Department of Mathematics, Science & Technology

  1. Course Number and Title:

    CISC110 Introduction to Information Systems

  2. Number of Credits:

    3 credits

  3. Minimum Number of Instructional Minutes Per Semester:

    3000 minutes

  4. Prerequisites:

    Reading Placement Test score of 41 or above, or Level 3

    Corequisites:

    None

  5. Other Pertinent Information:

    Extensive reading and comprehension is required. A significant portion of the course is dedicated to developing a hands-on proficiency with popular software tools and operating systems. A series of laboratory assignments and exercises will be included in this course. Required collaborative work will be evaluated at 10–15% of the course grade. A proctored comprehensive departmental final will be evaluated at 15-20% of the course grade.

  6. Catalog Course Description:

    This course provides an overview of business information systems. Topics include computer hardware and software fundamentals, use of software packages, an introduction to the Internet and system analysis, the design of management information systems, as well as the ethical use of computers in business and society. Hands-on experience is provided.

  7. Required Course Content and Direction:

    1. Learning Goals:

      1. Course Learning Goals

        2. Students will be able to

        1. identify and utilize information and computer system components and peripherals;
        2. demonstrate knowledge of basic system software and application software;
        3. research and examine at least one career relating to information technology;
        4. identify and apply the steps involved in analyzing Information Technology (IT) solutions;
        5. demonstrate ability to use networks, world-wide web, and other communication tools in a variety of settings; and
        6. create and/or modify documents appropriately through the use of currently available software.

      2. Core Learning Goals (if applicable)

        3. Category III
        CRITICAL THINKING/PROBLEM SOLVING
        Students will be able to:
        demonstrate an understanding of solving problems by:

        1. recognizing the problem
        2. reviewing information about the problem
        3. developing plausible solutions
        4. evaluating the results
        INFORMATION LITERACY
        Students will be able to:
        1. determine the nature and extent of the information needed.
        2. determine the technologies and information formats appropriate for the information identified.
        3. access needed information effectively and efficiently.
        4. evaluate information and its sources critically and incorporate selected information into their knowledge base and value system.
        5. develop an understanding of many of the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information and access and use information legally and ethically.
        COLLABORATION
        Students will be able to identify and practice elements of effective group process. RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP
        Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of major ethical concerns.

    2. Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities:

      1. Hardware
        1. Current storage ( measurements, types)
        2. Peripheral components
        3. Processing
        4. Security (physical components, locks)
        5. Ethics (responsible disposal)
        6. Career opportunities

      2. Software Applications
        1. System software (OS, NOS, utilities, virus)
        2. Application software (types available)
        3. Security
        4. Licensing considerations and ethics
        5. Appropriate use of resources
        6. Career opportunities

      3. Networks
        1. Concepts and terminology
        2. Components
        3. Uses of networks
        4. Security (passwords, firewalls, configurations)
        5. Ethics (hacking, approved use)
        6. Career opportunities

      4. System Design through Problem Solving
        1. System life cycle
        2. Security (backup, redundancy, encryption)
        3. Ethics
        4. Teamwork
        5. Career opportunities

      5. Information Literacy
        1. Sources
        2. Appropriateness
        3. Effective and efficient search
        4. Legal and ethical use

      6. Lab Experiences
        1. Operating systems
        2. Word processing
        3. Spreadsheets
        4. Graphics
        5. Internet usage, including search engine utilization

    3. Assessment Methods for Core Learning Goals:

      1. Assessment Methods for Course Learning Goals

        2. The assessment of Course Learning Goals is based on written tests, labs and other assignments, as well as performance-based tasks as appropriate, and a departmental final exam.

      2. Assessment Methods for Core Learning Goals (if applicable)

        3. Critical Thinking/Problem Solving – Departmentally approved written assessment that will demonstrate problem solving skills.

        Information Literacy – Departmentally approved written assessment that requires research, ethics, evaluation, and citation of sources.

        Collaboration – Departmentally approved team project assessment that identifies and practices elements of effective group processes.

        Responsible Citizenship – Departmentally approved written assessment that identifies the pros and cons of a major ethical issue.

      3. Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Students:

        Departmentally selected textbook and other learning materials. Details provided by the instructor of each course section. See Course Format.

    4. Teaching Methods Employed:

      At least two hours each week will be devoted to the presentation of course material and special projects in a classroom environment. The remaining time will be used for laboratory exercises and assignments.

      Section VIII is not being used in new and revised syllabi as of 12/10/08.

      Review/Approval Date - 3/06; Core Goals/Objectives added 2/06; Revised 6/09