Course Meeting Times
Lectures: 2 sessions / week, 1.5 hours / session
Prerequisites
This course assumes only a minimal familiarity with computer technology and terminology. The course is not intended for students who have extensive technical expertise or experience.
Readings
The course material is available in the course reader. It includes all the required readings (articles) to be covered in class. Most of the optional readings are available via the Web, although a few are included in the course pack. There are also some optional textbooks and recommended Web material. And there will be some additional material handed out in class.
Grading
Class Participation: 50%
Assignments: 25%
Take Home Exam: 25%
Assignments
We view this course as a cooperative learning experience and expect students to engage the topics through hands-on assignments, readings, and thoughtful discussions in the classroom. Class preparation is essential for case based sessions. Assignments provide an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with some of the tools and technologies covered in this course. They include (a) working with a Microsoft Access database (b) writing a twenty-line simple program for a very simple computer designed specifically for this assignment (c) a two-page web description of an IT application used in manufacturing (d) an agenda to help you keep up with IT and (e) a take-home final exam. All assignments are to be received before class on the due date.