Course Description

Meets SUNY General Education Requirements. 3 hours, 3 credits. This course may be taken as SOC 105. An introductory hands-on course for students interested in gaining a general understanding of the computer and its effect on society, computer hardware, software and related terminology. The laboratory component of this course introduces the use of Microsoft WORD and the Internet in a Windows environment. Students employ the different qualitative and quantitative research methods social scientists use to explore social phenomena from the sociological point of view. Students also examine the role and impact of the computer on vocabulary, health, science and medicine, business and industry, education and recreation. They also explore concerns such as: computer crime, privacy, security and ethics. Maybe used as a substitute for OFT101 Information Technology Concepts for Office Technologies Students. (Students who wish to substitute this course forCSP101 – Introduction to Computers must also complete OFT 111).

Prerequisite: None

Co-requisite: None

Required Materials

Concepts Text: Computers and Technology in a Changing Society, Second Edition, by Deborah Morley. Course Technology, © 2006  (ISBN: 0-619-26767-4)

Application Text: Will be provided by instructor

Additional Materials: A 512 mb flash drive will be required.

Learning Objectives

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to computers and related technology and the societal issues surrounding their use in our society. Topics include the history of computers, current computer technology and terminology, the Internet, and societal issues related to computer use, such as security, privacy, intellectual property rights, ethics, health, and the environment. For each societal issue, multiple viewpoints will be explored, and both the benefits and risks of computer use in our society will be discussed. A look at emerging technologies and the PC of the future is also included. Students will also learn how to navigate the internet,  use Microsoft Word and/or Powerpoint.  No prior computer experience is assumed.

Grading

Letter grades will be determined based on the percentage of possible points earned during the semester, as outlined below.

Possible Points:

Homework, Labs, and Projects - 200 points

Quizzes -100 points

Attendance and Participation - 50 points

E-Portfolio - 150 points

Total: 500 points

Teaching Methods and Methods of Evaluation:

Class Meetings: Important material from the text and outside sources will be covered during our regularly scheduled class meetings. Regular, on-time attendance is critical   Students are allowed a total of three absences. Please be aware that every three latenesses and/or early departures equal one absence.  Discussion is an important part of this class, so be sure to read the assigned sections ahead of time and come to class prepared to participate. Bring your notebook, textbook, and other required materials to every class meeting.

Homework and Other Assignments: Exercises, projects, and other activities will be assigned on a regular basis. Some assignments will require the use of a computer and an Internet connection. Computer-based assignments can be completed on campus or at home, if you have a home PC with the appropriate software and an Internet connection.

Quizzes: 3-4  quizzes will be given to help ensure students stay up with reading and computer assignments and come to class on a regular basis   The quizzes will be closed book/notes and are designed to test the students’ comprehension of material read in the textbook and discussed in class, as well as any the students’ comprehension and competence in the application programs being studied. Make-up exams will be given only in rare situations and are subject to a minimum 10% penalty (at least one letter grade). It is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor PRIOR to the next class meeting if an exam is missed and a make-up exam is requested.

Internet: Some assignments for this course will require the use of the Internet. In addition, it is recommended that students take advantage of the resources (tutorials, Web links, study guide, practice online quizzes, interactive Student Edition Labs, interactive crossword puzzles, etc.) available through the textbook’s Web site. Internet work can be completed on campus or at home, if you have a home Internet connection.

Course Policies:

Missed Classes: The student is responsible for obtaining material distributed on class days when he or she was absent. This can be done through contacting a classmate who was present or by contacting the instructor during office hours or by e-mail. Missed quizzes cannot be made up under any circumstances.

Assignments: All assignments are due at the beginning of class on the due date. Late submission of assignments will be assessed a penalty of 10% per day. No exceptions.

Academic Dishonesty: Plagiarism and cheating are serious violations of school policy and will not be tolerated. Cheating on an exam or assignment will result in receiving a zero for the entire exam or assignment and can lead to expulsion from the class or the College.

Need for Assistance: Please notify the instructor during the first week of class if any special accommodations are needed for this course, due to a physical or learning disability.

Classroom Courtesy: No food or drinks allowed. Turn off cells phones, pagers, and other electronic devices before entering the classroom. Repeat offenders will be asked to leave the class.

Computers and Society Tentative Course Outline