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Syllabus

CS/CIT 106P: Computers: Their Uses & Impact (4)

Instructor

Nicole English
Email: EnglishN@umkc.edu

Required Text Book

• A Gift of Fire, Sara Baase, Prentice Hall, ISBN: 0136008488 (New or Used) (Jan. 6, 2008, 3nd Edition)
  • OR you can use the previous edition (which is Black/White instead of Black/Blue)
• A Gift of Fire, Sara Baase, Prentice Hall, ISBN: 0130082155 (New or Used) (2002, 2nd Edition)
  • OR you can use the previous edition (which is tan instead of black)
• A Gift of Fire, Sara Baase, Prentice Hall, ISBN: 0134587790 (New or Used) (1996, 1st Edition), but the info may be dated, and you might need extra help for Quizzes off of the book's Website.
• Other Supplies:
  • A small flash drive (thumb drive) that can plug into the PC, to save a back-up of your work is optional, but strongly recommended and very advisable. It can save a lot of heart-ache later.

Course Description

This course covers non-technical issues related to computing. This includes history of computing, computer law and copyright issues, privacy, constitutional issues, and impact of emerging technologies.

Evaluation

• Attendence: Points will be given for attending mandatory meetings (or for attending substitution meetings). The initial meeting is most important.
• 30% Issue Reaction Papers (up to 6 Papers, at 5% each). For each paper: Write a 1-page (approx. 300 words) Reaction Paper on one of the issues discussed in class. A different topic should be used for each Reaction Paper. Issues will include (but not limited to):
  • privacy (including HIPPA), security (including ID Theft), electronic communication, computer crime, the computer industry, technology in society, technology and politics, the use of technology in Education, free speech (including erotica or porn), merging of media, copyright, intellectual property (including Napster), etc. (Ideally, it should be an issue that you are interested in.)
  • This is position paper (an opinion piece, or editorial), not a research paper. It is an opportunity for you to write about how you feel and think about technical issues, and express your opinion, using the class materials. Even if you do not have a strong opinion, you will understand the issue better if you take a position (i.e. pro, con, or undecided) on it and then defend that position, (i.e. Present argument, counter-argument, your position, and why).
• Or you can choose to do the Optional Alternative Final Paper, In-depth topic analysis: Some students prefer to do a longer, deeper paper on a single topic of interest, rather than a series of short papers on different topics. As with the CS105P project, you are free to propose your topic. This can be a topic of your choice, (but you might want to get an OK on the topic before investing too much time into it.) It should be related to computers and your analysis should lead you to a better understanding of larger issues beyond the technical aspects. (It needs to be in Word or Wordpad format for grading.)
  • For example, you may choose to compare and contrast the information revolution with the industrial revolution. This would likely lead to an explanation of both and predictions about the information revolution using the industrial revolution as a guide. This is only an example. Your topic should be something that interests you.
  • Topics could include historical figures in computing, issues, interviews, work-related topics, communication, politics and technology, etc.
  • Typically, this analysis takes the form of a short research paper, but could be another format (subject to approval). As a paper, its length should be between 6-10 pages, with 6-8 pages being most typical. Include at least 2-6 references. Minimum of 1800 words, plus 2-6 References. It can be written in any format (APA, MLA, ASA, AAA, etc.).
• 70% Quizzes (70 Questions in total, at 1% each): There will be 7 chapter quizzes (with 10 questions per Quiz) given in the course, covering the chapers in the textbook.
  • Each quiz will cover recent issues discussed in textbook.
  • Quizzes are open-book, open-notes, and online.
  • They can be taken in the labs, on campus, or off-campus (at home or work).
  • You can do them at your own speed and pace.
  • They are on Blackboard (for Current Students), and can be saved as you work on them.
• See the Assigns page for more information on the Assignments and Quizzes. See also the Introduction page for more information about the course.
• Extra Credit:
• You can do an EXTRA Reaction Paper on different topic for Extra Credit.
• You also get Extra Credit for attending the Organizational Meeting.
• You can also get Extra Credit for sending a short, introductory Bio on yourself (major, plans for after graduation, your work, your interests, your family obligations, why you are in school, your goals, etc.)

Note

• Instructor adheres to UMKC Policies of Student Conduct concerning Academic Honesty and Fair Use of sources for projects and papers.
• Students who violate these guidelines will be subject to sanctions as outlined in section 200.010 of the Student Conduct Code. All such cases will be forwarded to the Primary Administrative Officer in the Student Life Office for appropriate action.
• Students with disabilities are welcome to join the class. Students with disabilities should contact the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities to coordinate accomodations.
• Please check the Academic Calendar for drop dates and Financial Aid deadlines. It can be found at this URL: http://www.umkc.edu/registrar/acal.asp