Franske CNT-2300 SU10 Syllabus

Information Technology & Careers

PC Hardware And Software (A+) CNT-2300-91 - 3 credits Instructor: Dr. Ben Franske Term: Summer 2010 (6/8/2010-7/29/2010) Meetings: T Th 6:00pm-9:20pm Location: B142

Instructor Contact Information

E-mail	b.franske@inverhills.edu (when emailing please include your course number, section number and full name)
Office and Hours	B110b (M W 1:00pm-2:00pm, T Th 4:20-6:00 (by appointment only), and by appointment)
Office Phone	651-450-3575 (when leaving voicemail please remember your name, phone number, course and section number)

General Course Information

Prerequisite(s)	None
Course Description	Presents an in-depth exposure to computer hardware and operating systems. Students learn the functionality of hardware and software components as well as suggested best practices in maintenance and safety issues. Students learn how to assemble and configure a computer, install operating systems and software, and troubleshoot hardware and software problems. This course helps students prepare for CompTIA's A+ certification exam, which covers the knowledge and skills essential for becoming a successful computer technician.
Required Text(s)	External USB Drive, 8GB free minimum, flash drive or hard drive
Optional Text(s)	A+ Guide to Managing & Maintaining Your PC (Andrews) 7th Ed. ISBN: 978-1435497788 CompTIA A+ 220-701 and 220-702 Practice Questions Exam Cram (Regan) ISBN: 978-0789742575 IT Essentials PC Hardware and Software Course Booklet, Version 4.1, 2nd Edition ISBN: 978-1587132612 IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software Companion Guide 4th Ed. ISBN: 978-1587132636
Course Website(s)	CNTwiki (http://cnt.lextron.net) Cisco Networking Academy (http://cisco.netacad.net)

Lab Hours

In addition to regularly scheduled class time a lab will be available for your use during during office hours on a first come, first served basis. Open lab time may also be available under the supervision of the lab assistant, see the Open Lab Schedule Summer 2010 wiki page for more information. Students who do not show up for lab hours they have scheduled may be restricted from registering for lab hours in the future.

Course Objectives

The student will be able to: Configure a system.

• Install and Upgrade a system.
• Diagnose a hardware or software problem.
• Repair a hardware or software problem.
• Perform preventive maintenance on a system.
• Demonstrate repair and testing procedures that conform to learned safety standards
• Demonstrate effective customer service

Assignments and Grading

Grades will be determined by performance on unit multiple-choice tests, lab exercises or case studies and a final exam. A description of assignments as well as the due date and time will be included in the latest version of the "Course Schedule" handout available from the course website. It is expected that assignments will be completed and turned in on time and as specified.

Late Assignments and Extensions

If assignments are turned in late 10% will be deducted for each day or partial day the assignment is late. If you are turning in an assignment late you must contact the instructor for information before the due date. Failure to do so may result in additional penalties. The grading of late assignments is given a lower priority and may take longer so students are encouraged to plan ahead and turn in assignments on time. Deadline extensions will not be given without written documentation from a licensed medical practitioner or other extenuating circumstances at the discretion of the instructor.

Grading Scale

A

100-90%

B

89-80%

C

79-70%

D

69-65%

F

< 64%

A = achievement that is outstanding relative to the level necessary to meet course requirements.

B = achievement that is significantly above the level necessary to meet course requirements.

C = achievement that meets the course requirements in every respect.

D = achievement that is worthy of credit even though it fails to meet fully the course requirements.

F (or N) = Represents failure (or no credit) and signifies that the work was either (1) completed but at a level of achievement that is not worthy of credit or (2) was not completed and there was no agreement between the instructor and the student that the student would be awarded an I (see also I).

I = (Incomplete) Assigned at the discretion of the instructor when, due to extraordinary circumstances, e.g., hospitalization, a student is prevented from completing the work of the course on time. Requires a written agreement between instructor and student.

Grading Method and Availability

Grades for this course are calculated based on a weighted points system. Each assignment, quiz or test is assigned to one of the weighted categories below and is graded on a points system. Your percentage is calculated for each category by dividing the points earned in that category by the points available. Finally, your percentage earned in each category is multiplied by the weight of that category and these are added together. The instructor may round up based on student participation and individual improvement.

Chapter Assessments	30%
Lab/Homework Assignments	24.85%
Written Final Exam Ch 1-10	13%
Written Final Exam Ch 11-16	7%
Skills Based Final Exam	15%
CNT Service Project(s)	10.15%

Mid-Term grades are not officially distributed but assignment scores are made available in the online grade book and you may calculate your current course grade at any time using the above instructions and weighting.

Extra Credit

Students should not rely on extra credit to boost their grade and should instead complete each assignment to the best of their ability. However, from time to time extra credit opportunities may arise at which time they will be announced in class, by email and/or through the course website. Extra credit will be added to the Lab/Homework Assignments category.

Course and Campus Policies

Attendance

After the first class meeting formal attendance will not be taken; however, students are expected to arrive to class on time and participate in class. If attendance is a problem participation assignments may be given and included in the course grade. If you are unable to attend class for some reason you should contact the instructor as soon as possible, before class if you can. Students with ongoing attendance problems, who have been warned, may receive a failing grade for this class. If you never attended, an “FN” grade will be reported. If you stopped attending, an “F” grade will be reported.

Academic Dishonesty (Plagiarism and Cheating)

It is unacceptable to submit the work of another person as your own. If you quote, summarize, paraphrase, or use the ideas of another, you must accurately attribute that information. If you do not acknowledge the source, you are plagiarizing. Academic dishonesty also includes unauthorized collaboration on academic work; taking, acquiring, or using test materials without faculty permission; submitting the same assignment for multiple classes without instructor permission; taking an examination for another person and many other situations. If you are unsure whether you are plagiarizing or how to cite a source please ask an instructor or staff member for help.

In this course, the first offense of plagiarism and/or cheating will result in a score of zero on the assignment, quiz or test and reporting of the incident to college administration. Further plagiarism and/or cheating may result in a failure of the course and additional consequences determined by college administration. In addition, plagiarism and cheating are covered by the Student Code of Conduct. Please see the Catalog or IHCC website for details.

Incomplete Grade and Withdrawal Information

Students must initiate requests for either an incomplete grade or withdrawal from a course by filing the appropriate form with Enrollment Services. Students who stop attending classes without completing the withdrawal process may receive a grade of “F,” and are responsible for all tuition/fees associated with the course registration. Please see the current Class Schedule or Catalog for details.

E-mail Communications

Recognizing the value and efficiency of communication between faculty/staff and students through electronic mail Inver Hills Community College has designated e-mail as an official mode of communication. At the same time, email raises some issues concerning security and the identity of each individual in an email exchange. Therefore, students are asked to regularly check and utilize their university provided email address for this course. The instructor will only respond to mail from IHCC provided accounts.

ADA Statement

Reasonable accommodations that make sure that all materials, discussions, and activities that are part of this course are accessible will be provided students with physical, sensory, cognitive, systemic, and psychiatric disabilities. To discuss accommodations for this course, please visit the Disability Services Office (L224) or contact by phone (651-450-8628 or TTY 651-450-8369) and contact the instructor.

Religious Accommodation Statement

Inver Hills strongly supports the principles of free expression and respect for the diversity of beliefs, including religious observances, among our academic community. It is the policy of the college to provide reasonable accommodations for students when religious observances conflict with classroom activities or course requirements. It is the responsibility of students to inform instructors in a timely fashion of such conflicts. If a mutually agreed accommodation is not possible, students may initiate an appeal. The procedure for this appeal is the same as the Grade Appeal Policy described in the Catalog and on the IHCC website.

Student’s Right to Know

Policies on Harassment and Discrimination, Crime Awareness and Campus Security Report, Drug- and Alcohol-Free Campus, Student Conduct, and Academic Honesty are available on the IHCC website. Inver Hills has established policies and procedures to handle violations in a timely manner.

Updates to this Syllabus

The instructor reserves the right to modify and adjust this syllabus as needed during the course of this class. The most up to date version will always be available on the course website or from the instructor.