STCC Course Descriptions for Computer Applications

Course descriptions reflect any changes made, effective Fall 2012 semester

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(Enter Datatel Course Numbers with the dash. i.e. ENGL-100; use commas to separate multiple Course Numbers)


CMPA-098 - INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS  3 credits
This is an introductory course recommended for students who have had limited exposure to computers. Major emphasis will be place on basic computer concepts, terminology, and hands-on experience. The exercises are designed to develop and enhance computer skills. The course will cover topics such as computer concepts, the Windows operating system, the Internet, and the latest word processing software program. Upon completion of this course students will take Computer Applications (CMPA-161) which meets the computer literacy graduation requirement. PREREQUISITE: None
This is a developmental course. Credit for this course will not be counted toward fulfilling graduation requirements at STCC.
CMPA-100 - COMPUTERS, WINDOWS AND EMAIL (5 WEEKS)  1 credit
This elective course introduces computer novices and/or beginning students to the features and functionality of 1) computer hardware and computer literacy, 2) Microsoft Windows and email. Email will be used to link students with classmates, faculty, and the world wide web. Upon completion, students will be prepared for immediate and successful productivity in other courses utilizing computer technology. Note: It is highly recommended that beginners take CMPA-100 and OFFS-100 prior to enrolling in other computer courses. Three hours lecture.
CMPA-101 - INTRODUCTION TO WORD PROCESSING  1 credit
This course is an introduction to basic word processing concepts using the latest software. Students will complete assignments using basic formatting techniques, enhancing documents, working with basic writing tools, using timesaving features, and working with tables. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: OFFS-100 or touch keyboarding rate of 20 wpm
CMPA-102 - WORD PROCESSING  3 credits
Students will create and edit various documents. The student will be introduced to basic word processing concepts such as applying character effects, finding/replacing text, creating headers/footers, moving text, creating envelopes/labels, and changing fonts, alignments, page numbering. Managing files, creating tables, and inserting graphics will also be introduced. Successful completion of the course will prepare the student for Microsoft Office Specialist certification in MS Word (Core Level.) Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: 20 WPM
CMPA-105 - INTRODUCTION TO EXCEL  1 credit
This course introduces the student to the fundamentals of electronic spreadsheet software in the Windows environment. Small spreadsheets are created, saved, and edited. The student will work with formulas and will learn how to enhance the appearance of spreadsheets and create a variety of business charts. One lecture hour. COREQUISITE: OFFS-100
CMPA-109 - EXCEL  3 credits
Students will create and format worksheets in MS Excel. The student will be introduced to basic worksheet concepts such as applying font styles, setting margins, and modifying cell contents, inputting formulas/functions, and creating various charts. Successful completion of the course will prepare the student for MOUS certification in MS Excel (Core Level.) Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: 20 wpm.
CMPA-110 - INTRODUCTION TO ACCESS  1 credit
This course introduces the student to the fundamentals of database software in the Windows environment. The student will learn how to specify and create a database, how to search it for specified information, and how to create screen forms and/or printed reports from that data. Three lecture hours. COREQUISITE: OFFS-100
CMPA-111 - ACCESS  3 credits
In this course, students will learn to create a database table and create relationships between database tables. Students will create forms, reports, mailing labels and charts. Students will also gain experience in using database wizards and office links, performing queries, and filtering records. Successful completion of the course will prepare the student for Microsoft Office Specialist certification in MS Access (Core Level.) Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: 20 wpm.
CMPA-115 - INTRODUCTION TO THE INTERNET  1 credit
This course introduces the student to the fundamentals of "navigating" the Internet. Students will be introduced to the tools available to get to and retrieve information. Three lecture hours. COREQUISITE: OFFS-100.
CMPA-116 - KEYBOARDING  3 credits
This course is designed for any individual wishing to develop touch keyboarding skills when entering alphabetic and numeric data on the personal computer. The student will be provided with projects designed to build speed and accuracy on both straight copy and business forms. A minimum touch keyboarding rate of 25 words per minute is required for course completion. Three lecture hours. Available to the entire STCC community.
CMPA-120 - INTRODUCTION TO POWERPOINT  1 credit
This course will introduce the student to techniques for using Microsoft PowerPoint to enhance presentation and public speaking skills. Students will learn to plan and create presentations, format and enhance presentations, and deliver dynamic and compelling on-screen presentations. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: OFFS-100 or touch keyboarding speed of 25 wpm
CMPA-121 - POWERPOINT APPLICATIONS  2 credits
Students will create various presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint. The student will be introduced to many features to enhance the appearance of slides by changing the slide design and color scheme and adding animation and sound. Advanced PowerPoint features will be presented, such as customizing clip art images, creating and enhancing charts, adding custom backgrounds, using design templates, and designing a custom show. Students will be required to create an original slide presentation. Successful completion of the course will prepare the student for Microsoft Office Specialist certification in MS PowerPoint (Core Level.) Two hours lecture. PREREQUISITE: 20 wpm.
CMPA-125 - INTRODUCTION TO INTEGRATION  1 credit
Students will learn to link and embed objects/data via integrating one application program with another such as word processing, worksheets, databases, and presentations. The completion of several integrated activities will be required for course completion. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITES: CMPA-101, CMPA-105, and CMPA-110 or CMPA-103 or PROG-109.
CMPA-130 - INTRODUCTION TO GOOGLE APPS  1 credit
This course is designed to introduce students to the communication tools (Gmail and Google Calendar) and productivity tools (Google Docs: text files, spreadsheets, and presentations) in Google Apps. Students will learn how to conduct basic and advanced searches on Google; use advanced Google Search Tools; manage Gmail accounts; create new calendars and add events using Google Calendar; and share and collaborate documents, tables, spreadsheets, and presentations using Google Docs, Spreadsheets, and Presentations. One lecture hour. Available to the entire STCC community. PREREQUISITES: None.
CMPA-140 - CAREER PREPARATION/SOFT SKILLS  1 credit
This course is designed to prepare students with the soft skills that are essential to long-term success in the workplace. Soft skills are attitudes and behavior that relate to critical thinking, problem solving, communication, collaboration, and presentation skills. Through a combination of engaging workbook activities and video episodes, students will use technical skills for career preparation, clean up online personas, improve written communication skills in emails, and understand the importance of teams in the workplace. One lecture hour. Available to the entire STCC community. PREREQUSITES: None
CMPA-150 - INTRODUCTION TO 3D MODELING: SKETCHUP  1 credit
This course covers the fundamentals of the Introduction to 3D Modeling:SketchUp, the modeling program for graphic artists involved in film making and game developing, civil and mechanical engineers, architects, or any person who wants to design, share, and present their ideas to the public. With SketchUp, you will create and edit 3D models with which you can quickly manipulate and explore the interplay of light, color, space, and form. The student will be able to design and export images and animations for presentations and in time will build a design portfolio. Students should have a basic knowledge of computers and file management. Student must have a laptop and bring to class. PREREQUISITE: OFFS-100
CMPA-160 - COMPUTER BASICS: CONCEPTS AND APPLICATIONS  3 credits
This course covers the most important computer literacy topics including a fundamental understanding of computer hardware (input, output, processing, and storage), and software (systems, applications, and productivity); using operating systems and common program functions; a practical study of the Internet (e-mail, Internet search techniques; resource evaluation and citations); a practical study of common productivity software (word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation); and an understanding of the implications and effects of computers in our social order. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: OFFS-100 Basic Keyboarding Skills (can be concurrent, completed, or challenged)
CMPA-161 - COMPUTER APPLICATIONS  3 credits
This course is a continuation of Introduction to Computers (CMPA-098), and this course meets the computer literacy graduation requirement. This course will cover three of the most important computer literacy topics which include a practical study of spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software. New terminology will be introduced and a hands-on approach will continue to be stressed. PREREQUISITE: CMPA-098 Introduction to Computers; OFFS-100 Basic Keyboarding Skills (can be concurrent, completed, or challenged).
CMPA-202 - ADVANCED WORD PROCESSING  3 credits
This course is a continuation of Word Processing (CMPA-102.) The student will be introduced to the advanced features of word processing such as paragraph shading and sorting; creating page borders, bookmarks, styles, footnotes/endnotes; using tables and mail merge; customizing toolbars; and creating macros and forms. Successful completion of this course will prepare the student for MOUS certification in MS Word (Expert Level.) Three hours of lecture. PREREQUISITE: CMPA-102.
CMPA-210 - COMPUTER-MEDIATED COMMUNICATION FOR THE GLOBAL VILLAGE  3 credits
The Internet has made it possible to bring diverse people together across many boundaries with new ways of communicating. This is an interdisciplinary course designed to provide the student with the basic theory, terminology, and practical application of computer-mediated communications (CMC)while exploring global diversity. Individualization of courseware will be accomplished as each student applies the techniques and concepts to his or her respective major and interests. Three hours of lecture. PREREQUISITE: ENGL-100.
CMPA-216 - DOCUMENT FORMATTING  3 credits
This course provides technical skills necessary in formatting basic business documents using word processing commands. These documents include business letters in a variety of styles such as envelopes, memorandums, tables, and traditional academic reports-academic reports using APA or MLA Styles and report citations (bibliographies, references, etc.). Three lecture hours. Prerequisites: CMPA-116.
CMPA-230 - PRESENTATION SKILLS FOR THE FACEBOOK GENERATION  3 credits
Presentation Skills for the Facebook Generation provides students with the tools to create quality multimedia presentations for personal and professional use. The course is centered on using the student’s inventory of personal and work experiences to produce written and oral presentations. Student projects include a paper resume, a PowerPoint resume, personal Facebook and business Facebook pages. Microsoft Office, Google Docs, Facebook, and LinkedIn will be some of the tools utilized in the course. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: CMPA-160
CMPA-240 - EXCEL/ACCESS APPLICATIONS  3 credits
This course will introduce the student to the advanced features of MS Excel and MS Access. Students will enhance worksheets, integrate spreadsheets and databases, enhance forms with subforms, create application systems using macros and wizards, customize forms, and learn how to administer a database. Successful completion of the course will prepare the student for MOUS certification in MS Excel (Expert Level) and MS Access (Core Level.) Three hours of lecture. PREREQUISITES: CMPA-109, CMPA-111.
CMPA-320 - DESKTOP PUBLISHING  3 credits
A comprehensive introduction to a powerful desktop publishing software program such as Microsoft Office Publisher or Microsoft Word. The student will have use of a microcomputer system and receive hands-on experience. The course will be heavily project-oriented. The student will be guided into producing increasingly complex publications, thus experiencing a variety of techniques and achieving self-sufficiency. Hardware and software concepts as well as terminology associated with desktop publishing will also be included in this course. Three hours lecture. PREREQUISITE: Familiarity with any word processor, CMPA-103, PROG-109, or permission of instructor. Offered Continuing Education
CMPA-400 - MICROSOFT OFFICE CERTIFICATION PREPARATION  3 credits
This course will prepare students for the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification exams in Microsoft Office Word, Microsoft Office Excel, Microsoft Office Access, and Microsoft Office PowerPoint. Earning a Microsoft Office Specialist certification will help students in today's competitive job market. For employer, the certification provides skill-verification tools that assess a person's skills using Microsoft Office Programs. PREREQUISITES: CMPA-102, CMPA-109, CMPA-111, CMPA-121.