Syllabus for CMP-202
FOUNDATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
This course provides an overview of the fundamental ideas and principles behind information systems. The course approaches traditional computer concepts from a managerial perspective geared to the requirements of businesses and organizations. Within this context, students use case studies to analyze and discuss design concepts and approaches to managing information and implementing technology solutions. The course introduces students to the role of information systems in business, society, and private life, to the role of critical decision makers, and to important decision support tools. It further addresses core ethical issues, principles, and procedures. Students are expected to develop critical-thinking as well as analytical and problem-solving skills.
After completing this course, you should be able to:
You will need the following materials to complete your coursework. Some course materials may be free, open source, or available from other providers. You can access free or open-source materials by clicking the links provided below or in the module details documents. To purchase course materials, please visit the University's textbook supplier.
Foundation of Information Technology is a three-credit online course, consisting of five modules. Modules include an overview, list of topics, learning objectives, study materials, and activities. Module titles are listed below.
For your formal work in the course, you are required to participate in online discussion forums, complete written assignments, complete case studies, take module quizzes, and complete a final project. See below for more details.
Consult the Course Calendar for assignment due dates.
One or more of your course activities may utilize a tool designed to promote original work and evaluate your submissions for plagiarism. More information about this tool is available in this document.
Foundation of Information Technology requires you to participate in five graded discussion forums (worth 15% of your course grade). There is also an ungraded but required Introductions Forum in Module 1.
Discussion questions—for which you will have a choice in each module—are drawn from end-of-chapter discussion questions in the textbook. Communication and collaboration among fellow students and with the mentor is a critical component of online learning. Participation in online discussions involves two distinct assignments: an initial response to a discussion question and subsequent comments on classmates' responses. Meaningful participation is relevant to the content, adds value, and advances the discussion. Comments such as "I agree" and "ditto" are not considered value-adding participation. Therefore, when you agree or disagree with a classmate, the reading, or your mentor, state and support your agreement or disagreement. You will be evaluated on the quality and quantity of your participation, including your use of relevant course information and your awareness of and responses to the postings of your classmates. Remember, these are discussions. Responses and comments should be properly proofread and edited, professional, and respectful.
You are required to complete five case study assignments (worth 20% of your course grade) and five written assignments (also worth 20% of your course grade). The case study assignments include written discussion questions and critical thinking questions. The written assignments consist of short-answer essay questions and a choice of projects.
Take the time to read through the case study and written assignment questions before you begin each module. Your answers to the assignment questions should be well developed and convey your understanding of the course materials. Formulate responses in your own words (do not merely copy answers from your reading materials), citing text materials and outside sources where appropriate and in an appropriate manner. Include your name at the top of the paper, as well as the course name and code and the semester and year in which you are enrolled.
You are required to take five (5) quizzes, one per module. All quiz items are multiple-choice and you may use any materials that you like in taking the quizzes. There is no time limit for taking each quiz.
Quiz-taking is an excellent way to reinforce course concepts. Therefore, you will be able to take each quiz an unlimited number of times, and the gradebook will record your most recent score. This arrangement will allow you to go back and reread portions of the text that you need to review and then take the quiz again for further practice.
In lieu of a final exam, you are required to complete a final project (worth 30% of your course grade).
The Final Project asks you to write an 8–10 page research report (typed, double-spaced) or a 4–5 page research report with accompanying PowerPoint presentation (15–20 slides) in which you describe a company of your choice, the nature of its business, a specific product or service, and how that product or service is produced and distributed by the company and then recommend the information technology system you think should be in place and why. The project entails two stages:
Your grade in the course will be determined as follows:
All activities will receive a numerical grade of 0–100. You will receive a score of 0 for any work not submitted. Your final grade in the course will be a letter grade. Letter grade equivalents for numerical grades are as follows:
A | = | 93–100 | C+ | = | 78–79 | |
A– | = | 90–92 | C | = | 73–77 | |
B+ | = | 88–89 | C– | = | 70–72 | |
B | = | 83–87 | D | = | 60–69 | |
B– | = | 80–82 | F | = | Below 60 |
To receive credit for the course, you must earn a letter grade of C or better (for an area of study course) or D or better (for a course not in your area of study), based on the weighted average of all assigned course work (e.g., exams, assignments, discussion postings, etc.).
To succeed in this course, take the following first steps:
Consider the following study tips for success:
To ensure success in all your academic endeavors and coursework at Thomas Edison State University, familiarize yourself with all administrative and academic policies including those related to academic integrity, course late submissions, course extensions, and grading policies.
For more, see:
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