CIS/CMSC 180Z
Introduction to Information Systems
Introduction to Computer Science

Syllabus - Fall Semester 2007

Instructor:  Dr. Ralph D. Meeker
Office: Scholl 156    Phone: 829-6561
E-mail: rmeeker@ben.edu

TEXT:

Stair, R. & Reynolds, G., Fundamentals of Information Systems, 4th edition, Thompson Course Technology (2008), ISBN 1-4239-0113-4

CLASS MEETINGS:

Wednesday, 6:00 - 7:50 pm, Birck-214

DESCRIPTION:

Techniques and theory of computer information systems/computer science in a rapidly changing technical environment. Technology topics include hardware, software, communications, databases, emerging technologies, internet and intranet. Information systems topics include information processing concepts and functional systems used in business. All students in CIS/CMSC 180 must also be co-registered in CIS/CMSC 181.

CORE GOALS:

This course is intended to further core goals 1, 3b, 4, and 6:

GOALS:

After successfully completing this course, students will:

IDEA OBJECTIVES:

Near the end of the term, students will be asked to evaluate this course using the IDEA survey tool. The survey is designed to measure achievement of the following objectives:

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

Two hour exams, final exam, case studies, and class participation.

GRADING:

Hour exams
40%
Final exam
20%
Case studies
20%
Class participation/attendance
20%
A
90-100
B
80-90
C
70-80
D
60-70
F
0-60

     Note:  It is the responsibility of any student who is unsure of the grading scale to ask the instructor for clarification.

TEST SCHEDULE:

Hour Exam 1 - Wednesday, 24 October
Hour Exam 2 - Wednesday, 14 November
Final Exam - Wednesday, 12 December

All exams will be in class, starting at the beginning of the class period. There will be no make up exams, except in documented emergencies. Missed exams will result in a grade of zero. You are expected to contact the instructor as soon as possible in case of an emergency, so that alternate arrangements can be made. Do not wait until the next scheduled class session.

CASE STUDIES:

Each student will complete five (5) case studies. The five case studies, assigned periodically throughout the semester, are from the Stair/Reynolds text as follows:

For each case, answer the discussion questions and critical thinking questions that follow the case. The due dates are noted for each of the five case studies. Penalties for late submission are described below.

CLASSROOM PARTICIPATION:

Classroom participation is expected. In order to facilitate discussion, students are expected to read the textbook prior to class.

TOPICAL OUTLINE:

Week
Date
Fundamentals of
Information Systems
Readings
Exams
1
10/3
 Introduction to Course and Syllabus; Chapter 9: The Personal and Social Impact of Computers
2
10/10
 Chapter 1: An Introduction to Information Systems in Organizations
3
10/17
 Chapter 2: Hardware and Software
4
10/24
 Chapter 3: Organizing Data and Information
Test 1: Chapters 9, 1, and 2
5
10/31
 Chapter 4: Telecommunications, the Internet, Intranets, and Extranets
6
11/7
 Chapter 5: Electronic and Mobile Commerce and Enterprise Systems
7
11/14
 Chapter 6: Information and Decision Support Systems
Test 2: Chapters 3, 4, and 5
8
11/21
 No class, Thanksgiving Holiday
9
11/28
 Chapter 7: Knowledge Management and Specialized Information Systems
10
12/5
 Chapter 8: Systems Development
11
12/12
  
Test 3: Chapters 6, 7, and 8

TECHNOLOGY:

This course will require students to use technology in at least the following ways:

COMPUTER SYSTEMS:

This course uses the Blackboard course support system to facilitate distribution of various course materials. Access the Blackboard course site using a standard Web browser at webctce6.ben.edu:8080. Students may use personal PCs from campus residence halls or off-campus locations and student computer laboratory PCs located in Scholl 218, in Kindlon 228, in the university library, in Krasa, and in many open areas throughout campus.

Access to the university computer network and to the university e-mail system is gained through the use of Login IDs. Each person's Login ID is unique and access is controlled by a password of your choosing. Go to www.ben.edu/it/support.asp for instructions on obtaining your login IDs and e-mail address and to download a personal copy of the Technology Information Packet for Students (T.I.P.S.) document.

E-mail is excellent way to interact with me about any class-related information, as long as you check it frequently for responses. My e-mail address is rmeeker@ben.edu.

CLASS ATTENDANCE:

Students are expected to attend each class meeting as class participation is an essential ingredient for success in the course. Students are responsible for all material covered in class, even when absent.

LATE ASSIGNMENTS:

Assignments are due on the date announced at the time assignments are made. Late assignments will be penalized 20% of the point value for the assignment for each calendar day by which the assignment is overdue.

ACADEMIC HONESTY:

The search for truth and the dissemination of knowledge are the central missions of a university. Benedictine University pursues these missions in an environment guided by our Roman Catholic tradition and our Benedictine heritage. Integrity and honesty are therefore expected of all members of the University community, including students, faculty members, administration, and staff. Actions such as cheating, plagiarism, collusion, fabrication, forgery, falsification, destruction, multiple submission, solicitation, and misrepresentation, are violations of these expectations and constitute unacceptable behavior in the University community. The penalties for such actions can range from a private verbal warning, all the way to expulsion from the University. The University's Academic Honesty Policy is available at www.ben.edu/ahp and students are expected to read it.

Academic honesty and integrity will be upheld in this course. Plagiarism or academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. My responsibility is to ensure that the academic work in this course is challenging, relevant, useful, fair and unambiguous. Your responsibility is to perform this work to the best of your ability. Collaboration is allowed and encouraged only on homework assignments, as discussion among peers is a useful tool for understanding the concepts. For case studies, such collaboration is integral to the assignment. Collaboration on exams is not acceptable. The bottom line is that I expect that all material submitted for grading represents the efforts of the student(s) submitting the work. I will follow up on any suspected incidents of academic dishonesty. If academic dishonesty is found to exist, the first offense will result in zero credit for the exam or assignment. The second offense will result in an F grade for the course.

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR:

The instructor’s goal is to create and maintain a classroom environment that is conducive to learning. You must do your part to help accomplish this goal by adhering to certain appropriate behaviors. These include: arriving to class on time, being prepared for class, being present for the entire class period, turning off cell phones, and using other electronic devices only when appropriate.

OTHER INFORMATION:

If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability, you may be eligible for reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations or services, please contact Tina Sonderby in the Academic Resource Center, 249 Kindlon Hall, 630-829-6512. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements. The University will not waive any essential skill or requirement of a course or degree program.

ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS FOR RELIGIOUS OBLIGATIONS (AAFRO):

A student whose religious obligation conflicts with a course requirement may request an academic accommodation from the instructor. Students must make such requests in writing by the end of the first week of the class.

VARIOUS BENEDICTINE UNIVERSITY POLICIES:

RESPONSIBILITY OF STUDENT:

If you are unsure of anything specified in this syllabus, it is your responsibility to ask the instructor for clarification.

OFFICE HOURS:

Scholl Hall 156 except as noted

Monday 2 - 4 pm (in Scholl-215)
Tuesday 5 - 6:15 pm
Wednesday
 10 - 11 am
Thursday 10 - 11 am
Friday 10 - 11 am

Other times are available by appointment. Contact me at 630-829-6561. Please leave a voice mail message and phone number where you can be reached.

Top of page

Back to Dr. Meeker's Home Page

These pages were last updated on 3 October, 2007 by R. Meeker.