CSI 250
Current Topics In Information Systems
Summer 2011 - Syllabus

COURSE DESCRIPTION: 

A current topic is explored using information systems literature and resources. The focus of the course will change each semester. Student projects include current research, application details, formal presentations, and social implications. 
PREREQUISITE: Two CSI courses                                                                          CREDITS: 3

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

Book Required: None
Research Skills: Excellent
A Spirit to Work Hard and Learn.

This course will expose students to the latest developments and issues in the field of Information systems which are not addressed in-depth in current courses. Topics in the near future may include: Information Systems Ethics, Computer and Education, Computer Crime and Security, Multimedia Presentations, Building Effective Communication Systems, User-Support Internships, and Building Web pages, Current trends and Topics In Computer Technologies. In addition, a topics course will prove the opportunity for students to join in pursuing scholarly and research interests.

The student will learn the importance of new technologies in the following areas :

• Electronic Book Readers
• Netbooks
• Computer Forensics
• Bio-Metric Security Devices
• Global Information Systems
• Computer Animation
• Personal Data Security
  

This course is composed of lecture notes, class discussions. Notes will clarify, reinforce, and expand upon the readings from the text. Significant learning will be accomplished outside the normal class hours through computer assignments. These assignments will reinforce the lecturenotes and demonstrations of course materials. Those willing to gain knowledge beyond the normal scope of the course will be given an opportunity to explore some advanced topics.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY

Holyoke Community College is committed to academic integrity—the honest, authentic and independent pursuit of knowledge. As members of the academic community, students are expected to be responsible for all of their own academic work without dishonesty or deception; joint work is legitimate only when assigned or approved by the instructor. HCC faculty members will take reasonable precautions to eliminate opportunities for academic dishonesty. Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to, the following general categories:

• Using or obtaining unauthorized assistance in any academic work
• Copying from another student’s examination.
• Communicating with another student or using electronic communications devices during an examination.
• Using notes, books or aids of any kind during an examination when prohibited by the instructor. (Students with disabilities should discuss educational accommodations with the Office for Students With Disabilities and Deaf Services.)
• Obtaining prior knowledge of examination questions or obtaining or possessing a stolen copy of an examination.
• Using another student to take an examination for oneself.
• Submitting another student’s class assignment as one’s own.
• Providing fraudulent assistance to another student
• Completing an academic assignment, paper or project or taking an examination for another student.
• Giving answers to or sharing answers with another student during an examination.
• Sharing answers during an examination by using a system of signals.
• Submitting the work of others as one’s own (plagiarism) or representing previously completed work as current
• Submitting a paper, lab report or other academic work for credit, which includes words, sentences, ideas, data or creative work of others without enclosing them in quotation marks, without paraphrasing them or without acknowledging the source.
• Submitting work copied in any medium from another individual or from the Internet.
• Submitting the same paper or academic assignment to other classes without the permission of the instructors. Furnishing false information to any official or faculty member or fabricating data in support of an academic assignment
• Forging a signature or falsifying or altering an academic or college record or document in any way.
• Falsifying bibliographic entries.
• Submitting academic materials, reports or projects containing falsified or fabricated facts, data or results.

COURSE ASSESSMENTS

Testing

Two (2) one hour exams/projects, several quizzes and a final exam/project.

Attendance

Online student have not submitted assignments in a timely fashion (three assignments past suggested date) a AW can be given. It is recommended that students participate in bulletin board and chat discussions.

Assignments

This course requires a student to utilize a microcomputer extensively during the semester. Research and assignments are to be typed using a word processing package, and other assignments using other appropriate software. All assignments must be neat and of the highest quality. All assignments will be graded. I will drop the lowest assignment grade. All assignments are due the first class of the week following the assigned date.

Written Assignments

All written assignments should be in your words not quotes from the book. All assignments must have a cover sheet with your name, assignment number, class and section number and what type of assignment it is (eg)

Written Assignment Week 3 - Due first class of week 4

Joe Student
Week 3
CSI XXX-01
Assignments

Research/Lab Assignments

All research assignments should be in your words not just web pages from the site. All Research must have a cover sheet with your name, research assignment number, class and section number and what type of assignment it is (eg)..

Research Assignment Week 3 - Due first class of week 4

Joe Student
Week 3
CSI XXX-01
Research

Reading Assignments

Students are held accountable for all reading assignments. Some materials may not be discussed in class, but will be reflected in exams and quizzes. All reading assignments are due the first class of the week assignment (eg).

Assignment Week 3 - Due first class of week 3

Make-Ups

There are NO make-up exam given, unless arrangements are made prior to the exam date. There are NO make-up quizzes given, however I will drop the lowest quiz grade that you receive.

Quality

All oral and written assignments should be accurately prepared and be of the highest quality. Students should demonstrate the ability to do research and analyze the subject matter.

EXAM SCHEDULE:

Exam # 1:        Week # 6
Exam # 2:        Week # 10
Final Exam:    As schedule by Registrars Office - Projects are due the last class.

GRADES

Written Assignments	50%
Research/LAB/Quizzes	40%
Attendance/Participation	10%
	100%

GRADING

59.99 Or Under  F	60 - 64.99%     D	65 - 68.99%      D+
69 - 71.99%      C-	72 - 75.99%     C	76 - 78.99%      C+
79 - 81.99%      B-	82 - 85.99%     B	86 - 88.99%      B+
89 - 91.99%      A-	92 - 100%        A

The Instructor reserves the right to change the context and structure of the course syllabus via an announcement in class or Internet.

Professor Casey Storozuk
Office KBC 505
Phone: 413-552-2429