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Office Location: JBWN 223 Phone: 512-448-8675
Class Location: TH 205 Class Times: Mon / Wed 2:00pm-3:15pm

COSC 1301 - Introduction to Problem Solving and Computing

Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course a student will have been introduced to the following concepts: Basic operating principles, capabilities, and limitations of computers and computer technology. Writing and understanding basic HTML (HyperText Markup Language). Basic file formats (including multimedia) and how to manipulate and use these files at a basic level. Web page design and construction. Using internet resources to find and evaluate information. Effectively use various tools to communicate via the internet. These tools will include web pages, social networking sites, blogs, wikis, and other technologies as they become available. Social factors associated with the use of computer technology. These factors include access issues, social issues, safety, credibility, and netiquette. Basics of computer programming.

Course Prerequisites: None

Course Required Text Book:

Course Grading Policy
4 Exams (4th Exam is the Final Exam ) 50%
Completion of Computer Competencies Requirement by October 15, 2009 5%
Class participation 5%
Homework and Assignments 25%
Semester Web project 15%

Attendance Policy: Attendance in class is strongly recommended and will be taken. Class participation includes attendance. Students are responsible for all material and assignments given in class whether they are present or not. I do not withdraw students due to absences so if you stop attending class you will receive a grade of F. It is the responsibility of every student to withdraw if it becomes obvious the course will not be completed, before the semester withdrawal date.

Late Assignments: Assignments will be accepted up to 1 week past the original due date and a 35% off penalty will be automatically given on the assignment.

Academic Integrity: All assignments and projects are expected to be completed by individual effort only. Students may get help from others on assignments but everyone is expected to turn in his or her own work. Copying another's work and turning it in as one's own is a violation of academic honesty and the student may receive an F for the course if this occurs. Students should refer to the St. Edward's University Academic Integrity Policy for further information.

Computer Competency Requirement: All Undergraduate and New College students who entered St. Edward’s University under the Fall 1999 catalog and later are required to satisfy the Computer Competency Requirement (CCR). The CCR modules comprise of Introduction to Computers, WWW and Internet Communications, Basic Library Research, Introduction to Word Processing, Introduction to Spreadsheets, and Multimedia Presentations. Students must satisfactorily complete a web-based test over each module in order to fulfill this requirement. One of the course requirements is for each student to complete the computing competencies requirement. This must be completed by December 1, 2009. For more information about the Computer Competency Requirement, go to: www.stedwards.edu/it_dept/competency or call 464-8816.

Information Technology Policy: All students are expected to comply with the St. Edward's University Information Technology Policy . Violations of this policy can result in loss of technology privileges as well as disciplinary or legal action.

Incompletes: A grade of incomplete is assigned at the end of the semester only if a student (1) Has attended class regularly, (2) Has completed most of the required course work, and (3) Is unable to complete the course because of an emergency beyond the student's control. Incompletes are NOT assigned to give a student the opportunity to do extra credit work to receive a higher grade. A written request for an incomplete must be submitted to the instructor before the last day of class. All incompletes must be approved by the Dean of Natural Sciences.

Learning Different: If you have a medical, psychiatric or learning disability and require accommodations in this class, please let me know early in the semester or as soon as you are eligible. You will first need to provide documentation of your disability to the Student Disability Services Office located in the office of Academic Planning and Support.

If you experience difficulty in this course for any reason, please consult with me. I will do my best to help you address the concerns you have, and I may be able to direct you to other resources in the department or school. Additionally, SEU provides the following variety of services to support you in meeting course requirements and achieving academic success.