# COURSES

DESC:
CMIS 310 Computer Systems and Architecture (3) 
(Strongly recommended for students majoring in CMIS. Not open to students who
have completed CMSC 311.) Prerequisite: CMIS 140; CMIS 160 strongly
recommended. A study of the fundamental concepts of computer architecture and
factors that influence the performance of a system. Topics include data
representation and the design and analysis of combinational and sequential
circuits. Focus is on how basic hardware components (multiplexers, decoders,
memories, arithmetic-logic units, etc.) are built. Hard-wired and
microprogrammed design of control units are discussed. Concepts such as
pipelining and memory hierarchy are introduced. Students may receive credit
for only one of the following courses: CMIS 270, CMIS 310, CMSC 311, or IFSM
310.


DESC:
CMIS 320 Relational Databases (3) 
Prerequisite: CMIS 140 required; CMIS 310 recommended. A study of the
functions and underlying concepts of relationally organized database systems.
Data models are described and their application to database systems is
discussed. The entity/relationship (E/R) model and Codd's relational
theory--including relational algebra, normalization and integrity constraints,
and the Structured Query Language (SQL)--are emphasized. Physical design and
data administration issues are addressed. Projects include hands-on work with
E/R and relational models (using Oracle). Students may receive credit for only
one of the following courses: CMIS 320 or IFSM 410.


DESC:
CMIS 325 UNIX with Shell Programming (3) 
Prerequisite: CMIS 140. A study of the UNIX operating system. Topics include
file structures, editors, pattern--matching facilities, shell commands, and
shell scripts. Shell programming is presented and practiced to interrelate
system components. Projects give practical experience with the system.


TITLE:
Software Engineering Principles and Techniques

DESC:
CMIS 330 Software Engineering Principles and Techniques (3) 
Prerequisite: CMIS 240 or CMIS 315 required; CMIS 310 recommended. A study of
the process of software engineering from initial concept through design,
development testing, and maintenance to retirement of the product. Development
life-cycle models are presented. Issues in configuration management,
integration and testing, software quality, quality assurance, security, fault
tolerance, project economics, operations, human factors, and organizational
structures are considered. Students may receive credit for only one of the
following courses: CMIS 330 or CMIS 388A.


DESC:
CMIS 342 Windows User Interface Programming (3) 
Prerequisite: CMIS 240. An introduction to Windows (Win32) user interface
programming. The design and prototyping of user interfaces in a Windows
environment is examined. Focus is on programming controls, menus, and dialog
and message boxes. Students may receive credit for only one of the following
courses: CMIS 342 or CMIS 398W.


DESC:
CMIS 370 Data Communications (3) 
Prerequisite: CMIS 310. Investigation of the effects of communication
technology on information systems. Major topics include components of
communication systems, architectures and protocols of networks, security
measures, regulatory issues, and the design of network systems. Issues and
applications in local area networks and communication services are covered.
Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CMIS 370,
CMSC 370, or IFSM 450.


DESC:
CMIS 398F Database Forms (3) 
Prerequisite: CMIS 320. A comprehensive study of the design and development of
graphical user interface forms for modern relational databases in the
client/server environment. Focus is on developing a hierarchy of form
applications using both Microsoft Access and Oracle. Topics include the
construction of simple forms using drop-and-drag components and advanced
features of vendor form-building products. Some Visual Basic and PL/SQL
programming is used to provide robust functionality to the forms. Accurate
display and processing of data and user friendliness are stressed.


DESC:
CMIS 415 Advanced UNIX and C (3) 
Prerequisites: CMIS 240 (or CMIS 315) and CMIS 325; CMIS 310 recommended. An
investigation of the interaction between the UNIX operating system and the C
programming language. The features of UNIX that support C, including library
and system calls, UNIX utilities, debuggers, graphics, and file structure, are
presented. Programming projects in C that implement UNIX command features are
assigned.


DESC:
CMIS 420 Advanced Relational Databases (3) 
Prerequisite: CMIS 320. A study of advanced logical and physical design
features and techniques of relational databases appropriate to the advanced
end user, database designer, or database administrator. Topics include
object-relational concepts, data modeling, challenge areas, physical design in
relation to performance, and relational algebra as a basis of optimizer
strategies. Future trends, advanced concurrency control mechanisms, and
maintenance issues such as schema restructuring are addressed. Projects
include hands-on work (using Oracle) in designing and implementing a small
database, creating triggers, loading through forms and utility, querying
through interactive and embedded Structured Query Language (SQL),
restructuring schema, and analyzing performance. Students may receive credit
for only one of the following courses: CMIS 420, IFSM 411, or IFSM 498I.


DESC:
CMIS 455 Requirements Development (3) 
Prerequisite: CMIS 330. A study of concepts and techniques for planning and
developing high-quality software products. Fundamentals of specification
(including formal models and representations, documents, and standards) are
examined. Methods of specifying and developing requirements for generating
software are discussed. Projects using these techniques are included. Students
may receive credit only once under this course number.


DESC:
CMIS 460 Software Design and Development (3) 
Prerequisite: CMIS 330 or equivalent. An in-depth treatment of the concepts and techniques for designing and developing software for large projects. Design strategies, principles, methodologies, and paradigms are discussed, as are evaluation and representation. Architectural models and idioms, development tools and environments, implementation guidelines and documentation, and organization of design and development functions are included. Issues of program quality, program correctness, and system integration are addressed. Project work incorporates principles and techniques of software design and development.


DESC:
CMIS 498B Web Database Development (3) 
Prerequisite: CMIS 320 and good knowledge of relational database design and
SQL, and programming language experience; CMIS 340 recommended. An exploration
of an assortment of current Web technologies and programming language options
used to interface a relational database to a Web server. Technologies such as
CGI/Perl, Active Server Pages, and Java are utilized in the lab. The
three-tiered architecture is studied in depth via a number of hands-on
activities and projects.


TITLE:
Design and Delivering Effective Presentations


DESC:
COMM 380 Language in Social Contexts (3) 
(Fulfills the general education requirement in communications, but is not a
writing course. Fulfills the historical or international perspective
requirement.) Prerequisite: ENGL 101. An examination of the linguistic
components of languages, with special emphasis on the English language, its
origins, continued development, and use in speaking and writing. Categories of
speech and methods of written communication are examined from the perspective
of regional and social variation. Cultural, gender, and racial variations are
discussed along with underlying perspectives and assumptions.


DESC:
COMM 390 Writing for Managers (3) 
(Fulfills the general education requirement in intensive upper-level writing.)
Prerequisite: ENGL 101. A practicum in the kinds of writing skills that
managers need for the workplace. Communication skills emphasized include
planning information, developing reader-based prose, improving personal
writing performance and guiding the writing of subordinates, and mastering
such writing tasks as strategic plans and performance appraisals. Students may
receive credit for only one of the following courses: COMM 390 or HUMN 390.


DESC:
COMM 393 Technical Writing (3) 
(Students for whom English is a second language should consider taking COMM
393X instead. Fulfills the general education requirement in intensive
upper-level writing.) Prerequisite: ENGL 101. The writing of technical papers
and reports. Focus is on building skills in critical thinking, research, and
document design. Assignments include composing a total of 6,000 words
(approximately 25 pages) in various formats (e.g., the oral presentation, the
resume, correspondence, manuals, procedures, instructions, and different types
of reports, including proposal, progress, analytic, and feasibility). Students
may receive credit for only one of the following courses: COMM 393, COMM 393X,
ENGL 393, or ENGL 393X.


DESC:
COMM 394 Business Writing (3) 
(Students for whom English is a second language should consider taking COMM
394X instead. Fulfills the general education requirement in intensive
upper-level writing.) Prerequisite: ENGL 101. An introduction to professional
workplace writing. Topics include context, purpose, audience, style,
organization, format, technology, results, and strategies for persuasion when
writing typical workplace messages. In addition to shorter assignments, a
substantial formal report that incorporates data analysis and support for
conclusions or recommendations is required. Assignments include composing a
total of 6,000 words (approximately 25 pages). Students may receive credit for
only one of the following courses: COMM 394, COMM 394X, ENGL 394X, or ENGL
394.


DESC:
COMM 491 Technical Editing (3) 
(Fulfills the general education requirement in communications.) Prerequisite:
COMM 393 or COMM 394 required; ENGL 281 or familiarity with grammar
recommended. A systematic approach to methods of preparing a document for
publication or other disseminations. The full range of editing levels is
addressed: copyediting, substantive editing, and document design. An overview
of design goals that reflect specific readers and purposes is included.
Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: COMM 491 or
ENGL 489B.


DESC:
COMM 493 Graphics/Text Integration (3) 
(Fulfills the general education requirement in communications, but is not a
writing course.) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 required; familiarity with computers
and desktop publishing recommended. An examination of the seamless integration
of text and the full spectrum of graphics used in communications. Topics
include techniques for creating meaningful design concepts, editing text to
enhance the graphics, designing creative page layouts, and making the most of
desktop publishing capabilities and tools. Hands-on experience with desktop
publishing programs is provided.


DESC:
COMM 496 Writing for the Computer Industry (3) 
(Fulfills the general education requirement in communications.) Prerequisite:
A 300-level writing course. Study of and practice in the designing, writing,
testing, publishing, and maintaining of effective user documentation as well
as other software development documents. The assumption is made that software
tools, as well as their documentation, should relate directly to user tasks.
Emphasis is on the difference between writing successfully for publication on
paper and for display on the computer screen.


TITLE:
Information Literacy and Research Methods

DESC:
LIBS 150 Information Literacy and Research Methods (1) 
An introduction to the research process and methods for retrieving information
in a library or through online sources. Experience in approaching research,
selecting a topic, and retrieving information on topics of professional or
personal interest is provided. Focus is on developing the following
information literacy skills: understanding the research process; selecting
relevant print and electronic sources to answer research questions;
effectively using Web search engines and UMUC Information and Library
Services' electronic resources to find information; and evaluating,
organizing, and correctly citing the information found. Credit for LIBS 150
may not be earned through challenge exam or portfolio credit. Students may
receive credit for only one of the following courses: COMP 111, LIBS 100, or
LIBS 150.


DESC:
MATH 107 College Algebra (3) 
(The first course in the two-course series MATH 107-108. An alternative to
MATH 115 Pre-Calculus.) Prerequisite: MATH 012 or an appropriate score on the
placement test. An introduction to equations, inequalities, and absolute
values and a study of functions and their properties, including the
development of graphing skills with polynomial, rational, exponential, and
logarithmic functions. Applications are also covered. Students may receive
credit for only one of the following courses: MATH 107 or MATH 115.


DESC:
SPCH 426 Negotiation and Conflict Management (3) 
(Fulfills the civic responsibility requirement.) Prerequisite: A course in
speech communication or COMM 300. A study of the role of communication in
shaping negotiation and conflict processes and outcomes. Simulation and role
play are used to model workplace practices.


# REQUIREMENTS

REQUIREMENT:
organization of design and development functions


REQUIREMENT:
computer networks and data communication


REQUIREMENT:
Metropolitan Area Networks and Wide Area Networks


REQUIREMENT:
Describe the function of each layer of the seven-layer OSI model and differentiate the OSI model from the Internet model


REQUIREMENT:
Explain the electrical engineering aspects of data communications


REQUIREMENT:
Distinguish among the different types and uses of data communications hardware


REQUIREMENT:
Design a simple communications network to meet specified user requirements


REQUIREMENT:
Describe the major data communications protocols and how they work


REQUIREMENT:
Describe the various types of data communications networks, data communications protocols, networking standards, and access methods


REQUIREMENT:
Delineate the integration of voice technologies with data technologies


REQUIREMENT:
Differentiate between the various wireless systems


REQUIREMENT:
Explain the impact that advances in software have had on data communications


REQUIREMENT:
Describe how data communications is used to promote access to global information


REQUIREMENT:
describe the communication processes of organizations and the role of managerial writing within organizations


REQUIREMENT:
describe models of organizational communication


REQUIREMENT:
explain changes in the communication process over the past few years, focusing on the high-technology, global management environment


REQUIREMENT:
identify basic communication skills in listening, public speaking, writing, and networking


REQUIREMENT:
recognize communication barriers within and between organizations and apply the prevention that effective writing provides


REQUIREMENT:
understand the relationship between management/leadership and communication


REQUIREMENT:
discuss the ethical issues in management communication


REQUIREMENT:
explain organization changes and their effects on communication


REQUIREMENT:
identify and apply the various formats for writing within an organization


REQUIREMENT:
conduct a task analysis and audience analysis and suggest strategies for results-oriented writing


REQUIREMENT:
employ techniques for planning information and managing writing tasks


REQUIREMENT:
review traditional ways to organize writing and explore alternatives brought about by technology


REQUIREMENT:
identify challenges associated with integrating information from others and devise strategies for evaluating and managing such information


REQUIREMENT:
develop a plan for improving one's own writing skills and the writing skills of others within the organization as an ongoing integral part of managerial responsibility


REQUIREMENT:
discuss the rhetorical considerations of business writing


REQUIREMENT:
how architecture influences system performance


REQUIREMENT:
design/analysis of combinational and sequential circuits


REQUIREMENT:
hardware build - multiplexers, decoders, memories, alu, etc


REQUIREMENT:
hard-wired/microprogrammed design of control units


REQUIREMENT:
function of and underlying concept of relational db


REQUIREMENT:
how data models are applied to db systems


REQUIREMENT:
advanced logical and physical design features and techniques


REQUIREMENT:
advanced end user, database designer, dba


REQUIREMENT:
maintenance issues - schema restructuring


REQUIREMENT:
designing and implementing small database (oracle) with triggers, forms, utilities


REQUIREMENT:
querying through interactive and embedded sql


REQUIREMENT:
effects of communication technology on information systems


REQUIREMENT:
issues and applications in lans and communication services


APPLIED:
jerusalem's code generator - 2 size forms


LEARNED:
jrts - application residing on server vs individual pcs


APPLIED:
jerusalem's code generator - 2 menu systems


REQUIREMENT:
advanced features of vendor form-building products


REQUIREMENT:
visual basic and pl/sql programming to make robust functionality in forms


APPLIED:
studio for total fitness application
larp email db


REQUIREMENT:
planning and developing high-quality software products


REQUIREMENT:
fundamentals of specifications - formal models and representations


REQUIREMENT:
fundamentals of specifications - documents


REQUIREMENT:
fundamentals of specifications - standards


REQUIREMENT:
methods of specifying and developing requirements for generating software


REQUIREMENT:
systematic approach to methods of preparing a document for publication


REQUIREMENT:
design goals that reflect specific readers and purposes


REQUIREMENT:
software tools (AND documentation) should related directly to user tasks


REQUIREMENT:
writing for computer display vs paper printout.


REQUIREMENT:
mastering writing of performance appraisals


REQUIREMENT:
software engineering from initial concept through design


REQUIREMENT:
current web programming language options for a db to web


COMMENT:
presentation, application, data access Tiers


# SYLLABUS

Readings:
Throughout the semester keep up with the modules in the course content section 
of the syllabus. Review all materials in the course guide and online materials. 
I won't remind you of this again. Complete modules 1&2 and submit them into the 
assignments folder in your WebTycho (WT) portfolio. Unlike other courses, this 
schedule is a guide for you only. Each of you will be working at a different 
pace and schedule. However, if you start falling behind, I will want to know 
why.

Description:
Educational, Personal, and Professional Goals / Chronological Table


Readings:
Complete module 3 and submit as above. I am pushing you hard through these 
first modules to get you quickly to the substantive ones. If you are having 
difficulty, please contact me immediately. New subject: It was emphasized in 
your orientation that you must have your academic credit evaluation. If you 
have not received yours yet, please contact your advisor immediately. It is 
very important that you have that. Unfortunately, most students do not get as 
much transfer credit as they had hoped for, so be prepared to be disappointed.


Readings:
It is now time to write your competencies and list your targeted courses. 
Although some of you have yet to get your evaluation, you probably know what 
courses you want to target. This is a critical module and it is important to 
get it right. Please discuss this with me, even the slightest question is worth 
getting answered. I want each of you to get through this quickly and painlessly 
so you can move on to the serious part of your portfolio.


Readings:
It is now time for you to look at the model I have given you in the additional 
information section of the syllabus. Apply your targeted courses to it and put 
together the detailed path you will follow in your narratives over the next 
many months. Call or email me with questions. When you think you are ready to 
begin writing, I want you to call me so we can discuss it. Let me assure you 
that your Student Manual is EXCELLENT. Have confidence in it and use it. You 
can't go wrong if you will follow guidance. I will grade this module BEFORE you 
begin writing. If you are on schedule, you should have four "S" grades for each 
of these first four modules. The enjoyable part of the course is now ready to 
begin. There will probably be at least five you you who may have a hard time 
getting the first words down on paper for the beginning of your narrative. 
Almost assuredly you will change everything anyway as you get into it, so do 
not worry about it. Just jump into it. This is the time to stay closely 
connected to me, VERY closely. The week when you begin writing your first 
narrative is perhaps the most important one of the entire process. I want to do 
it with you.


Readings:
You should all be working on your narrative. After 10 pages or so, send it to 
me to review. I'll be looking for organization, style, AND content. My feedback 
at this stage is important. If you are missing the mark, better to find out now 
rather than later. And if you doing well, you need to know that.


Readings:
Most of you should be writing at least 15-20 pages each week. for those of you 
planning more than one delineation, you should be finishing the first one very 
soon and planning the second. Coordinate with me.


Readings:
Time for a sanity check. Where are you? By now a few of you may be thinking 
about withdrawing. Please talk to me. You have already invested a lot in this 
and I know you can get through it. For those who are behind, let me help you 
catch up. CALL me! And for those of you who are on schedule, GREAT!


Readings:
If you think you are behind, then you are. Talk to me. For those who are doing 
more than one delineation, you should at least be starting the second by now.


Readings:
We are now 2/3 of the way through the semester. Since you will need more time 
than you think for Module 7, you probably have less time than you think. Please 
do not let down. There is still a lot of work to do so keep pushing. HARD!


Readings:
Everyone should be wrapping up their delineations this week. If you do not see 
the end of it, call me. You are behind.


Readings:
You should be finishing your narratives and getting your documentation 
together. This is a bigger part to the task than you may know. Those of you 
with one delineation must prepare two portfolios, those with two delineations 
must prepare three portfolios, and so on. Additionally, you must submit a CD of 
your first five modules. Getting the documentation together and organized is 
laborious, as is tabbing your portfolio and getting it organized. Call me with 
questions.


Readings:
Continue the myriad of tasks necessary to complete. Those of you who can submit 
early should try to do so. It lets you jump start the evaluation phase.


Readings:
Continue assembling your portfolio. By now each of you should have a row of 
seven S's in your online portfolio. It is important that each of you has 
verified with me that you have a Satisfactory grade PRIOR to turning in your 
portfolio. As each of you finishes, I will submit your grade online to the 
Excel Office with me recommendation for evaluation.


Readings:
This is the last week. You must have your portfolios turned in no later than 
Thursday, preferably a day or so early. Good luck all. Please let me know how 
you do in the evaluation. Cheers.


