Active Outline

General Information

Course ID (CB01A and CB01B)
CISD050.
Course Title (CB02)
Introduction to Computers, Data Processing, and Applications
Course Credit Status
Credit - Degree Applicable
Effective Term
Fall 2024
Course Description
This course is an introductory-level examination of computer information systems (IS) basic terms, concepts, and technology trends. The course discusses functions and components of an information system including applications software, systems software, telecommunications, networks, the Internet, and the Web. The roles of a computer user and a computer professional are compared and contrasted. Social implications and organizational issues are considered.
Faculty Requirements
Discipline 1
[Computer Science]
Discipline 3
[Computer Information Systems (Computer network installation, microcomputer technology, computer applications)]
FSA
[FHDA FSA - CIS]
Course Family
Not Applicable

Course Justification

This course is CSU transferrable and belongs on the Liberal Arts A.A. degree. This course provides the foundation skills for technology workers employed in the Silicon Valley. Today extensive skill and knowledge of computer systems are needed as well as a working knowledge of software applications.

Foothill Equivalency

Does the course have a Foothill equivalent?
No
Foothill Course ID

Course Philosophy

Formerly Statement

Course Development Options

Basic Skill Status (CB08)
Course is not a basic skills course.
Grade Options
  • Letter Grade
  • Pass/No Pass
Repeat Limit
0

Transferability & Gen. Ed. Options

Transferability
Transferable to CSU only

Units and Hours

Summary

Minimum Credit Units
3.0
Maximum Credit Units
3.0

Weekly Student Hours

TypeIn ClassOut of Class
Lecture Hours3.06.0
Laboratory Hours0.00.0

Course Student Hours

Course Duration (Weeks)
12.0
Hours per unit divisor
36.0
Course In-Class (Contact) Hours
Lecture
36.0
Laboratory
0.0
Total
36.0
Course Out-of-Class Hours
Lecture
72.0
Laboratory
0.0
NA
0.0
Total
72.0

Prerequisite(s)

Corequisite(s)

Advisory(ies)

ESL D272. and ESL D273., or ESL D472. and ESL D473., or eligibility for EWRT D001A or EWRT D01AH or ESL D005.

Limitation(s) on Enrollment

Entrance Skill(s)

General Course Statement(s)

Methods of Instruction

Lecture And Visuals

Discussion of Assigned Reading

Discussion and Problem Solving Performed in Class

In-Class Exploration of Case Studies

Examination Review

Collaborative Projects

Collaborative Learning and Small Group Exercises

In-class essays

Guest speakers

Assignments

  1. Reading:
    1. Required reading from texts
    2. Required reading of computer related news articles
  2. Writing: Three or more one page papers containing a summary and analysis of the impact of current computer related events reported in the newspaper or a five to six page research paper on a computer related topic.

Methods of Evaluation

  1. One or more mid-term exams including multiple choice and/or essay questions which require students to demonstrate comprehension of the material in the course.
  2. Completion of a research paper or three short issues papers that include a summary and analysis of computer-related issues or topic to demonstrate comprehension of the material in the course.
  3. Final exam including multiple choice and/or essay questions that require the student to demonstrate comprehension of the material of the entire course.

Essential Student Materials/Essential College Facilities

Essential Student Materials: 
  • None
Essential College Facilities:
  • None

Examples of Primary Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisherDate/EditionISBN
Alan Evans, Kendall Martin, Mary Anne PoatsyTechnology In ActionPearsonJune 27th 2021/17th EditionISBN-13: 9780136971252
Lawrence Snyder, Ray HenryFluency With Information TechnologyPearsonJuly 13th 2021/17th EditionISBN 13: 9780137502462

Examples of Supporting Texts and References

None.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

Course Objectives

  • Describe the functions and components of a computer system.
  • Compare and contrast the roles of a computer professional and a computer user.
  • Define the terminology of computers.
  • Discuss the function of a management information system.
  • Describe the systems development process.
  • Describe the software development process and identify common programming languages.
  • Distinguish between traditional computer file systems and current data base management systems.
  • Describe common software applications.
  • Describe data communications hardware and network topologies.
  • Discuss the web as a set of Internet services including servers, web site design, and navigation of the web using browsers and search engines.
  • Identify advanced computer applications.
  • Analyze the impact of computer use on society.
  • Recognize computer security fundamentals

CSLOs

  • Describe the role that information systems play in business operations, management, and strategy.

  • Explain and give examples on how common software, hardware, database, and networking applications can be applied to business problems.

Outline

  1. Describe the functions and components of a computer system.
    1. Definition of computer information system
    2. Function of workings of a computer
    3. Hardware components
    4. Computer terminology
  2. Compare and contrast the roles of a computer professional and a computer user.
    1. Role of the computer professional
    2. Role of the computer end-user
    3. How business uses computers
  3. Define the terminology of computers.
    1. The Software Layers
    2. The Hardware Components
  4. Discuss the function of a management information system.
    1. Role of MIS in business
    2. Levels and roles of management
    3. Information systems lifecycle
  5. Describe the systems development process.
    1. Understanding The Problem/Opportunity
    2. Alternate Solutions
    3. Cost-Benefit Analysis
    4. Systems design
    5. Systems implementation
    6. Maintenance
    7. Retirement
  6. Describe the software development process and identify common programming languages.
    1. Designing a program
    2. Programming languages
  7. Distinguish between traditional computer file systems and current data base management systems.
    1. Traditional file systems
    2. Data base management systems
  8. Describe common software applications.
    1. Operating systems
    2. Word processing
    3. Electronic spreadsheets
    4. Database programs
    5. Graphics
  9. Describe data communications hardware and network topologies.
    1. Telecommunications hardware: MODEMs
    2. Telecommunications media: wire and wireless
    3. Networks: LANs and WANs
    4. Internet/Web technology: Servers, Web Sites, Browsers and Search Engines
    5. Web applications: Navigating the Web, E-mail, eCommerce.
  10. Discuss the web as a set of Internet services including servers, web site design, and navigation of the web using browsers and search engines.
    1. Internet services including servers
    2. Web site design
    3. Using browsers and search engines to navigate the Web
    4. E-commerce
  11. Identify advanced computer applications.
    1. Artificial Intelligence: Parallel Processing, Pattern Recognition, Robotics, Knowledge Based Systems
    2. Manufacturing Automation: CAD, CAM
    3. Home office automation: home business and telecommuting, technology issues and management issues.
    4. Education use of technology including Distance Learning
  12. Analyze the impact of computer use on society.
    1. Social issues: Individual privacy, digital divide, computer crime, free speech on the Web
    2. Organizational issues: planning, IS organization and careers, security and controls
  13. Recognize computer security fundamentals
    1. Explore network security risks
    2. Attack and defense strategy overview
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