Exams

Two (2) exams will be given based on course materials from lectures, overheads, and assigned readings. Failure to turn in either the exam and/or answer sheet will result in a zero (0) for the exam grade. 

Extra Credit

There will be NO extra credit beyond the 150 points identified in this syllabus. The instructor feels giving extra credit is not fair to the rest of the class, especially those who do their work and turn it in on time. (See Grading) 

Grading

 Weighting is tentative. Please note that cut off points are strictly adhered to.

Activity	Percent	Percent	Grade
Midterm	30	=>90	A
Final	30	=>80	B
Homework Assignments		=>70	C
ER modeling assignment	15	=>60	D
SQL assignment #1	15	<60	F
Team Project	30
Surveys (5)	15
Participation
ER Modeling In Class Assignment	5
Normalization In Class Assignment	5
SQL In Class Lab	5
TOTAL	150

 Incomplete

A student who, due to exceptional circumstances (e.g., death in immediate family or hospitalization), has a passing grade (C or better) and cannot complete the course (all but ONE assignment) may qualify to receive a grade of “I” (see General Catalogue p. 48).

Learning Disabilities

Students with special needs that have been certified by the Disability Services office must notify the instructor immediately in order for accommodation to be made in WebCT and instruction.

Make-Ups

NO make-ups will be given. It is impossible to create an equivalent experience without placing the student at either an advantaged or disadvantaged status.

Oracle 8i will be the database management system used for instruction and assignments.  Oracle 8i is available in the computer labs. Students may also install Oracle 8i personal edition for use on their own computers. 

Oracle 81 personal edition is available for download free of cost from Oracle’s website at http://otn.oracle.com/software/content.html.  You must first create a user account before downloading. 

To create a user account go to: https://profile.oracle.com/jsp/reg/RegisterUser.jsp?act=5&src=1180585&language=en&tid=480&owner=1.  Instructions for installing Oracle after downloading are available on the WebCT bulletin board.

Participation

The instructor encourages everyone to participate in class activities, discussions, and respond to questions from other students. This type of class interaction will guarantee maximum points for participation. Participation points are based on:

1.	Attending the entire class and completing in-class assignments,
2.	Being prepared to participate, and
3.	Asking and responding to questions.

Reading Assignments

Reading assignments relate directly to the material to be covered in class and should be completed prior to the class for which they are assigned.

Reassessment

If a request is made for any scored material to be reassessed, please recognize that it will be possible to retain, gain, or lose points in the reassessment process. Make any reassessment requests by WebCT e-mail within one (1) week of grading. Please make a follow-up appointment (preferably by WebCT email) to meet the instructor during office hours for review of the results of any reassessment.

Research Days

The instructor will not be available to assist or support students on the weekends (Saturday & Sunday) or the days set aside for research. (See page 1)

Religious Observation

If anyone will miss any class(es) because of religious observations, consult with the instructor before the end of the second week of class by WebCT e-mail.

Review of Materials

All materials will be retained for one (1) month after the start of the following term for review or grade appeal. Contact the instructor for an appointment to review.

Sample Class

Class sessions will be divided between: (1) lecture on database theory /discussion of certain database software concepts and features, (2) instructor demonstrations of these same software concepts and features, and (3) student laboratory sessions working with these same software concepts and features.

The purpose of this pedagogical approach is to introduce and reinforce ideas and skill sets so that students can master these on their own after class hours. To bring this knowledge to a highly proficient, professional level, students will have to spend time and effort outside of class working in the GSU computer labs or on their own micros.

To ensure that you have the basic knowledge that will allow you to function on your own after class, be sure to ask the instructor questions during class, either during the lecture/discussion, demo, or lab.  

Solutions

Solutions to exams, and projects are available for review during office hours or by appointment. Solutions will be shared with the class during a class review, but will not be posted as these represent a student’s intellectual property.

Surveys

Five surveys will be taken throughout the semester to review preparedness and to give feedback on course instruction. The survey is not anonymous, but necessary to improve course delivery in a timely manner. The surveys will count one (3) points each when all questions are answered.  

Surveys are due the following Sunday at 11:55pm after they have been released. 

Syllabus

Read and study this syllabus carefully. This is a contract between the instructor and student, which lays out the responsibilities of both parties. If there are questions, consult with the instructor before the end of the second week of class by WebCT e-mail.

Teaching Philosophy

An educated person is one that can think critically. This person can explain complex ideas simply and accurately. Therefore, do not memorize material but look for patterns in the material. Critical thinking should lead to simple and elegant solutions. 

Technology

GSU requires all students to have an e-mail account and to have access to a computer. GSU user IDs can be obtained from room 106, Library South. However, if a student has his/her own ISP, this account may be used.

Oracle 8i is available in the Lab for use by students to complete assignments. Oracle 8i Personal Edition may also be installed for use on personal computers.  Instructions for doing so are available on the bulletin board. (See Oracle)

Virus

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all submitted assignments are virus free. Infected files will NOT be opened or graded.  

Visio

Microsoft Visio can be used to draw ERD diagrams.  Microsoft is available for download free of charge for all CIS Majors only, from the MSDNAA.  The website is http://msdn.e-academy.com/gsu_cis/.

WebCT

This course will be taught in conjunction with WebCT. Registered students will receive assignments, instruction, feedback, and credit (points) through the WebCT interface. This will be the principal medium for all course communication.

WebCT Abuse

The use of WebCT is a privilege. Correspond with colleagues as one would in a business letter by typing out all messages using proper grammar and spelling. Misuse of the media such as cursing, insults, profanity, swearing, sarcastic, racist, or negative comments will result in loss of WebCT privileges and can lead to dismissal from class.

WebCT Attachments

After completing word-processed assignments, save all files in Rich Text Format (RTF). To save a file as RTF while in a word processor, click on “File”, select “Save As”, move to the box titled “Save as type.” and scroll down to save the file attachment as a “Rich Text Format” (CousinsK_ERD.rtf). This universal format can be read and saved on almost every machine.

This is important because it reduces the possibility of spreading computer viruses, since viruses attach themselves to documents as well as Executable (EXE) files.

WebCT Bulletin Board

This course will provide a common platform for students to communicate with each other through the WebCT Bulletin Board. This is the medium to post questions and responses related to course lectures, homework, programs, or exams. Students are encouraged to take an active role in one’s learning by asking and responding to questions from their peers. The instructor will also post messages.

WebCT E-Mail

This course will provide students with direct access to the instructor through WebCT e-mail. Use this medium for questions that CANNOT be answered by fellow students through the bulletin board and requires the instructor’s response. 

Withdrawal 

Students withdrawing after the official withdrawal date (October 17, 2003) will receive a grade of WF unless a hardship authorization is obtained from the Dean of Students. Students can only attend the classes for which they are registered.