Computer Science 175, Advanced Software Applications

Fall Semester 2006

Syllabus

Professor Mike Litman

Office: S103F

Phone: 262-243-5700 (office)

Instant Messenger: mlitman78 (AIM)

email: Michael.Litman@cuw.edu

Office Hours: MWF 3:00 - 3:50 pm, TR 2:30 - 3:20, or by appointment

CSC 175, Section 1 meets in S118B MWF 2:10-3:00pm



CSC 175 – Advanced Software Applications allows the student to develop expertise in applying computer systems to a wide variety of personal and professional problems. Analysis of problems and synthesis of computerized solutions is emphasized. A unit approach allows the integration of current events, technology, concepts and practice. Selected topics include: web design, creation and interfacing techniques using HTML, ASP and Java; data communications and computer security; database design and SQL programming; advanced issues in productivity software (eg, data conversion, macros, objects, etc); information management and presentation; modeling and simulation; and human-computer interface issues. Prerequisite: CSC 150 with a grade of C or higher - 3 credit hours

Texts

My website, once I find a place to host it on campus!!!

Gersting & Schneider, An Invitation to Computer Science, 1999 – the I.C.S. Text



Objectives and Overview (the small print :)

CSC 175, Advanced Software Applications, is a logical continuation of CSC 150, Introduction to Computer Science. CSC 175 students will already be familiar with the foundational “grand ideas” of computer science from CSC 150. CSC 175 students begin the course as competent computer users due to their CSC 150 background (students are intermediate-level word processing and spreadsheet users, beginning presentation graphic users and programmers). CSC 175 is designed to produce advanced computer users by combining sound theoretical concepts with practical problem solving skills.

CSC 175 is meant to create computer users who are proficient problem solvers using advanced software application techniques. CSC 175 does not teach application packages! CSC 175 teaches students how to be effective and efficient problem solvers using advanced features of computer systems. Problems are presented and then problem solving techniques are discussed using application packages as the vehicle for generating solutions.

CSC 175 serves a dual-purpose in the curriculum. It is a service course for non-Computer Science students. It is also a requirement for Computer Science majors and minors. CSC 175 is also a required component of other majors, such as business. The goal of CSC 175 is appropriate for both student populations. Non-Computer Science students will be using computers as problem-solving tools throughout their careers. Understanding fundamental concepts augmented by practical skills will be essential for them. Computer Science majors need to understand a user perspective in order to create effective tools. A computer scientist is a tool builder. Computer Science majors need to develop a “user empathy” as they explore solutions to numerous problems using computer systems. Both populations of students will benefit from a “tool building” approach. Both non-Computer Science and Computer Science students will benefit from actually creating and building tools to solve problems as both populations will be expected to build tools to solve problems in their vocation.

CSC 175 is a concepts course, not just a skills course. Students must demonstrate skills; however, skills are acquired by first understanding concepts. Concepts are presented during class discussion and students put concepts into practice by completing homework assignments. Emphasizing specific skills (eg, which buttons to press in Microsoft Word) is counterproductive. Computer systems change constantly. A student who is merely trained in the skills of using a particular application package is “out of date” within a short period of time (average life expectancy of a typical software application package is 18 months). An educated person can draw on their knowledge base of Computer Science concepts and transfer those fundamental ideas into specific skills in order to continually solve problems. A person who is merely trained in specific skills can not adapt when new technology is released.

CSC 175 builds upon the “grammar” foundation set in CSC 150 to the realm of “dialectic” or “logic.” CSC 175 should force students to think deeply about the interconnections within the discipline of CS and the connections between real problems posed in a discipline (art, business, communications, education, science,  theology, etc) and the solutions provided by computer applications. A CSC 150 student should say “Yes, that problem could be solved by a computer.” A CSC 175 student should say “Of these alternatives, this is the best way to solve the problem at hand.” For example, the CSC 175 student should be able to distinguish the advantages and disadvantages of a “ready to run” application versus a “software development tool” when both could be applied to the same problem.



Course Requirements

I will determine how well you have met the objectives by:

° Homework - 70 percent of final grade

° Exams (theory) - 30 percent of final grade



Attendance

Attendance is expected at every class meeting. If you are not present in class, an absence will be recorded on the official attendance form. Excessive absences can result in a failure for the class; missing 6 or more class periods will result in a course failure unless prior arrangements have been made.



Grading

90 - 100 percent = A range

80 - 89 percent = B range

70 - 79 percent = C range

60 - 69 percent = D range

less than 60 percent = F

CUW grades with + and - letter grades. Scores in the top two percentage points of any range will receive a plus while scores in the bottom two points of any range will receive a minus.



Course Content