CpSc 210, Productivity Software
Syllabus: Spring, 2012

For a printable copy of this syllabus, click here .

Catalog Description: An in-depth, practical study of existing productivity software packages that focuses primarily on decision-support systems for microcomputers. Projects will involve the use of intermediate and advanced features of various software packages, as well as the use of several packages in finding computer-based solutions to information storage and retrieval problems. Prerequisite: microcomputer proficiency. 3 credits.

Office hours:

Text: Microsoft Office Excel 2007 in Business; Manzo, Pearson Prentice Hall, © 2008. ISBN 0-13-613986-8 and 978-0-613986-7.

Exam dates:

Grading:

Grading Policy: Assignments will be accepted only at or before the date and time when they are due. Exceptions to this policy will be made only in extraordinary circumstances. You are expected to maintain at least two copies of all class work, one on the H drive and on on your own USB flash memory stick. No allowance will be made for lost work.

Microcomputer Proficiency: Microcomputer proficiency is the prerequisite for this course. Completion of CpSc 110 or CpSc 130, or success on the university's computer competency exam is sufficient. Otherwise, it is assumed that you have become proficient in microcomputing by some other means, and understand such practices as using application programs, saving and backing up files, managing Microsoft Windows or a similar operating environment, accessing your SRU email and emailing files, and protecting your computer and its data against malware and crashes. If you do not possess such proficiency, I urge you to take CpSc 110 before taking this course. I will not be sympathetic to students who take this course unprepared.

Attendance, reading, and participation: You are expected to attend every class and to arrive on time. Do not expect to be admitted to class if you are late. Lateness will be treated as an absence. Please do all assigned reading before the class in which it is covered. You are expected to attend and participate in class, and you must do the reading and homework to participate. Use of electronic entertainment devices during class is prohibited.

Plagiarism policy: Students determined guilty of plagiarism or cheating will receive a failing grade for the course. Do not allow others to access your files. While I encourage cooperation in study, please ensure that all assignments are your own work.

Copyright notice: By registering in this course you grant the SRU Computer Science Department permission to copy any of your work from the course for use in assessment or accreditation processes, provided that information that can identify you, such as your name, does not appear in the copies.

Exams: Exams may cover both text and lecture material; some text material may not be covered in class. If you must be absent for an examination, please see me one week in advance to make alternate arrangements to take the exam. Please take care of bodily needs before coming to an exam: you will not be permitted to leave the room during an exam until your paper is handed in. All electronic computation, communication, and entertainment devices must be turned off and put away during exams. Use of such devices during an exam will be considered cheating.

Miscellaneous: Make sure your name is on your USB flash memory stick; put it on both parts if the cover is not permanently attached.

Course Outcomes: This course and its outcomes support the Information Systems Learning Outcomes of Problem Solving and Critical Thinking (PS&CT), Communication and Interpersonal Skills (C&IS), and Ethical and Professional Responsibilities (E&PR). These Information Systems Learning Outcomes are tied directly to the University Wide Outcome of Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Communication, and Values and Ethics.

Calendar (tentative):