Sample Syllabus file

Sample Syllabus
(This is a tentative syllabus for the Fall and Spring semesters. The detailed and updated syllabus will be posted within the COMS 103 Canvas course each semester. If you need the syllabus for summer course, please send me an email.)

COMS 103 Computer Literacy and Applications
Instructor: Dr. Shu-Hui Chang, Associate Teaching Professor / Director of distance education, Department of Computer Science, Iowa State University.

I. Textbook:
Students don’t need to buy the physical copy of the textbooks. They do need to buy the ‘immediate access’ textbooks via RedShelf. The digital course material will be used through the ‘immediate access program’ for the course.

II. Course Description:
Computer Science 103: Computer Literacy and Applications is a four-credit hour course (designed for students with little or no prior computer experience). It focuses on two parts of modern computing - Computer Literacy and Computer Applications. 

As a student in this course, you will embark on a comprehensive study of computer concepts. These topics include: Introduction to Computers, The Internet and World Wide Web, Application Software, The Components of the System Unit, Input, Output, Storage, Operating Systems and Utility Programs, Communications and Networks, Database Management, Computers and Society, Security, Privacy, and Ethics, Information System Development, Programming Languages and Program Development, Enterprise Computing, Computer Careers and Certification and A Look to the Future.

This course also focuses on the Microsoft Windows , Microsoft Office , Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, Microsoft PowerPoint, and the integration of the applications.

The Applications part is covered in weekly assignments. Students can work at their own paces and schedules, but must turn in their assignments and projects on time.  

Students do not have to attend the lab for the duration of the course. This will allow students to learn at their own pace and study in the comfort of their home or work environment. This online course brings educational opportunity directly to your computer 24 hours / 7 days a week.

III. Course Management System:
For the Computer Science 103 (Computer Literacy and Applications) class, Canvas will be the curricula management system.  All of your assignments and assessments (e.g. quizzes, exams, etc.) will be managed (accessed, submitted, graded) through Canvas (online). You will need to have access to a computer and the Internet either through your own computer or computers in the computer labs on campus. Additionally, the computers you use should have the following software applications: Windows and Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint, which are the course's major contents.

IV. Grading:

V. Course Policies:
(Note: The detailed and updated course policies will be posted within the COMS 103 Canvas course.)

A) Special Accommodations
Disabled students are encouraged to contact the instructor in the first week of the semester so that appropriate accommodations may be arranged.

B) Examination, Quiz, and Homework Policy
1) Since this is an online class, you need to manage your own time to complete and submit all homework, quizzes, and examinations before the deadlines.  All quizzes and examinations will be taken on-line using Canvas.
2) All assignments should be turned in before the deadline. Late homework is accepted for one week after the due date with 80% credit. Homework turned in more than one week late will receive no credit.

C) Regular Activities
There will be homework and quizzes for each week. Quizzes will not be available after the deadlines. In this class, all communications between the instructor and students are carried out by Canvas. To communicate with the instructor, use the Canvas email.
It is the students' responsibilities to check the Canvas email system promptly every day for the most updated information.

D) Academic Dishonesty Policy
Academic dishonesty:
"Academic dishonesty occurs when a student uses or attempts to use unauthorized information in the taking of an exam; or submits as his or her own work themes, reports, drawings, laboratory notes or other products prepared by another person or knowingly assists another student in such acts.  Such behavior is abhorrent to the university, and students found guilty of academic dishonesty face suspension, conduct probation, or reprimand......"  
Iowa State University Bulletin

E) Software
The computers you use should be able to run the following: the Windows Operating system and Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint, which are needed throughout the course. It is the student's responsibility to obtain the required operating system and software for this course.

MAC USER:
If you are a Mac user, you have two options:
1) Option one: You can use the computers on campus that have the office installed on their machines.
2) Option two: You can also use the ‘remote desktop connection’ to connect to a computer in the computer science building. This allows you to work on your weekly projects remotely from your home. The detailed instructions about how to use the ‘remote desktop connection’ will be posted within our canvas course. If you have questions, please contact your group TA for help.

F) Academic Dishonesty
The class will follow Iowa State University’s policy on academic dishonesty.  Anyone suspected of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Students Office.
http://www.dso.iastate.edu/ja/academic/misconduct.html

G) Student Accessibility Services
Iowa State University is committed to assuring that all educational activities are free from discrimination and harassment based on disability status.  Students requesting accommodations for a documented disability are required to work directly with staff in Student Accessibility Services (SAS) to establish eligibility and learn about related processes before accommodations will be identified.  After eligibility is established, SAS staff will create and issue a Notification Letter for each course listing approved reasonable accommodations.  This document will be made available to the student and instructor either electronically or in hard-copy every semester.  Students and instructors are encouraged to review contents of the Notification Letters as early in the semester as possible to identify a specific, timely plan to deliver/receive the indicated accommodations.  Reasonable accommodations are not retroactive in nature and are not intended to be an unfair advantage.  Additional information or assistance is available online at www.sas.dso.iastate.edu, by contacting SAS staff by email at accessibility@iastate.edu, or by calling 515-294-7220. Student Accessibility Services is a unit in the Dean of Students Office located at 1076 Student Services Building.

H) Dead Week
This class follows the Iowa State University Dead Week policy as noted in section 10.6.4 of the Faculty Handbook http://www.provost.iastate.edu/resources/faculty-handbook.

I) Harassment and Discrimination
Iowa State University strives to maintain our campus as a place of work and study for faculty, staff, and students that is free of all forms of prohibited discrimination and harassment based upon race, ethnicity,
sex (including sexual assault), pregnancy, color, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a U.S. veteran. Any student who has concerns about such behavior should contact his/her instructor, Student Assistance at 515-294-1020 or email dso-sas@iastate.edu, or the Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance at 515-294-7612.

J) Religious Accommodation
If an academic or work requirement conflicts with your religious practices and/or observances, you may request reasonable accommodations. Your request must be in writing, and your instructor or supervisor will review the request.  You or your instructor may also seek assistance from the Dean of Students Office or the Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance.

K) Contact Information
If you are experiencing, or have experienced, a problem with any of the above issues, email academicissues@iastate.edu.

L) COVID-19 health and safety requirements

Students are responsible for abiding by the university’s COVID-19 health and safety expectations. All students attending this class in-person are required to follow university policy regarding health, safety, and face coverings:

• wear a cloth face covering in all university classrooms, laboratories, studios, and other in-person instructional settings and learning spaces. Cloth face coverings are additionally required to be worn indoors in all university buildings, and outdoors when other people are or may be present where physical distancing of at least 6 feet from others is not possible. Students with a documented health or medical condition that prevents them from wearing a cloth face covering should consult with Student Accessibility Services in the Dean of Students Office.
• ensure that the cloth face covering completely covers the nose and mouth and fits snugly against the side of the face.
• practice physical distancing to the extent possible.
• assist in maintaining a clean and sanitary environment.
• not attend class if you are sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
• not attend class if you have been told to self-isolate or quarantine by a health official.
• follow the instructor’s guidance with respect to these requirements. Failure to comply constitutes disruptive classroom conduct. Faculty and teaching assistants have the authority to deny a non-compliant student entry into a classroom, laboratory, studio, conference room, office, or other learning space.

These requirements extend outside of scheduled class time, including coursework in laboratories, studios, and other learning spaces, and to field trips. These requirements may be revised by the university at any time during the semester.

In accordance with university policy, instructors may use a face shield while they are teaching as long as they are able to maintain 8 feet of physical distance between themselves and students during the entire instructional period. Some form of face covering must be worn at all times in learning spaces regardless of the amount of physical distancing.

Faculty may refer matters of non-compliance to the Dean of Students Office for disciplinary action, which can include restrictions on access to, or use of, university facilities; removal from university housing; required transition to remote-only instruction; involuntary disenrollment from one or more in-person courses; and other such measures as necessary to promote the health and safety of campus.

It is important for students to recognize their responsibility in promoting the health and safety of the Iowa State University community, through actions both on- and off-campus. The university’s faculty asks that you personally demonstrate a commitment to our Cyclones Care campaign. Iowa State University’s faculty support the Cyclones Care campaign and ask you personally to demonstrate a commitment to our campaign. Your dedication and contribution to the campaign will also protect your family, classmates, and friends, as well as their friends and families. Our best opportunity for a successful fall semester with in-person learning and extramural activities requires all of us to collaborate and fully participate in the Cyclones Care campaign.