BCS 160: Computers, Society & Technology

This is an introductory course that provides students with the knowledge to stay current and informed in a technology-oriented, global society. Students will receive instruction in basic computer concepts and terminology, the fundamentals of the Windows operating system and have hands on experience at the beginning to intermediate level using Microsoft Excel and Access. The Internet will be used to supplement textbook and lecture materials. Credits: 3.00

Course Objectives

At the completion of the course, students should be able to do the following:

1. Identify the major parts of a personal computer, including input, processing, output, storage, and communication hardware.
2. Discuss the societal impact of computers, including the benefits and risks related to their prominence in our society.
3. Understand how information systems provide the information needed to support the decision making functions of an organization.
4. Understand basic software concepts and commands.
5. Identify the various types of individuals, companies, and organizations involved in the Internet community and explain their purposes.
6. Discuss censorship and privacy and how they are related to Internet use.
7. Explain why computer users should be concerned about network and Internet security.
8. List steps individuals can take to safeguard their personal information when using the Internet.
9. Explain what information privacy is and why computer users should be concerned about it.
10. Discuss the status of computer security and privacy legislation. 
11. Understand how ethics can impact business practices and decision making.
12. Explain what is meant by the term digital divide.
13. Discuss the current status of legislation related to health, access, and the environment in relation to computers.
14. Describe and discuss some examples of emerging types of hardware and software.
15. Use Microsoft Excel to create and modify a worksheet, improve the appearance of a worksheet, enter formulas, work with functions, sort and filter lists, and create and edit charts. 
16. Use Microsoft Access to create and use a database using design and datasheet views, query a database, create queries, sort the data in a query, join tables, produce reports, and create tables and charts.

Textbooks

• New Perspectives, Computer Concepts 2016: Introductory, Enhanced Edition, Parsons, Cengage Learning 2017, ISBN: 978-1-305-65629-1. 
• New Perspectives Microsoft Office 365,  Excel 2016, Intermediate, Chapters 1-6,  Parson, Oja, Carey, Desjardins, Cengage Learning 2017, ISBN: 978-1-305-88041-2. 
• New Perspectives Microsoft Office 365, Access 2016, Intermediate, Chapters 1-5, Shellman, Vodnik, Cengage Learning 2017, ISBN: 978-1-305-88029-0