Pre-requisite:  Reading and writing skills as determined through ACC policy and demonstrated by a passing score on an ACC assessment test or TASP test or TASP equivalent.

BCIS 1305 BUSINESS COMPUTER APPLICATIONS (3-3-1). Computer terminology, hardware, software, operating systems, and information systems relating to the business environment will be covered. The main focus of this course is on business applications of software, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation graphics, and business-oriented utilization of the Internet.

Course Objectives/ Learning Outcomes:

1. Gain familiarity with the concepts and terminology used in the development, implementation and operation of business computer applications.
2. Explore various methods that Information Technology can be used to support existing businesses and strategies.
3. Investigate emerging technology in shaping new processes, strategies and business models.
4. Achieve hands-on experience with productivity/application software to enhance business activities.
5. Accomplish projects utilizing business theories, team work, Internet resources and computer technology.
6. Work with simple design and development tasks for the main types of business systems.

The syllabus for this class is posted in Blackboard.

Grade Policy:Students will be graded on a cumulative grade point system.  Each test, quiz, exercise and project has a maximum possible point a student can earn.  The following list of the possible points.

A letter grade will be assigned based both on concepts and practical application. Exams, quizzes, and lab projects will be a part of the grade.  An overall grade will be assigned on the following grading scale: 

720 – 800 points                        A

640 – 719 points                        B

560 – 639 points                        C

480 – 559 points                        D

    0 – 479 points                        F

Early Start Students:ACC’s grading policy is to issue a letter grade based on a student’s calculated grade using the percentages stated in this syllabus.  The final grade will be recorded as a letter and no numeric equivalent will be assigned.

Course/Class Policies:

Academic Integrity: A student is expected to complete his or her own projects and tests.  Students are responsible for observing the policy on academic integrity described in the Current ACC Student Handbook, under “Student Discipline Policy, Section C”.

“Acts prohibited by the college for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work.  Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their own thought, research or self-expression.  Academic work is defined as, but not limited to tests, quizzes, whether taken electronically or on paper; projects, either individual or group; classroom presentations, and homework”. 

The penalty accessed will be in accordance with the current ACC Student Handbook policy. See http://www.austincc.edu/handbook/policies4.htm  for more information.

Incomplete: A student may receive a temporary grade of “I” (Incomplete) at the end of the semester only if ALL of the following conditions are satisfied:

1. The student is unable to complete the course during the semester due to circumstances beyond their control.
2. The student must have earned at least half of the grade points needed for a “C” by the end of the semester.
3. The request for the grade must be made in person at the instructor’s office and necessary documents completed.
4. To remove an “I”, the student must complete the course by two weeks before the end of the following semester.  Failure to do so will result in the grade automatically reverting to an “F”.

 Freedom of  Expression Policy: It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.

Attendance / Withdrawal Policy: Students are expected to attend classes and will be held responsible for all material covered in class.  Regular attendance helps ensure satisfactory progress towards completion of the course. 

 It is the student’s responsibility to complete a Withdrawal Form in the Admissions Office if they wish to withdraw from this class.  The instructor may withdraw students from this class if their absences exceed 10% of the total number of class meetings.  The last date to withdraw for this semester is set by the registrar and is April 27, 2010 for the fall semester.  It is not the responsibility of the instructor to withdraw the students from their class even though the instructor has the prerogative to do so under the above listed circumstances.

 ALERT: New state law for new students. No more than six course withdrawals throughout your undergraduate education, regardless of how many colleges you attend. Students who entered college before fall 2007 are not affected. Ask a counselor for details.

 ACC Holidays: ACC Board sets the holidays and breaks for the college.  The college does NOT observe the same holidays and days off as AISD, RRISD, etc.  High schools have many days off during the semester that ACC does NOT observe.  If your high school is closed and ACC is not, you are expected to attend your ACC class and you are still responsible for due dates and assignments.  Refer to the ACC Academic Calendar for a complete list of dates for this semester.

 Student Files – Privacy: The information that a student stores in his/her student volume on the ACC network may be viewed by their instructor for educational and academic reasons.

 Students with Disabilities Policy:

 “Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities.  Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office for Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes.  Students are encouraged to make this request three weeks before the start of the semester.  (Refer to the Current ACC Student Handbook)”

 Communication: The ACC online Blackboard system http://acconline.austincc.eduwill be used as the official communication system during this semester.  Lecture notes, handouts, changes to course schedule or assignments and your grades will be posted on this system.  All students are expected to check this system on a regular basis.  A brief orientation will be provided during the first class laboratory period.  For information on how to log onto Blackboard 8.0, visit the following site http://irt.austincc.edu/blackboard/stlogin.html.

 Personal Devices:The classroom is a learning environment and should be treated as such.  Cell phones, iPods, MP3/iPOD players, and other personal entertainment devices can be a distraction to the teacher and other students.  As a courtesy to everyone in the classroom, students are expected to turn off the ring on cell phones and turn off music devices during lectures.  Personal music devices may be used during labs but on if the volume cannot be heard by other students or the instructor.  Students may not accept or place phone calls or text messages during class. 

Note: The instructor has the prerogative to change the course schedule as required.  Students are expected to read and study the assigned material, per the course schedule, BEFORE each class, this includes the laboratory assignments and group projects!!