Syllabus

Course Description:

MT 34801 Information Systems: Applications and Overview

Prerequisite: None, but familiarity with Windows and Macintosh operating systems a plus.
Course covers the fundamentals of operating and maintaining the Windows OS and a variety of desktop productivity applications. Topics include basic concepts: terminology and features of word processing, spreadsheet, presentation applications, desktop databases, webpage browsing, Internet safety, network terminology and authoring tools. Students taught to utilize online discussion groups (via the Internet) for course work conducted outside of class. No auditors.

Classrooms:

Classes meet on Mondays from 6:30pm to 9:00pm.  Class will consist of a lecture portion and a practical work portion.  The lecture portion will begin promptly at 6:30pm at Fulton 453.  The practical work portion will follow in the computer lab at O'Neill Hall.  

Note, you will be required to bring your BC ID to gain admission to the computer lab in O'Neill Hall and to get a login name and password (if you don't already have one).

Requirements:   

Although your time in the lab will vary, class runs until 9:00pm so be sure to reserve the hours from 6:30pm to 9:00pm for class.

Class notes and reading materials will be available on the World Wide Web.  Completed assignments, which will be sent in over the Internet,  are due every week.  Depending on your level of comfort with the topic, you can expect to spend 5 to 10 hours a week of your own time on homework for the class.

If you can not fulfill these requirements, do NOT take this class.

Attendance is required for all classes.   If you miss more than 4 classes your grade will be dropped down one full grade.

Textbook:

The textbooks for this class is an e-book.   This book can be read online and pages can be printed if you choose.    The e-book for this class is available for subscription exclusively online.  The book is required and the password to access the book will be made available only after the entire class has subscribed for the book.   Once you have subscribed for the book, email the class list that you have subscribed to the book.  Passwords will be sent out when the entire class has subscribed to the book.

Assignments:

Assignments will be given in each class during the lecture portion.  Each assignment will be in relation to the topic discussed that evening.  These assignments will then be completed in class at the computer lab.  If you do not finish your assignment in the lab you must finish it before the next class.  All assignments will be sent in via the Internet. 

Midterm and Final:

Midterm and Final will be available on the Internet.  It is not necessary to take these exams at Boston College.  The exams must be time-stamped by midnight the night they will be given. 

Grading:

Class Schedule:

Note - These dates are subject to change. Changes will be noted in class and on the class list. Students are responsible to take note of any changes.