Syllabus
Communication Resources
Syllabus
IST 110: Introduction to Information Sciences and Technology
(Section 002)
Spring 2002, University Park
Lectures: Tuesdays and
Thursdays: 1:00 PM -- 2:15 PM
Laboratory: Thursdays 11:15 AM -- 12:55 PM
Professor: Dr. Daniel Lorence
Classroom: 111 Boucke
Office: 114E Henderson
Student Hours: Wednesdays: 2-4pm
Phone: 863-2900 (office)
Email: dpl10@psu.edu
This course provides an introduction to basic concepts of information, information systems and the "Information Age". Students will develop an understanding of basic computing and information systems principles and the social implications of information and information technology. The course also provides an overview on the creation, organization, analysis, storage, retrieval, and communication of information. The instruction incorporates both collaborative and action learning experiences wherever possible. We also emphasize developing and practicing both writing and speaking skills through application of the concepts that define the course. In this course we will cover the following major topics:
- The "Information Age" and the role of information in knowledge work.
- Information systems and information technologies.
- The human user as the focus of any information system.
- Planning for and developing information systems
- Personal information and information technology skills
We will explore these topics through in-class presentations, laboratory exercises, discussions, readings (text and on-line sources), exercises (individual and group-based), and a variety of graded assignments and tests.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to:
- Discuss the roles of information and information technology as they shape the emerging "Information Age."
- Demonstrate competence in the use of basic information technologies (i.e., Microsoft Office 2000, Internet Information clients, etc. ).
- Define and illustrate concepts of social informatics and relate these to the planning, development, and use of information technologies in organizations
Note to students with disabilities: It is Penn State's policy to not discriminate against qualified students with documented disabilities in its educational programs. It is also your instructor's policy to try to help students learn by whatever reasonable means necessary. If you have a disability-related need for modifications in your testing situation, your instructor should be notified during the first week of classes so that your needs can be accommodated. You may be asked to present documentation from the Office of Disability Services (located in 105 Boucke Building) that describes the nature of your disability and the recommended remedy.
Americans with Disabilities Act: The School of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) welcomes persons with disabilities to all of its classes, programs, and events. If you need accommodations, or have questions about access to buildings where IST activities are held, please contact the Dean's Office (814) 865-3528 in advance of your participation or visit. If you need assistance during a class, program, or event, please contact any member of our staff or faculty in charge.
COURSE ORGANIZATION
Teaching Staff and Structure. The course is based on a common text and syllabus, though each IST110 section is slightly different based on the professor's personal interests and pedagogy. The Teaching Assistant for our section is Corinne Weisgerber (cxw329@psu.edu). She will assist with grading and serve as the Lab Instructor. Office hours will be posted during the first week of class.
The IST 110 Listserv. This section has a mandatory listserv conference that we will use to post course and class information, conduct on-line discussions, and share information.
Required Texts (available at the PSU Bookstore):
(P) Papers and online references will be available to supplement the text:
Parsons, Oja and Low; Computers, Technology and Society (Second Edition - Comprehensive) ISBN-0-7600-7022-9
(O) O'Leary, T. O'Leary, L. (2000) Microsoft Office 2000, Boston: Irwin/McGraw-Hill. See the companion web site: http://www.mhhe.com/cit/apps/oleary/
(SR) Supplemental readings, as assigned
You will find having a reference manual/tutorial for the Microsoft Office 2000 software useful. TAs will discuss current options in the first few labs. Please note that all Penn State students are entitled to a FREE copy of Microsoft Office 2000 Professional. Please see the MOC web site for details.
PSU STATEMENT ON ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
According to the University Advising Handbook: "Academic integrity is the pursuit of scholarly activity free from fraud and deception, and is the educational objective of this institution. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, fabrication of information or citations, facilitating acts of academic dishonesty by others, unauthorized possession of examinations, submitting work of another person, or work previously used without informing the instructor, or tampering with the academic work of other students. Any violation of academic integrity will be thoroughly investigated, and where warranted, punitive action will be taken." Students should be aware that standards for documentation and intellectual contribution may depend on the course content and method of teaching, and should consult instructors for guidance.
Your grade is based on 100 possible points.
| A: | 100-94 |
| A-: | 94-90 |
| B+: | 89-86 |
| B: | 85-82 |
| B-: | 81-79 |
| C+: | 78-76 |
| C: | 75-70 |
| D: | 69-60 |
| F: | 60-0 |
Lecture and laboratory attendance are mandatory and will be calculated into your participation grades.
PROJECTS AND EXAMS
| Project | Weight | Due Date |
| Mid-Term Examination | 25% | February 26 | Lab Assignments | 25% | Assigned | Class Attendance/Participation | 20% | Assigned | Final Examination | 30% | Finals Week |
You earn your grade that is assigned by me in consultation with our class TA. The criteria for each assignment will be discussed in detail, as will the grading scheme. Each written assignment will be evaluated on how well it addresses the questions posed, the clarity of thinking, the organization and presentation of the material, the quality of writing, and its timeliness.
PROBLEMS: PLEASE CONTACT DR. LORENCE OR CORINNE WEISGERBER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! We want to see every student succeed -- but we can only help if we know as soon as possible.
OFFICE HOURS:Office hours with Dr. Lorence will be Wednesday 2-4PM, and by appt., in 114E Henderson Bldg.
PROJECTS AND EXAM DESCRIPTIONS
There are in-class projects, laboratory assignments, a mid-term exam and a final exam. Please consult the schedule to see when papers/ assignments are due and exams scheduled. You will receive more written instructions for each assignment well in advance of the due date.
Mid-term Examination: Held in Class on February 26
This examination will cover class material up to the midpoint of the semester.
Final Examination: Date To Be Announced
This will be a comprehensive examination that incorporates both class and lab
A few rules will help us to get the most of our investment in IST110:
- Classes will start on time and end as scheduled. Please take your seat prior to the start of class.
- You will attend each class and actively participate in the discussions during class. If you are uncomfortable with public speaking, or if English is not your native language, we must meet in the first two weeks of school to establish ways to make you more comfortable in speaking and interacting with your peers.
- For every hour of lecture, I anticipate that you will need to budget about 3 hours of out-of-class time. For every lab session, you may need to budget one-to-two hours of out-of-lab time. This implies that you need to budget about 140 hours of out-of-class time over the course of the semester. This time estimate is a guide and you may need to budget more. For example, if the material is new to you or difficult to comprehend, it will require more of your time.
- You are responsible for all the readings, even if the material is not explicitly covered in class. You should read the class materials prior to class and be prepared to discuss and ask questions about the readings and assignments. You should also re-read the material after class as not every topic will be covered during class time. Many passages in the text may need to be read several times to gain clarity. Also, taking notes on the material you are reading and reflecting on the reading and these notes will help you better understand the issues, concepts and techniques that are being presented.
- All work must be completed on or before the assigned date. No late work will be accepted. Late means after the class has begun. Note that a computer's failure is not an excuse (it represents poor planning on your part).
- Carefully proofread your work. Mistakes include spelling, grammatical errors, and typos.
- Your work should be properly referenced and adhere to standards of both academic integrity and proper form. Generally, I prefer the APA style (see, i.e. www.apa.org).
NOTE: If you use a friendÕs computer - be sure to change the identity information so the work comes through YOUR account! Work will not be accepted if it does not come from the students account.
- All class work involving web pages must be done using the students Penn State web space.
- I expect individual work is just that -- it should be done by you, alone.
- I expect group work is just that -- from all members of the group. If I become aware that you are not contributing to your group equally, I will intervene.
CLASS SCHEDULE
This list represents the plan for IST-110. Actual dates may change due to snow, illness or other problems. Guest lecturers may also speak to the class on several occasions. Note in the 'readings' section, these are when the related material should have been read. We will not use class lectures to cover everything covered in the texts or other readings.
IST 110 LAB click here
Prepare
Course Overview and Introductions
The Information Age
Human Information Behavior
Human Computer Interaction
Human Computer Interaction
Social and Organizational Informatics
Computer History and current Technologies
Computer History and current Technologies
Computer Architecture
Computer Architecture
Data and File Systems
Data and File Systems
Networks
Networks
Mid-Term Exam
Internet
SPRING BREAK
SPRING BREAK
INTERNET
COMPUTER SECURITY
COMPUTER SECURITY
Information Policy, Law and Ethics
Information Policy, Law and Ethics
Communication Systems
Planning for IT systems
Computer Programming
Developing IT Systems
Managing Databases
Developing IT Systems
System Integration
System Integration
Group Project
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