COSC 101 Computer Literacy
BTED101/COSC101/IFMG101 Computer Literacy 3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisites: None
An introductory course designed to provide students with a fundamental understanding of
computers. The course familiarizes students with the interaction of computer hardware
and software. Emphasis is placed on the application of microcomputers, the use of
productivity software (word processing, spreadsheet management, file and database
management, presentation graphics, web browsers, search strategies, and e-mail), and the
social and ethical aspects of the impact of computers on society. (Does not count toward
Computer Science major). Note: This course is cross listed as BTED and IFMG 101.
Any of these courses may be substituted for each other and may be used interchangeably
for D or F repeats but may not be counted for duplicate credit.
Course Outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. List the components of a computer system.
2. Use software in the categories of operating systems, word processing,
spreadsheet, database management, presentation graphics, and the enhancement
of learning.
3. Use e-mail and the Internet to communicate and locate information
4. Understand the historical, current, and future trends in computing.
5. Identify issues in computing as they relate to ethnic and racial minorities, ethical,
social, psychological, political, and economic implications.
6. Develop critical thinking in the area of current Information Technology issues.
7. Identify issues of computer security.
8. Comprehend the components and elements of a computer network.
9. Recognize women who have contributed to the field of technology
Detailed Course Outline
10. Introduction to Computing Systems (1hour)
History of Computer Development
Classification of Computer Systems
11. Computer Hardware (4 hours)
Components of Computer Systems
Microprocessors
Primary and Secondary Storage
Input/Output Components
12. Systems Software (4 hours)
Real Time, Single-user, Multi-user, and Multitasking Operating Systems,
System Software: Language Translators & Utility Programs
Advanced Features of Operating Systems of Computer Systems
13. Fundamental Concepts and Basic use of Major Applications (22 hours)
File Management
Word Processing
Electronic Spreadsheets
Database Management
Presentation Graphics
Use of the Internet for Information Retrieval and Communications
14. Other Personal Use Applications Software (1 hour)
Personal Finance Management
Management Information Systems/Decision Support Systems
Artificial Intelligence and Expert Systems (Basic ideas)
15. Computer Networking (3 hours)
Components of Data Communications Systems
Diversity of Networks
16. Impact of Computers on Society and the Individual (2 hours)
Computers in Business, Education, Government, Arts and Sciences
Ethnicity and racial minorities and ethical considerations, social,
psychological, political and economics
Ergonomics, Green Computing
Women in Technology
17. Information Assurance (3 hours)
Computer Abuse
Computer Misuse
Computer Security
Computer Crime
18. Class Exams (2 hours)
Final Exam (2 hours)
Evaluation Methods
19. Computer Application Assignments. Each student will complete lab assignments
covering word processing, spreadsheets, database management, presentation
graphics and electronic mail concepts. (45% of grade)
20. Reaction papers and/or book review. Each student will read the supplemental
book assigned and create either a reaction paper or book review of the assigned
book. (10% of grade)
21. Quizzes and Exams. Students will take quizzes and exams on the textbook
readings and the application products. There is a minimum of two exams during
the course of a regular teaching semester. A final exam will occur at the end of
the semester. (45% of grade).
Grading Scale
Assignment/Test Percentage of Grade
Computer Application Assignments 45
Reaction papers and/or book review 10
Quizzes and Exams 45
TOTAL 100
Grading:
90 to 100% A
80 to 89% B
70 to 79% C
60 to 69% D
Below 60% F
Undergraduate Course Attendance Policy
The university attendance policy will be implemented in class
Required Textbook(s), Supplemental Books and
Readings
Pinard, R, (2012), Cmptr, What’s Inside, Course Technology Publishing
Burniski, R. W., (2008), Literacy in the Digital Age, Corwin Press, California
Grayson, R. (2011), Managing your Digital Footprint, The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc,
New York.
Joseph-N. T. (2012) Introduction to Digital Culture, Living and Thinking in and
Information Age, Cognella Publishing, San Diego, California.
Palfrey, J. & Gasser, U., (2008) Born Digital, Understanding the First Generation of
Digital Natives, Basic Books Publishing, New York.
Paparella, M. S., Smiko, E. (2010) Current Topics in Technology, Third Edition,
Cengage Publishing
Solove, D. J., (2007) The future of reputation: gossip, rumor, and privacy on the internet,
Yale University Press
Bibliography
Grauer, R., Poatsy, M., Hulett, M.,Krebs, C., Mast, K., Mulbery, K., Hogan, L.,
Exploring Microsoft Office 2010, Volume 1, Pearson, New York, 2012.
Palfrey, J. & Gasser, U., Born Digital, Understanding the First Generation of Digital
Natives, Basic Books Publishing, New York, 2008.
Paparella, M. S., Smiko, E. Current Topics in Technology, Third Edition, Cengage
Publishing, 2010.
Pinard, R, Cmptr, What’s Inside, Course Technology Publishing, 2012.
Solove, D. J., The future of reputation: gossip, rumor, and privacy on the internet, Yale
University Press, 2007.
Townsend, K., Ferrett, R., Hain, C., Vargas, Skills for Success with Office 2010, Volume
1, 2/E, Prentice Hall, New York, 2013.
http://www.iup.edu/compsci/undergrad/students/courses/cosc-432-introduction-to-operating-
systems/
