Prerequisite: CIS 1. • Skills Advisory: Eligibility for English 1. 

Ability to keyboard 25 words per minute is recommended.

Course Description: Through the use of Microsoft Word software, skills are developed in creating, revising, formatting, storing, and printing a variety of business documents. Skills are developed from basic functions through utilizing features such as AutoText, columns, custom tab settings, mail merge, envelopes, labels, templates, headers/footers, footnotes, and editing tools. Emphasis is placed on office-quality production of documents.

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Given information, students will create business letters, memos, and other documents according to established standards for a particular office environment.
   

• Given a document and client criteria, a student will apply specific customized editing and formatting.

Minimum Required Skills

BEFORE beginning this course you must possess the ability to:

• use the entire Windows operating system proficiently
• understand Windows file management, especially the differences between files, folders, and drives
• open and re-save files from a CD ROM
• save files to a hard drive or portable storage device
• keyboard (type) at a minimum of 25 wpm.
• use a browser to navigate the Internet
• upload, download and install programs and files from and to the Internet

Required Textbook

There is one textbook required for this course. The first 15 chapters of the textbook will be covered in this course. The remainder of the book is covered in CIS 37B, "Microsoft Word II”. The book may be purchased at http://bookstore.smc.edu/, on campus, or at A & R Textbooks on Pico Blvd, across from the college.

Signature Series: Microsoft Word 2007 - Windows XP Version, by Nita Rutkosky, Paradigm Publishing, Inc., 2008 ISBN 0-7638-3026-7

Hardware and Software Requirements

In order to take this course on-line you MUST have:

a computer running the Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 operating system. You may not use a MAC.

a reliable Internet connection and a working email address.  If you have changed your email address lately, you must change it under "Student Profile" on your SMC online homepage.

a CD ROM drive.

Microsoft Word 2007. Earlier versions are significantly different and are not acceptable. Unfortunately, Microsoft Office 2007 is no longer available for sale since a newer version is now available. If you want to purchase Office 2010 there are several companies that sell software at discounted prices for students. For example, the Foundation for California Community Colleges sells Microsoft Office 2010 Professional Plus Edition for $79.98. See http://www.journeyed.com/select.  Please note if you are using Word 2010 that your textbook, assignments and exams are specifically designed for Word 2007. There may not be many differences, but I can't guarantee the class will go smoothly and that you will be able to complete all of the 2007 assignments correctly.
 

a Web browser - such as Internet Explorer 7

Note: I usually can’t help you with technical, hardware, Internet or e-mail problems. Once you have enrolled in an online class, technical assistance is available 24 hours a day/7days a weeks via email at helpdesk@smconline.org or you can call toll-free 877-740-2213. The instructor cannot assist you with technical issues. It is your responsibility to correct problems in a timely manner.

Course Expectations

Everyone comes to the class with different expectations.  This online course DOES duplicate the content of the traditional course, but NOT the delivery. An online course relies on a self-directed student completing the assignments, readings, and threaded discussions on their own time schedule while meeting the posted deadlines. Students who perform at their potential, have high self-esteem, welcome change and are willing to assume responsibility, make decisions, and express opinions, are successful in this online course.

It is very easy to fall behind in an online class. There are no scheduled on-campus or on-line class periods. The entire course is asynchronous and can be accessed at your convenience. Your only requirement is to complete assignments and exams as scheduled on the course schedule. You must be a self-directed student who can plan your schedule to accommodate the deadlines outlined in the syllabus. Cyber students are often in multiple life roles and time is a valuable commodity.

You are expected to visit the course website several times a week.  Ideally, once a day.  Once there, you will find announcements, lecture material, assignments, and exams.

For more information read the section labeled FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions.)

Grading Policies & Procedures

Evaluation:
The grade for this class will be determined by your performance in the following areas:

Activity	Points	Percent of Grade
Participation/Netiquette	50	6.5%
Assignments & Syllabus Quiz	265	35%
Chapter Quizzes	300	39%
Unit Exams	150	19.5%
Total	765	100%

Grading Scale

90 —100% =A
80 — 89% = B
70 — 79% = C
60 — 69% = D
  0 — 59% = F

Grading Policies: Grades are not negotiable. They are based solely on points earned and not on percentages or "curves." No extra credit assignments will be given.

Participation: A portion of your grade is based on contributions to each of the five class threaded discussions by their assigned due dates. On certain weeks, I will provide you with a topic or instructions that you must complete for participation credit.

Assignments: Homework assignments must reach me no later than 11:00 pm Pacific time on Sunday evening of the week in which it is due. No late homework will be accepted under any circumstances. Although the due day is Sunday of each week try your best not to wait until the weekend to begin your assignments. If you, for example, email me at 5:00 pm on a Sunday with a question about the assignment that’s due that evening, you will not receive an answer in time to complete the assignment. Not understanding the assignment is not considered a valid excuse for not turning it in on time.

Quizzes and Exams: There is one quiz for each chapter covered in the textbook and three unit exams each covering five chapters. Weekly quizzes and unit exams should be taken during the week in which they are assigned. Once the deadline for a quiz or exam has passed it cannot be made up and the grade for that quiz or exam becomes a zero. Each quiz or exam must be submitted no later than 11:00 pm Pacific time on Sunday evening of the week in which it is due.

Dropping the class is YOUR responsibility. Students are responsible for withdrawing from a class and must not expect faculty to initiate withdrawal procedures for them.

Dates & Deadlines Spring 2011

First 8-Week Session   Open Enrollment period ends for online (including hybrid and arranged hour classes) Sunday, February 13, 2011 First day of classes for this session Monday, February 14, 2011 Deadline to drop & be eligible for a REFUND of enrollment fees Friday, February 18, 2011 Presidents' Day note: Presidents' Day is also Washington's Birthday (observed) Monday, February 21, 2011 Deadline to drop and avoid a "W" Tuesday, February 24, 2011 Deadline to apply for Pass/No Pass grading option Monday, March 1, 2011 Departmental Flex Day - CAMPUS OPEN (NO CLASSES) Friday, March 4, 2011 Deadline to drop and receive a GUARANTEED "W" Sunday, March 13, 2011 After this point you must use the Late Withdrawal Process.  Requires faculty approval and documentable extenuating circumstances.  No grade check required.  Sunday, March 27, 2011 First 8 Week Class finals should happen during the week of April 4th-8th 2011 End of Session Friday, April 8, 2011 SPRING BREAK (No Classes) April 11- April 17, 2011 Grades due from Faculty Friday, April 15, 2011

 

Again, be sure to read the section in this syllabus labeled FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) for more details about requirements. Please do not e-mail me until you have read this section.

On-Line Class Protocol

Netiquette for Email and Threaded Discussion

 In any social interaction, certain rules of etiquette can lead to more enjoyable and productive communication. The Internet is no different -- in fact, there's even a special word for it: "Netiquette!" The following tips are good rules of thumb for any online communication.

1. Never forget that the person on the other side is a human being. Even though you are using a computer to communicate don't forget that other people are on the receiving end. Avoid personal attacks or accusations. Don't speak (type) hastily -- try not to say anything to others that you would not say to them aloud in a traditional classroom. Remember that you are playing an important role in building an online community.

2. Be brief (but not too brief) with your class discussions - (about 1 paragraph is appropriate). Other participants will appreciate your ability to stay on topic. If you say what you want to say succinctly, it will have greater impact.

3. Your messages reflect on YOU -- be proud of them. Complaining and/or whining are particularly unbecoming behaviors.  It is perfectly all right to discuss an academic problem as long as you do it objectively. You may meet thousands of people through the Internet, but chances are you won't meet many of them in person. Most people will only know you by what you say, and how well you say it. Take time to make sure that you are proud of the messages you send. Take time to make sure your messages are easy to read and understand.

4. Stay on topic!!

5. Be careful with language, humor and sarcasm. Without the voice inflections and body language of personal communications, it is easy for a remark meant to be funny to be misinterpreted. You can convey the emotions that words alone cannot express by using such online conventions as "smileys." :- )

6. Give back to the Community. Credit information to the people who sent it to you. Likewise, be a "giver" as well as a "taker" in this online community. If you have good and valuable information to share, please do so in the appropriate place.

7. Try not to repeat what has already been said. Read responses to messages before you chime in, so that you are not needlessly repetitive. And make sure your responses have substance --answers like "Yup" and "I agree" probably won't be appreciated.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. Am I enrolled in the course?
   Check the SMC phone registration system at (310) 434-4333 to see if the computer has you in the class. Also, you may call admissions at (310) 434-4474 and ask them if you are officially enrolled in the class or email admissions at admissions@smconline.org For general questions relating to online issues contact the SMC cyber-counselors at cyber-counselor@smconline.org.

2. How can I get help in the course?
   Post homework questions to the Homework Discussion area at the class website or E-mail me regarding other concerns.

3. How do I know my grade to date in the class? 
   The Gradebook shows Course Points to Date.  Or, keep track of your assignments and then compare this total number to the total points possible to date. I will not calculate grades for you.

4. Where is your office?
   B220-E.  Second floor of the Business building.

5. Do you mind students going ahead of schedule for the assignments? In other words, if a student wanted to complete the entire class work in two weeks would you mind?
   You will not be able to see the course materials for a week until the beginning date of that week.  Sorry, but I will not make exceptions to this. You can submit an assignment at any time during the week it is due.

6. Can I use multiple e-mail accounts and how do I change my email address? 
   No.  If you wish to start using another e-mail account, be certain to change it in your user profile at this site.  If you change the email account you wish to use for this course, go back to the Enrolled Classes page (click Exit Course button in lower left screen...it is the page you enter after you have logged in and before you go to this course section) and go to the Student User Profile link at the top of that page.  Please keep your e-mail account current in the user profile or you won't receive e-mails from me.  There is no need to inform me of the change. 

7. How often do you check and answer email?
   I typically check email twice a day, but depending on the volume of email I can't always answer all incoming messages the first time I check my Inbox. It is therefore important for you include the course (CIS 37A) in the subject of your message so I can prioritize your message. I do my very best to answer all mail sent to me in the past 24 hours.  Note: I do not check or respond to email on weekends, so email sent after 4 PM Friday will not be answered until early afternoon on Monday. Please be patient. Also, the SMC spam filter is very vigorous at times so if you have not received a reply within 2 business days please follow up with a voice message to 310-434-4686. Do not simply send another email message which may also just get filtered as spam.

8. When is homework due?
   Sunday evening at 11:00 PM! No exceptions!

9. How do I submit homework?
   Homework will be submitted via the eCollege Dropbox. You will receive specific instructions the first week of class.

10. How do I earn discussion points?
    If you add a comment to a threaded discussion or perform the task described in the threaded discussion by the due date, then you will receive the full points for that discussion/participation credit.  However, you must discuss the topic or complete the given task as described to receive the points (ie if you post a question about that week's homework in a weekly threaded discussion, you will not receive the participation points...homework questions are posted in the Homework Discussion area. 

11. How can I get extra credit?
    There is no extra credit in this course.

12. What kind of computer do I need and can I use computers on campus?
    To complete this course off campus, you need a PC with a Windows operating system and Word 2007.  For this online section, you cannot use computers in the Business computer lab B231.

13. What are the arranged hours for the course?
    The time that you spend on the course over the Internet is considered our arranged hours. For this online course you do not need to schedule any set hours. It is asynchronous.

14. Will we ever meet on campus?
    No.

15. Do we have to meet online at a specific time?
    No, you may work on-line at your convenience.

16. Do I need to buy the textbook?
    Yes!!!!! The course assignments and exams are written with the assumption that you have the book. You should obtain the book as soon as possible.

17. Can homework be submitted late?
    NO! Unless you have a documented medical emergency you cannot submit late work.

18. But what if  . . . ?
    NO!

19. But I had to take care of . . .
    NO!

20. Can homework be submitted early?
    It can be submitted at any time during the week in which it is due. However, only one week will be available at a time.

21. May I resubmit homework?
    Not unless I specifically request via email or a comment in the Dropbox that you resubmit a particular assignment. Since I only grade homework one time, it is best to make sure it is correct before turning it in.
     

22. Who do I contact for technical assistance with the smconline.org website?
    Once you have enrolled in an online class, technical assistance is available 24 hours a day/7days a weeks via email at helpdesk@smconline.org or you can call toll-free 877-740-2213. The instructor cannot assist you with technical issues.

SANTA MONICA COLLEGE CODE OF ACADEMIC CONDUCT

Cheating will not be tolerated on tests or assignments. Any student caught cheating on exams or duplicating assignments will receive a grade of zero for the activity and may be assigned a failing grade for the course.

 CODE OF ACADEMIC CONDUCT AND REPORTING POLICY

Santa Monica College, as a community oriented, open-door, educational institution whose purpose is to educate and enlighten members of the community who seek knowledge, cannot and will not tolerate academic dishonesty. In order to uphold the academic integrity of the institution, all members of the academic community, faculty and students alike, must assume responsibility for providing an educational environment of the highest standards, characterized by a spirit of academic honesty; therefore, given this premise, under no circumstances will academic dishonesty be tolerated at this institution.

ACADEMIC CONDUCT DEFINED Santa Monica College defines academic dishonesty as the act of or assistance in deceiving, including fraud or deception, in any academic exercise. This includes, but is not limited to, the following actions not authorized by the instructor or testing officer: •Allowing another individual to assume one’s identity for the purpose of enhancing one’s grade in any of the following: testing, field trips, or attendance. •Falsifying or attempting to falsify grade rosters. •Representing the words, ideas or work of another as one’s own in any academic exercise (plagiarism), including the use of commercial term paper companies. •Changing answers on a previously scored test, assignment, or experiment with the intent to defraud. •Copying or allowing another student to copy from one’s paper or answer sheet during an examination. •Inventing information for the purpose of completing a laboratory experiment or case study analysis with the intent to defraud. •Giving and/or taking information during an examination by any means, including electronic transmission.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES The ultimate success of this code of academic conduct will depend in large part on the degree to which it is willingly endorsed and supported by students. In order to achieve this support, the following recommendations are made to the students of Santa Monica College. 1. Each student is responsible to conduct him/herself in a manner that encourages learning and prohibits academic dishonesty. 2. Each student is responsible to act with fairness towards other students in the classroom, including the notion that students should not seek an unfair advantage over other SMC students when completing an assignment, taking an examination, or engaging in any other kind of academic activity.  

CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATING ACADEMIC CONDUCT Given an alleged violation of academic honesty, any or all of the following actions may be imposed: 1. The instructor may assign a failing grade to the examination or assignment in which the alleged cheating or plagiarism occurred. 2. In more serious instances, the instructor may assign a failing grade for the course, upon consultation with the Department Chair. 3. The instructor may dismiss the student from the class or activity for the present and/or following class session. 4.

In more severe incidents of academic dishonesty, including but not limited to impersonation, stealing exams or research papers, or repeated violations, the College disciplinarian may suspend or recommend expulsion of a student from the College.

FACULTY RESPONSIBILITIES In order to maintain an environment free of academic dishonesty, the following recommendations are made to faculty regarding their responsibility to uphold the academic integrity of Santa Monica College: 1. Make every attempt to conduct your classroom in a manner that encourages honorable behavior and learning to ensure student success and discourage academic dishonesty; 2. Inform students of the course requirements, grading procedures, and expectations for acceptable academic conduct and behavior; 3. Inform students of the SMC policy on academic conduct and the consequences to be implemented if any behavior counter to the policy occurs; and 4. Inform students of their right to due process should they wish to contest a cheating allegation.

REPORTING A VIOLATION Given an incident of academic dishonesty, a faculty member is encouraged to adhere to the following procedure: 1. Inform the student of the nature of the alleged violation and the impending course of action. 2. Complete the Academic Dishonesty Report Form and submit, along with any related evidence, the first copy to the College disciplinarian and the second copy of the form to the student within ten (10) working days of the allegation. The College disciplinarian will, in turn, send copies to the campus ombudsperson and the department chair, and place a copy in the student’s disciplinary records as defined in the Student Conduct Appeals Procedures. This information shall remain a part of the student’s records for up to two years, providing there are no further acts of misconduct.

APPEAL PROCEDURE Given an alleged violation of academic honesty, a Santa Monica College student has the right to appeal the action taken by the faculty member through the appeal procedures established by the College. 1. Whenever the penalty for academic dishonesty involves a failing grade for an examination, an assignment or the course, the accused student has five (5) working days after notification of the allegation and penalty to appeal it. He or she shall be provided the opportunity for a conference with the campus ombudsperson (or designee), faculty member involved, and department chair (or designee). Such a conference will be arranged by the campus ombudsperson (or designee) at the request of the student, and notice will be given to all participating members at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the scheduled appointment. 2. If the conference yields no informal resolution satisfactory to the student, the student may file a formal Petition for of Grade with the Dean of Admissions and Records. Such a filing must be made within ninety (90) calendar days following the filing date of the Academic Dishonesty Report Form. For further information regarding this procedure, please refer to the Grade Appeals process as outlined in the Santa Monica College Administrative Regulations.