CFS 252 - Course Syllabus - Fall, 2008
Hospitality Information Systems
Class Meeting Time: Section 1: TR 11:10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Section 2: TR 12:45-2:05 p.m.
Class Location: Section 1: AC412; Section 2: AC412
Course Prerequisites: none (basic course in computer applications strongly recommended)
Instructor: Patty Silfies
Office: 209-E Academic Complex
Office Phone: (270) 745-3818
Fax (CFS Department): (270) 745-3999
Office Hours: MW 11:15 a.m.-12:30 and 1:45-3:00 p.m.; TR 10:00-11:00 a.m. and 2:15-3:45 p.m.
Instructor E-mail: patty.silfies@wku.edu or psilfies@yahoo.com
URL for this course: http://www.wku.edu/~patty.silfies/cfs252/cfs252.htm
URL for ECourses/Blackboard login: http://ecourses.wku.edu/
Course Description:
“Study of computer applications in hotel, restaurant, and tourism management and dietetics. Students will learn computer programs generic to the hospitality industry, such as spreadsheets, word processing, reservation systems, accounting systems, nutritional analysis, etc. Course focuses on information systems in the management of hospitality operations.” -- WKU Catalog, 2005-2007
Course Objectives:§
- To review the basic elements of computer systems, including hardware and software.
- To familiarize class members with the vocabulary of hospitality management information systems.
- To acquaint hospitality students with generic examples of software and/or information systems of the type they will encounter during their management careers.
- To describe and demonstrate specialized hospitality computer applications.
§ Students in the Nutrition and Dietetics option may identify how CFS 252 and other required courses help fulfill competencies (knowledge and skills) set by The American Dietetic Association at http://www.wku.edu/dietetics.
Required Course Materials:
- Text: Collins, Galen R. Hospitality Information Technology: Learning How To Use It, 6th edition (2008).
- <Portable storage media (examples: jump drive, flash drive, etc.. These must be brought to every lab session -- student is responsible for storage of all in-class and assigned files, presentations, etc.
Important Expectations for Students in this Class
Required Checking of WKU E-Mail: It is expected that all students enrolled in this course will check their WKU e-mail for course-related communications daily (Monday through Friday). Many important course-related announcements, such as temporary room changes, assignment due date changes, etc., will be e-mailed to the entire class. It is the responsibility of each student to be aware of these announcements!
Required Format of e-mails: All course-related e-mail must include a "Subject:" line that includes the following information: CFS252, student's first initial and last name, and topic of the e-mail (Example: CFS252 PSilfies homework question). E-mails with no 'Subject' will be automatically returned unanswered. Properly-formatted e-mail messages are usually answered within 24 hours - often much sooner.
E-mails with improperly-formatted 'Subject' line may be accidentally deleted or dismissed as 'junk mail.'
Required Method of Submitting Homework: Unless otherwise specified, all homework assignments are to be submitted (not 'saved') by Blackboard link. Absolutely no assignments will be accepted in hard copy (i.e. on paper).
Required file format for homework: Microsoft Excel (formulas required) and/or Microsoft Word! Files with any extension other than .xls or .xlsx will be returned for re-formatting and will not be counted as "submitted" until received in the required format.
Cell Phone usage during class: No cell phones or PDAs shall be used, visible, or audible during class. Any violation of this policy will result in a reduction in Professionalism grade.
Grading Criteria
(subject to change at the discretion of the instructor):
- 15% = Lab work
- 20% = Test #1 - Thursday, September 11 (tentative dates)
- 20% = Test #2 - Thursday, October 9 (tentative dates)
- 20% = Test #3 (comprehensive) - Thursday, November 13 (tentative dates)
- 15% = Homework
- 10% = Professionalism** & class participation***
**All individuals are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner. Unprofessional behavior such as, but not limited to, repeated disruption of class (including habitually walking in after class has started), sleeping in class, “temper tantrums,” or rudeness toward ANY person will be considered serious violations of this standard and will lower your grade accordingly!
***Class participation grade starts at 70% and will be raised or lowered from there! Be aware that "just showing up” will not earn a grade higher than the 70%.
Additional notes on grading policy:
- Makeup tests will be given only by arrangement with the instructor prior to the scheduled test date. In documented cases of emergency, please notify the instructor as soon as possible to arrange a makeup test. To avoid unfair advantage to any student, makeup tests will not be the same as the scheduled tests.
- Lab assignments are to be completed during the class. As explained in class, lab assignment grades will usually range from 60% to 100% for completed assignments. Because this portion of your grade, in effect, also functions as a regulator of attendance, there will be NO makeup opportunities for missed lab work.
- Penalty for late assignments. This includes weekend days!
0-24 hrs. late: -25 points
2 days late: -50
3 days late: -75
over 3 days, no credit. Assignment may still be submitted for corrections and/or comments.
- Please be aware of the fact that absence from class does NOT relieve the student of the responsibility of turning in assignments on time.
Attendance Policy:
Attendance in this course is strongly encouraged. The effect of absences FOR ANY REASON on a student’s FINAL grade are as follows:
- 0-1 absence = +1 point
- 2 absences = no effect (other than effect on lab grade)
Additional notes on attendance policy:
- Material discussed in class will often include topics not covered in the text. It is to the student's advantage to attend all classes in order to be exposed to all material.
- If students are absent or late to class, it shall be their responsibility to make themselves aware of any and all class announcements, assignment instructions, date and/or classroom changes, course material covered in class, etc.
- Exceptions for DOCUMENTED SCHOOL ACTIVITIES or DOCUMENTED MEDICAL OR FAMILY EMERGENCIES will be handled on a case-by-case basis. In these cases, it is the responsibility of the student to contact the instructor in advance, if possible, and, at the latest, before attending the next class.
Academic Honesty:
“Students who commit any act of academic dishonesty may receive from the instructor a failing grade in that portion of the course work in which the act is detected or a failing grade in the course without possibility of withdrawal. The faculty member may also present the case to the Office of the Dean of Student Life for disciplinary sanctions.” -- WKU Catalog, 2007-09.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to:
- cheating;
- plagiarism;
- presenting the work of others as one’s own;
- receiving or giving assistance not authorized by the instructor in taking a test or quiz;
- receiving or giving assistance not authorized by the instructor in preparation of any assignment submitted for grade determination;
- use of unauthorized materials or aids during examinations.
The application of academic integrity in CFS 252 is as follows: DON'T
JEOPARDIZE YOUR ACADEMIC FUTURE BY PARTICIPATING IN, OR
FACILITATING, ANY OF THE AFOREMENTIONED ACTIVITIES. If you have any
doubts about the integrity of an action or behavior, it is better to err on the side of
safety -- don't do it.
Student Disability Services:
In compliance with university policy:
"In compliance with university policy, students with disabilities who require accommodations (academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aids or services) for this course must contact the Office for Student Disability Services in DUC A-200 of the Student Success Center in Downing University Center.
Please DO NOT request accommodations directly from the professor or instructor without a letter of accommodation from the Office for Student Disability Services."
Questions regarding this document, contact Patty Silfies
e-mail: patty.silfies@wku.edu
Last modified July, 2008