Course Outline for Computer Science 8
Computer Literacy

Effective: Fall 2019
SLO Rev: 05/19/2016

Catalog Description:

CSCI 8 - Computer Literacy

3.00 Units

Introduction to computers including: Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, Multimedia, the internet, browsers, World Wide Web, an awareness of types of computer software in use including programming languages, electronic mail, computer-based careers and trends, and other computing issues in today’s society. No prior computer experience necessary. Course recommended for students of any major who want to learn about computers and how to use them. Hands-on laboratory experience reinforces lecture.
Strongly Recommended: MTH 55 or MTH 55A or MTH 53 or MTH 53A or Completion of Algebra 2 in high school
CB03: TOP Code 0702.00 - Computer Information Systems*
Course Grading: Letter Grade Only
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 2.00 36.00 72.00 108.00
Activity 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Laboratory 1.00 36.00 0.00 36.00
Clinical 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Work Exp (Non-Paid) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Work Exp (Paid) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Total 3.00 72.00 72.00 144.00

Measurable Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. identify the various parts of a computer system and what each does;
  2. identify major software applications packages and what they do;
  3. describe common features of the MS Windows operating system;
  4. create and organize files and folders using Windows Explore and My Computer;
  5. formulate and create a simple business document such as a letter, memo, and flyer using Word;
  6. formulate and create a simple Excel spreadsheet and chart;
  7. create a simple database file using Access;
  8. create a slide presentation using PowerPoint;
  9. describe what capabilities Internet has, what a browser does, and be able to perform basic navigation over the worldwide web;
  10. perform basic email tasks such as sending, receiving, and managing electronic mail;
  11. describe what programming languages can do;
  12. describe various current computer-based careers;
  13. identify and discuss current ethical and security issues affecting the worldwide web and software piracy.

Course Content:

  1. Course Content (Lecture):
    1. Computer systems
      1. Hardware components of a personal computer system:  monitor, keyboard, storage devices, modems, memory, printers, other input/output devices
      2. Parts of a computer network
    2. Software: an introduction
      1. Components and functions of MS Office software
      2. Functions of digital media software
      3. Types and functions of programming languages
      4. Other types of software: sound, web page construction, accounting, etc.
    3. Microsoft Windows
      1. Other operating systems besides Windows
      2. Components and functions of Windows operating system
      3. Different versions of Windows
      4. Common features of Windows software:  File, Edit, Window, Help menus
    4. Microsoft Office Suite:  
      1. Types of application software included in the Suite package
      2. Compare and contrast application software
      3. Integration of two or more application software
    5. The Internet and the World Wide Web
      1. What is the Internet?
      2. What is the World Wide Web?
      3. Browsers:  Netscape and Internet Explorer
      4. Internet addresses
    6. Sending, receiving, and managing electronic mail
    7. Computer-based careers including:
      1. Program development, testing and maintenance
      2. Computer engineer
      3. Applications expert
      4. Help desk
      5. Sales
      6. Network and system administration
      7. Webmaster
      8. Technical writer
      9. Hardware maintenance and operations
    8. Computers in the workplace
      1. Business office animation trends and impact
      2. Multimedia
      3. Use in education
      4. Use in the arts and sciences
    9. Ethical and security issues
      1. Copyrights and software piracy
      2. Viruses and virus protection
      3. Passwords
  2. Course Content (Laboratory):
    1. Microsoft Windows
      1. Window management:  opening, closing, minimizing, maximizing, resizing, rearranging and scrolling
      2. Use of the mouse
      3. Logging in, shutting down, use of the Start button, and the Windows taskbar
      4. Use of Explorer and My Computer to create directories and delete, rename and move files and directories
      5. Use and care of storage devices
    2. Microsoft Office:  
      1. Use Word to enter, edit, format, save and restore and print documents
      2. Use Word proficiently enough to write letters and short papers
      3. Use Excel to enter, edit, format, save and restore and print spreadsheets
      4. Use Excel proficiently enough to create simple spreadsheets such as for a budget
      5. Use Access to enter, edit, format, save and restore and print a simple database document
      6. Use Access proficiently enough to create a simple database, such as a phone directory
    3. The Internet and the World Wide Web
      1. Use of search engines
      2. Use of the Internet for on-line purchasing, on-line courses, research

Methods of Instruction:

  1. Guest speakers
  2. Hands-on exercises in the laboratory
  3. Lecture/Discussion
  4. Demonstration/Exercise
  5. Distance Education

Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:

1. Typical Assignments
  1. Create interactive lab assignments such as installing software using a simulated CD
  2. Work through a hands-on tutorial to create business documents
  3. Complete a concepts review, including short answer questions on computer hardware and software
  4. Complete critical thinking exercises from the textbook
  5. Use the Internet to research a computer-related topic
  6. Use Email to upload business documents
  7. Create a simple database, showing how to design tables, add and remove records, and do simple queries into the database
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
  1. Written work
  2. Hands-on exercises in the laboratory
  3. Quizzes
  4. Final Examination
  5. Research Projects
3. Student Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. Construct a basic database application using table, Input Form and Report Form using Microsoft Access
  2. Demonstrate the proper use of headers, footers, page numbering, footnotes, margin spacing, character properties and tables in word processing using Microsoft Word from the appropriate menu options.
  3. Develop a basic self calculating spreadsheet using formulas and functions in Microsoft Excel from the correct menu options recognizing these capabilities' use in a Business environment.

Textbooks (Typical):

  1. Evans, A., K. Martin, M. Poatsy (2019). Technology in Action Complete (15th). Pearson.
  1. A custom workbook provided by Prentice Hall for our currently installed versions of Windows and MS Office in our computer labs. .
Additional Materials:
  • Portable storage device

Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:

Intro to computers including: Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, multimedia, using browsers and World Wide Web, types of computer software in use including programming languages, electronic mail, computer-based careers and trends, and other computing issues. No prior computer experience necessary. Recommended for students of any major who want to learn about computers and how to use them. Hands-on laboratory experience. Strongly Recommended: Mathematics 55, 55A, 53, or 53A. May not receive credit if Computer Application Systems 8 has been completed.
Strongly Recommended: MTH 55 or MTH 55A or MTH 53 or MTH 53A or Completion of Algebra 2 in high school

Discipline:
Computer Science*