Department of Information Systems, Management and Marketing

ISM 120: Introduction to Computer Information Systems

Fall 2024
3 credit hours

SYLLABUS
Professor: Brandon Jones Office: Room 305
Office Phone: 928-523-2789 E-mail: [email protected]
please use your NAU email or the Inbox in Canvas
Class sections; all classes meet in Room 101: Office Hours; no appointment needed:
Section 05: TUE 12:45-2:00pm TUE 10:30am-12:30pm in my office
Section 04: WED 2:20-3:35pm WED 9:30am-11:30am in Canvas (zoom)
Section 06: WED 4:00-5:15pm THU 2:00pm-4:00pm in my office
Section 09: THU 12:45-2:00pm
Section 10: THU 5:30-6:45pm

I. Catalog Description: An introduction to computers and information systems. This is a Liberal studies course
in the Science Block. As a Liberal Studies course the student will have the opportunity to understand and
critically evaluate how technology affects and advances the human condition. Students will apply technology
tools to a variety of business and personal problem-solving scenarios.

II. Course Pre-Requisite: Successful completion of high school algebra. Justification: Completion of high school
algebra indicates exposure to problem-solving and analytical techniques that can be applied to understanding
computer-based systems and solutions.

III. Mode of Instruction: ISM 120 is a coordinated course in the FCB. This means that all sections of the course
use common textbooks, software, course topics, quizzes and assessments, and schedule. The coordinator for
the course is responsible for textbook and software selection, and setting the course topics and schedule in
consultation with the ISM 120 Teaching Team. The coordinator also is responsible for designing the common
quizzes and assessments for all sections which shall be administered according to the schedule. If an instructor
wishes to teach material beyond the scope of what is covered in the master syllabus, the instructor may add
additional assessment materials for the purpose of assessing student learning. At least 70% of the course
grade will be derived from performance on individual and common assessments.

Primary teaching methods for this course include class activity, hands-on computerized assignments, and
written projects. Class activities deal with conceptual ideas and theories, current events and group
assignments. Projects involve solving problems through written and/or application software-generated
solutions. Individual project work is always required and team-based projects may also be assigned. Unless
specified, all coursework is individual work, not group work. Hands-on lab instruction provides the experience
necessary to learn to use software packages productively. The teaching methods used in this course have
been approved by the ISM area faculty.

IV. Course Purpose: This course is a Liberal Studies course in the Science distribution block. Courses in this
block will increase students’ knowledge about the natural world and involve students in application of
knowledge derived from scientific inquiry to address human needs through technological advancements.
Courses in this block also address the impact of technology on the human condition and the natural world.
 Alignment with the Liberal Studies Science distribution block: In this course, students will learn how
technology impacts the human condition and plays a role in a dramatically changing world. Sometimes the
change is driven by technology; other times technology plays a supporting role. Specifically, students will
critically evaluate the influence of computer technology on human society, such as security, privacy, ethics,
global and ergonomic issues related to the development, dissemination, use and control of computer
technology. Students will be exposed to theories and concepts related to computer information systems, such
as the fundamental systems model, that are commonly used for analyzing systems and developing solutions
when changes to existing systems are needed, or new systems are designed and implemented.

Students also will be challenged to learn how to use computing resources, software and technologies
appropriately in their personal and work lives. One main focus of the course is the use of computers; however,
the course also addresses behaviors and interactions between people using computer technology. In this way,
students are challenged to examine their potential contributions to society, limits and uses of technology to
support those contributions, and thus better determine their own places in the world.

The essential skill students will develop in this course is critical thinking (an essential skill defined in NAU’s
Liberal Studies program). Throughout the course, students will be challenged to not only learn about
technology, but critically evaluate and judge the appropriateness of its usage and place in their own lives and
the changing world around them.

V. Course Learning Outcomes: At the end of this course, successful students will:
• Describe in some detail the various technical components of computers.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of fundamental systems model as it relates to information systems.
• Explain the role that computers play in contemporary society, including limits and uses.
• Critically evaluate the effect of computers on society.
• Demonstrate understanding of various types of application software and their appropriate uses.
• Productively use application software for spreadsheets, business presentations, and Internet
applications.
• Produce and analyze various forms of computer output.

VI. Assignments/Assessments of Course Student Learning Outcomes

a. Assessment Tools: The learning expectations and outcomes will be formally assessed through several
mechanisms:
• Weekly objective quizzes covering conceptual topics, theories and models
• Periodic skills-based class assignments and quizzes using new software application skills to construct
problem solutions
• Periodic written analysis of problems, ethical dilemmas, or cases
• Objective mid-term and final examinations of conceptual topics

b. Mechanisms for Feedback to Students/Interactions Between Student/Faculty: Quiz questions

have feedback provided with the correct answer and explanation. I am available during scheduled office
hours and by appointment to discuss quizzes, projects, and assignments.
c. Use of Technology and Information Systems: Students are provided with various
business/organizational information system problems. The students must create a solution to these
problems using appropriate spreadsheet, presentation or Web software.
d. Collaborative or Team Activities: Discussions and activities each week during class.
e. Projects: There are multiple assignments covering concepts and skills parts of the course; all of these
may be completed in a lab or at home using appropriate spreadsheet, presentation or Web software.
Most assignments may be submitted early, but all are due by the day and time specified by your
instructor. Late work is accepted for partial credit (late scores are reduced by 20% per day, which means
zero points if more than 4 days late). Please follow all instructions to earn full credit on assignments.
 VII. Grading System

Point Distribution (see last page for complete schedule of due dates) Points
Syllabus Quiz 10
Video Quizzes (6 @ 20 points each) 120
CONCEPTS (based on weekly readings in your online textbook; each reading should be completed before
class and is the main focus of our class-time)
Attendance (starting week two, 10 classes required @ 10 points each) 100
Concepts Quizzes (11 @ 20 points each) 220
Concepts Exams (2 @ 50 points each) 100
SKILLS (based on Excel & PowerPoint; self-study, to be completed outside of class)
Trainings in Pearson (3 Excel, 2 PowerPoint@ 30 points each) 150
Grader Projects in Pearson (3 Excel, 2 PowerPoint @ 30 points each) 150
Advanced Excel Assignments (2 @ 75 points each) 150
Total: 1000

Final grades will be assigned using this scale:

Criteria Letter Grade
90% and above of total points (at least 900) A
80-89% of total points (800-899) B
70-79% of total points (700-799) C
60-69% of total points (600-699) D
Less than 60% of total points (Below 600) F

VIII. Readings and Materials: Pearson access is REQUIRED and must be purchased at the NAU Bookstore or in
Canvas. NOTE: Your Pearson access contains Technology in Action 17e online readings and MS Office 2021
skills training materials and is open 24/7 throughout the course for one year after registration.

IX. Class Schedule: See last page for complete course schedule.

X. Career-Ready Skills: Successful completion of this course will provide you with the following skills:

• Fluency in Excel, including formulas, charts, pivot tables, data analysis, and compound functions.
• Fluency in PowerPoint, including creating effective slideshow presentations.
• Understanding of software, including system and application software.
• Understanding of computer hardware, including CPU, memory, input/output, storage devices, and
networks.
• Understanding of how computers are impacting business and society, including privacy, ethical
considerations, and information security.

Class Policies
(a) Academic Integrity Policy: Northern Arizona University and The W. A. Franke College of Business are academic
institutions. An academic integrity violation is an ethical violation which undermines the very fabric of these
institutions, and will therefore not be tolerated under any circumstance. The following definitions and
ramifications of academic integrity violations will be enforced in this course. Academic integrity violations include,
but are not strictly limited to the following:
• Cheating: any attempt to gain an unfair advantage over one’s fellow students.
• Collusion: any attempt to help another student to commit any type of academic dishonesty.
 • Fabrication/Fraud: any attempt to knowingly present false information as true or to deceive an instructor
or administrative officer of the university.
• Obtaining an unfair advantage: any attempt to directly or indirectly compromise fair assessment/grading
or constrain other students’ ability to successfully complete their assignments.
• Plagiarism: any attempt to knowingly or deliberately pass off other’s work as your own.

Note: Project files you download in ISM 120 contain embedded IDs that identify you as the owner. If any part of
your files is shared with another student, the grading system will automatically detect this as an academic integrity
violation. You are responsible for securing your intellectual property.

If suspected, violations of the academic integrity policy will be investigated. Confirmed violations will result in a
full letter grade reduction for the course and a score of 0 on the assignment(s) in question. In addition, confirmed
violations will be reported to the Office of the Dean and the Provost of Northern Arizona University according to
the policies set forth by The W. A. Franke College of Business, Northern Arizona University, and Appendix G of the
Student Handbook. Students with a record of cheating on file at the College and University level may be
ineligible for scholarships, university student worker positions, and other beneficial opportunities. Repeated
confirmed violations of the academic integrity policy will result in a failing grade for the course without the
option to withdraw.

(b) Attendance policy: Attendance is required in ISM120. See the Attendance Policy in Canvas for details.

(c) Make-up Policy: Make-up assignments are generally not permitted without an NAU Institutional Excuse. See the
Make-up Policy in Canvas for details.

FCB Code of Conduct

Responsibility:
I will be on time, prepared, attentive, and professional in my scholastic endeavors. I will take responsibility for my
actions and make every effort to learn as much as possible from the educational opportunities presented to me.
Expectations of Behavior:
• Attend all classes and meetings on time
• Do not wander in and out of classes
• Participate but don’t dominate
• Pay attention
Respect:
I will meet my commitments to others and treat everyone with respect and civility. I will respect our learning
environment and help preserve its physical condition. Expectations of Behavior:
• Turn off cell phones when you are in class
• Do not use computers during lectures for non-class-related purposes
• Make sure language and conversations are appropriate to the classroom setting
• Behave in a polite and professional manner
Integrity:
I will be a reliable and honest contributor to individual and group assignments. I will not seek or help others gain unfair
advantage in completing academic requirements. I understand that there are severe consequences for academic
dishonesty. Expectations of Behavior:
• Do not engage in any act of academic dishonesty, including but not limited to:
• sharing a calculator during a quiz or exam
• pre-programming a calculator for use during a quiz or exam unless specifically authorized by the
instructor
• using notes or books during an exam unless specifically authorized by the instructor

COVID-19 REQUIREMENTS AND INFORMATION

Additional information about the University’s response to COVID-19 is available from the Jacks are Back! web
page located at https://nau.edu/jacks-are-back.

SYLLABUS POLICY STATEMENTS

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
NAU expects every student to firmly adhere to a strong ethical code of academic integrity in all their scholarly
pursuits. The primary attributes of academic integrity are honesty, trustworthiness, fairness, and responsibility. As
a student, you are expected to submit original work while giving proper credit to other people’s ideas or
contributions. Acting with academic integrity means completing your assignments independently while truthfully
acknowledging all sources of information, or collaboration with others when appropriate. When you submit your
work, you are implicitly declaring that the work is your own. Academic integrity is expected not only during formal
coursework, but in all your relationships or interactions that are connected to the educational enterprise. All forms
of academic deceit such as plagiarism, cheating, collusion, falsification or fabrication of results or records,
permitting your work to be submitted by another, or inappropriately recycling your own work from one class to
another, constitute academic misconduct that may result in serious disciplinary consequences. All students and
faculty members are responsible for reporting suspected instances of academic misconduct. All students are
encouraged to complete NAU’s online academic integrity workshop available in the E-Learning Center and should
review the full Academic Integrity policy available at https://policy.nau.edu/policy/policy.aspx?num=100601.

COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT
All lectures and course materials, including but not limited to exams, quizzes, study outlines, and similar
materials are protected by copyright. These materials may not be shared, uploaded, distributed, reproduced, or
publicly displayed without the express written permission of NAU. Sharing materials on websites such as Course
Hero, Chegg, or related websites is considered copyright infringement subject to United States Copyright Law
and a violation of NAU Student Code of Conduct. For additional information on ABOR policies relating to course
materials, please refer to ABOR Policy 6-908 A(2)(5).

COURSE TIME COMMITMENT

Pursuant to Arizona Board of Regents guidance (ABOR Policy 2-224, Academic Credit), each unit of credit
requires a minimum of 45 hours of work by students, including but not limited to, class time, preparation,
homework, and studying. For example, for a 3-credit course a student should expect to work at least 8.5 hours
each week in a 16-week session and a minimum of 33 hours per week for a 3-credit course in a 4-week session.

DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR
Membership in NAU’s academic community entails a special obligation to maintain class environments that are
conductive to learning, whether instruction is taking place in the classroom, a laboratory or clinical setting, during
course-related fieldwork, or online. Students have the obligation to engage in the educational process in a manner
that does not interfere with normal class activities or violate the rights of others. Instructors have the authority and
responsibility to address disruptive behavior that interferes with student learning, which can include the involuntary
withdrawal of a student from a course with a grade of “W”. For additional information, see NAU’s Disruptive
Behavior in an Instructional Setting policy at https://nau.edu/university-policy-library/disruptive-behavior.

NONDISCRIMINATION AND ANTI-HARASSMENT

NAU prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, gender, gender identity, race, color, age, national
origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status and genetic information. Certain consensual amorous
or sexual relationships between faculty and students are also prohibited as set forth in the Consensual Romantic
and Sexual Relationships policy. The Equity and Access Office (EAO) responds to complaints regarding
discrimination and harassment that fall under NAU’s Nondiscrimination and Anti- Harassment policy. EAO also
assists with religious accommodations. For additional information about nondiscrimination or anti-harassment or
to file a complaint, contact EAO located in Old Main (building 10), Room 113, PO Box 4083, Flagstaff, AZ 86011,
or by phone at 928-523-3312 (TTY: 928-523-1006), fax at 928-523-9977, email at [email protected], or
visit the EAO website at https://nau.edu/equity-and-access.

TITLE IX
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, protects individuals from discrimination based on
sex in any educational program or activity operated by recipients of federal financial assistance. In accordance
with Title IX, Northern Arizona University prohibits discrimination based on sex or gender in all its programs or
activities. Sex discrimination includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking.
NAU does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education programs or activities that it operates, including
in admission and employment. NAU is committed to providing an environment free from discrimination based on
sex or gender and provides a number of supportive measures that assist students, faculty, and staff.
One may direct inquiries concerning the application of Title IX to either or both the Title IX Coordinator or the
U.S. Department of Education, Assistant Secretary, Office of Civil Rights. You may contact the Title IX
Coordinator in the Office for the Resolution of Sexual Misconduct by phone at 928-523-5434, by fax at 928-523-
0640, or by email at [email protected]. In furtherance of its Title IX obligations, NAU promptly will investigate or
equitably resolve all reports of sex or gender-based discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct and will
eliminate any hostile environment as defined by law. The Office for the Resolution of Sexual Misconduct (ORSM):
Title IX Institutional Compliance, Prevention & Response addresses matters that fall under the university's Sexual
Misconduct policy. Additional important information and related resources, including how to request immediate
help or confidential support following an act of sexual violence, is available at https://in.nau.edu/title-ix.

ACCESSIBILITY
Professional disability specialists are available at Disability Resources to facilitate a range of academic support
services and accommodations for students with disabilities. If you have a documented disability, you can request
assistance by contacting Disability Resources at 928-523-8773 (voice), ,928-523-8747 (fax), or [email protected] (e-
mail). Once eligibility has been determined, students register with Disability Resources every semester to activate
their approved accommodations. Although a student may request an accommodation at any time, it is best to
initiate the application process at least four weeks before a student wishes to receive an accommodation.
Students may begin the accommodation process by submitting a self-identification form online at
https://nau.edu/disability-resources/student-eligibility-process or by contacting Disability Resources. The Director
of Disability Resources, Jamie Axelrod, serves as NAU’s Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator and Section
504 Compliance Officer. He can be reached at [email protected].

RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT OF RESEARCH

Students who engage in research at NAU must receive appropriate Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)
training. This instruction is designed to help ensure proper awareness and application of well-established
professional norms and ethical principles related to the performance of all scientific research activities. More
information regarding RCR training is available at https://nau.edu/research/compliance/research-integrity.

MISCONDUCT IN RESEARCH
As noted, NAU expects every student to firmly adhere to a strong code of academic integrity in all their scholarly
pursuits. This includes avoiding fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism when conducting research or reporting
research results. Engaging in research misconduct may result in serious disciplinary consequences. Students
must also report any suspected or actual instances of research misconduct of which they become aware.
Allegations of research misconduct should be reported to your instructor or the University’s Research Integrity
Officer, Dr. David Faguy, who can be reached at [email protected] or 928-523-6117. More information about
misconduct in research is available at https://nau.edu/university-policy-library/misconduct-in-research.

SENSITIVE COURSE MATERIALS

University education aims to expand student understanding and awareness. Thus, it necessarily involves
engagement with a wide range of information, ideas, and creative representations. In their college studies,
students can expect to encounter and to critically appraise materials that may differ from and perhaps challenge
familiar understandings, ideas, and beliefs. Students are encouraged to discuss these matters with faculty.
 Fall 2024 Schedule for ISM 120
Everything due is shown in bold, with points in [ ] brackets

Key: TIA = Tech in Action (concepts textbook) | CQ = Concepts Quiz | VQ = Video Quiz | PPT = PowerPoint
Week To Do Before Class In-Class Activities Due before 11:59pm Thursday
Welcome and Course VQ: Course Intro [20] Aug 29
Week 1 Intro Syllabus Quiz [10]
Register for Pearson
Course Essentials VQ: Course Essentials [20] Sep 5
Week 2
Read TIA Ch 1 (Impact of Game: Power Up CQ-1 [20] Sep 12
Week 3
Technology, pp. 1-34)
Read TIA Ch 2 (Parts of a Game: Wheel of Doom CQ-2 [20] Sep 19
Week 4 Computer, pp. 35-80) VQ: Trainings [20]
Excel Ch 1 Training [30]
Read TIA Ch 3 (Internet and Web, Game: Jeopardy CQ-3 [20] Sep 26
Week 5 pp. 81-120) VQ: Grader Projects [20]
Excel Ch 1 Grader Project [30]
Read TIA Ch 4 (Application Game: Double Trouble CQ-4 [20] Oct 3
Week 6
Software, pp. 121-158) Excel Ch 2 Training [30]
Read TIA Ch 5 (System Software, Game: Power Up CQ-5 [20] Oct 10
Week 7
pp. 159-198) Excel Ch 2 Grader Project [30]
A.I. Discussion & Concepts Mid-Term Exam [50] Oct 17
Week 8 Word Demonstration Excel Ch 3 Training [30]
VQ: Word Demo [20]
Read TIA Ch 6 (Understanding Game: Wheel of Doom CQ-6 [20] Oct 24
Week 9
Hardware, pp. 199-240) Excel Ch 3 Grader Project [30]
Read TIA Ch 7 (Computer Game: Jeopardy CQ-7 [20] Oct 31
Week 10
Networking, pp. 241-274) Advanced Excel 1 [75]
Read TIA Ch 8 (Digital Lifestyle Game: Double Trouble CQ-8 [20] Nov 7
Week 11
and Ethics, pp. 275-324) Advanced Excel 2 [75]
Read TIA Ch 9 (Security: Game: Power Up CQ-9 [20] Nov 14
Week 12 Protecting Data and Devices, pp. PPT Ch 2 Training [30]
325-370)
Read TIA Ch 10 (Software Game: Wheel of Doom CQ-10 [20] Nov 21
Week 13 Programming, pp. 371-414) PPT Ch 2 Grader Project [30]
PPT Demonstration VQ: PPT Demo [20] Wed, Nov 27
Week 14
NAU closed Thu-Fri (Nov 28-29)
Read TIA Ch 11 (Databases and Game: Jeopardy CQ-11 [20] Dec 5
Week 15 Information Systems, pp. 415- PPT Ch 3 Training [30]
458) PPT Ch 3 Grader Project [30]
Week 16 NO CLASS - Concepts Final Exam [50] (due before 11:59pm Thursday, Dec 12th)