in a Windows environment.


  1. Describe the extent to which the computer is used in today's society.
  2. Identify the major developments in the evaluation of the computer.
  3. Identify the essential components of a computer system.
  4. Differentiate between types of computer memory.
  5. Describe how a computer works noting in particular the method of data representation.
  6. Identify the functions of computer software.
  7. Describe the process of computer programming and identify major programming languages.
  8. Differentiate between the major types of computer storage devices.
  9. Identify trends in computer hardware and software.
  10. Identify the major social issues arising from the impact of the computer.
  11. Introduce personal productivity tools, e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, database, graphics.

RULES: Students are expected to be on time when attending class (unless prior arrangements have been made). Once the door to the classroom has been closed, you will not be permitted to enter the classroom until break.

No assignment will be accepted after class has begun on the due date. Note: This course relies heavily on access to computers, specific software, and the Internet. At some point during the term you will have a technology problem: your laptop will crash, a file will become corrupted, a server will go down, or something else will occur. These are facts of life, not emergencies. Technology problems will not normally be accepted as excuses for unfinished work. Count on "stuff" happening and protect yourself by doing the following:

  • Plan ahead and start early, particularly if scarce resources are required
  • Save work often—at least every ten minutes
  • Make regular backups of files in a different location from the originals
  • When editing, set aside the original and work with a copy
  • Practice safe computing when surfing the web and checking email
  • On your personal computer, install and use software to control viruses and malware

Note: Missing 3 assignments will result in non-pursuit of course objectives and automatic withdrawal.

Cheating will result in the pursuit of disciplinary action and may include a grade of 'F' for this course. More importantly, you will deny yourself an opportunity to learn something. Cheating includes copying labs, reports, projects, tests, exams, and plagiarism, as well as helping another student cheat by giving them answers, files, or doing the work for them.

Running electronic devices is not allowed in the classroom except when required for class work. Food/drink is not allowed in the classroom. In addition to the rules outlined in this syllabus and presented in class, it is the student's responsibility to understand and abide by all COD academic policies as stated in the current catalog.

GRADING: LearnSmarts (LS), Simbooks (SB), quizzes, and examinations illustrate your knowledge of the course material. LS are worth 195 points (13 worth 15 points each). SB are worth 75 points (15 worth 5 points each). Quizzes are worth 320 points (13 LS quizzes worth 20 points each; 5 SB quizzes worth 12 points each). The Final Examinations are worth 100 points (LS is worth 70 points; SB is worth 30 points). There is one report designed to have you consider ethical issues that is worth 15 points. Software labs reinforce particular concepts covered during class and are worth 95 points (5 labs worth differing amounts). Projects provide you the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to use applications to apply concepts learned from class and are worth 200 points (4 projects worth 50 points each). Changes to the grading scale, number of assignments, or relative weight are the instructor's prerogative.

A = 900 - 1000 Points

B = 830 - 899 Points

C = 760 - 829 Points

D = 690 - 759 Points

F = below 690 Points

Incompletes will not be given.

For S/F evaluations, you must obtain the appropriate form and submit it to me for approval. A minimum of 760 points are required to earn a grade of 'S'. Note: Some institutions transfer a `S' grade as a `D'. If you decide not to complete the course, you must go to Registration and formally withdraw. Failure to do so will result in a grade of 'F' for the course.

PROJECTS: Resubmitting projects is not allowed. Extra credit is not offered.

Note: Projects must be submitted via Blackboard on the due date prior to the start of class. No assignment will be accepted after class has begun on the due date. Changes to the projects are the instructor’s prerogative.

WP Project (Word Processing using Word) - Due Thursday, February 25: Part 1 - Research how to write resumès and create a resumè. The resumè should contain a graphic that relates to the profession you are interested in. Make up previous employment, if necessary. The resumè should be at least a full page but no more than two pages. Part 2 - Write a cover letter, expounding on the data-oriented facts of your resumè. The cover letter should complement, not duplicate your resumè and add a personal touch. This letter should be between half a page and one page. Content and style will be assessed. Here is an instruction sheet with an example of what your cover letter and resumè could look like and the grading rubric for this project.

SS Project (Spreadsheet using Excel) - Due Tuesday, March 15: Part 1 - Create a spreadsheet that tracks your expenses for a week. Use a column for each day of the week and include at least 7 items (rows). Using functions, compute the total expense for each day of the week. Using functions, compute the weekly total and daily average expense for each item. Be sure to label the rows and columns, include a title, and name the sheet Expense. Content and style will be assessed. Part 2 - On a separate sheet titled Column, create a clustered column chart based on the total expenses per item. Create a second chart on a separate sheet called Pie based on the total expenses per day, using a 3-D pie chart, and pull out the day with the most expenses. Be sure there are appropriate titles and labels for each chart. Here is an instruction sheet with an example of what your worksheets could look like and the grading rubric for this project.

Report - Due Thursday, March 17: Write a reaction paper (minimum 500 words) to "The Dash" presentation. Details will be provided during class. Submit through Blackboard.

DB Project (Database using Access) - Due Tuesday, April 12: Create a database for a company that provides in-home personal training and fitness consultation. Based on data you will be provided, the database should consist of two related tables with the least amount of redundancy. Each table should have a primary key. Fields should have meaningful names, appropriate data types, and sizes. Part 2 - Create a report based on criteria you will be provided. All tables, queries, and/or reports should have appropriate names/titles. Here is an instruction sheet with the data for your database and the grading rubric for this project.

PR Project (Presentation using PowerPoint) - Due Thursday, April 28: You are a director of a research and development department making a presentation to your upper management. Your department has developed a new virtual reality application, that, to your knowledge, does not yet exist. Develop a presentation (minimum six slides) that illustrates your new virtual reality application and the benefits it offers. Make sure you use a logo for your company and include animation. Your presentation will be assessed on creativity, legibility, simplicity, clarity, and visual appeal. Here is an instruction sheet for your presentation and the grading rubric for this project.

CLASS NOTES: Class notes are available as Microsoft PowerPoint presentations. Click on the links below to access the PowerPoint presentations used in class.