ClassInfo

LSP 121 Quantitative Reasoning and Technological Literacy II

Winter 2013-2014
Class number: 20002
Section number: 202
MW 11:20AM - 12:50PM
LEVAN 00306 Lincoln Park Campus

Summary

Course Description
LSP 121 is a new Liberal Studies requirement for freshman and transfer students that entered DePaul University on or after the Autumn quarter 2006. When taking LSP 121, you may reduce by one the number of courses they must take to meet their Learning Domain Area requirements. This course reduction can come from any one of the six Learning Domains, as long as the student still takes at least one course from each Domain and as long as the student still completes the laboratory and quantitative requirements in the Scientific Inquiry area.

If you feel you already know the materials presented in this course, there is a placement exam you may take. You must take this exam within the first week of classes. If you pass this exam, you will be waived from taking this course. Consult the qrc.depaul.edu website for more details.

The idea is to pick up where ISP 120 left off to further develop the students skills as a quantitative reasoner by learning:
How to organize information, using a database manager (Microsoft Access)
How to analyze information, using the statistical functions of a spread sheet (Microsoft Excel and SPSS)
How to process information, using algorithms and a programming language (Javascript)
The student will learn some theory in each of these areas, because the theory will never become obsolete.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Learning Outcomes for LSP 121 (QRTL):

Statistics: Students will be able to make and interpret frequency distributions; summarize data with measures of center and dispersion; measure and interpret the association between variables; recognize the difference between correlation and causation;
Probability and Chance: Students will be able to recognize that seemingly improbably coincidences are not uncommon; evaluate risk from available evidence; and calculate basic, common probabilities.

Algorithms and reasoning: Students will be able to use sequential, logical thinking; develop algorithms to solve problems; use Boolean conditionals and repetition structures to create simple computer programs.

Database tools: Students will be able to enter data into a pre-existing database; import data from
a text file or spreadsheet file into a database; filter records based on a single parameter and on multiple parameters; sort records with multiple sort keys; formulate and conduct queries; generate a report from a database; recognize the difference between a flat file and a relational database; create a relational database using two or more tables; construct a query for a relational database using joins; design and implement forms for data entry.

Professional Statistical Package: Students will be able to import data from a spreadsheet or database into a statistics package; use graphical tools in a statistical package to make specialized statistics plots such as box plots and normal probability plots; calculate descriptive summary statistics using a statistical package.

Programming tools: Students will be able to construct the concept of algorithm through experimentation and reflection on everyday activities; articulate an accurate definition of an algorithm; recognize algorithms fitting the definition; construct the notion of a control structure and a repetition structure; acquire the ability to trace simple program listings using control and repetition structures; use control and repetition structures to write simple computer programs to effect a task.


Writing Expectations: (these assignments overlap with those given in LSP 120)

Five class assignments with approximately 10 short paragraph responses.

One class project which is 5 pages in length describing how the tools in the course can be applied to their Major. The student must select a ?cause? or Major and give a suggested solution with supporting Access/SPSS/Excel tables/queries/forms/Reports using live data (not from QRC website)



Texts

No text books. There will be handouts to supplement course material.


Grading

Grading Scale: 92 - 100 A 90 - 91 A- 88 - 89 B+ 82 - 87 B 80 - 81 B- 78 - 79 C+ 72 - 77 C 70 - 71 C- 68 - 69 D+ 62 - 67 D 60 - 61 D- 0 - 59 F Course Breakdown: Midterm + Final Exam must average 70 to pass this class 20 % In-class activities (group) 20 % Homework assignments(individual) 25% Midterm exam 25% Final exam 10% Project Extra Credit in the form of Quizzes, Attendance are also provided.


Prerequisites

LSP120


Evaluation/Communication with Instructor/Plagiarism/Incomplete

Online Instructor Evaluation Course and instructor evaluations are critical for maintaining and improving course quality. To make evaluations as meaningful as possible, we need 100% student participation. Therefore, participation in the Schools web-based academic administration initiative during the eighth and ninth week of this course is a requirement of this course. Failure to participate in this process will result in a grade of incomplete for the course. This incomplete will be automatically removed within seven weeks after the end of the course and replaced by the grade you would have received if you had fulfilled this requirement. ''''''''''''''''''''''* Email - Email is the primary means of communication between faculty and students enrolled in this course outside of class time. Students should be sure their email listed under "demographic information" at http://campusconnect.depaul.edu is correct. ''''''''''''''''''''''* Plagiarism - The university and school policy on plagiarism can be summarized as follows: Students in this course, as well as all other courses in which independent research or writing play a vital part in the course requirements, should be aware of the strong sanctions that can be imposed against someone guilty of plagiarism. If proven, a charge of plagiarism could result in an automatic F in the course and possible expulsion. The strongest of sanctions will be imposed on anyone who submits as his/her own work a report, examination paper, computer file, lab report, or other assignment which has been prepared by someone else. If you have any questions or doubts about what plagiarism entails or how to properly acknowledge source materials be sure to consult the instructor. '''''''''''''''''''''** Incomplete - An incomplete grade is given only for an exceptional reason such as a death in the family, a serious illness, etc. Any such reason must be documented. Any incomplete request must be made at least two weeks before the final, and approved by the Dean of the School of Computer Science, Telecommunications and Information Systems. Any consequences resulting from a poor grade for the course will not be considered as valid reasons for such a request.


Tentative Class Schedule

Tentative Weekly Schedule Class 1-3: Simple databases; finding and filtering; importing a spreadsheet into a database Class 2: Relational databases, normalization, database queries; Class 3: Database forms, database reports, switchboard (packaging) Class 4: Introduction to descriptive statistics; using SPSS Class 5-6: Probability and Risk Class 6-7: Number systems/bits/bytes Class 8-9: Computers/Algorithms/error correction with conditionals and repetition structures Class 10: Final Project/Correlation Class 11: Final exam -


School policies:

Changes to Syllabus

This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.

Online Course Evaluations

Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation. Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

This course will be subject to the university's academic integrity policy. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/ If you have any questions be sure to consult with your professor.

All students are expected to abide by the University's Academic Integrity Policy which prohibits cheating and other misconduct in student coursework. Publicly sharing or posting online any prior or current materials from this course (including exam questions or answers), is considered to be providing unauthorized assistance prohibited by the policy. Both students who share/post and students who access or use such materials are considered to be cheating under the Policy and will be subject to sanctions for violations of Academic Integrity.

Academic Policies

All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar. Information on enrollment, withdrawal, grading and incompletes can be found at http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/Current%20Students/Pages/PoliciesandProcedures.aspx.

Students with Disabilities

Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at:
Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd.
Phone number: (312)362-8002
Fax: (312)362-6544
TTY: (773)325.7296