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Complementary: Mathematics Literacy and Computer Science

Mathematics Literacy and Computer Science
LAM and LBM (1-2-3) 2 credits

Complementary courses in this domain are open to students in the following programs:
Science*, Social Science and Commerce, Creative Arts, Literature and Languages (CALL), Music, Science / Music, Social Science / Music, and CALL / Music.

* Science students may take courses in this domain provided they have not chosen Computer Science as a specific education discipline.

The 2-credit complementary courses give students a basic knowledge of computers or an introduction to widely useful applications such as graphics and Web page design. The courses offered may include the following:

Enhancing Your Computer Skills (PRO-LAM)
420-LAM-03 (1-2-3) 2 credits

If all one knows about computers is word-processing, surfing the Internet and chat, one has only scratched the surface. This course will extend students’ computer knowledge in perhaps surprising ways. It offers the basics of designing Web pages, advanced word-processing techniques, file management, number-crunching using spreadsheets, and Internet fundamentals. There will be hands-on labs in all these topics. The course also gives an understanding of what goes on “under the hood” in computer hardware, as well as an introduction to the many applications of computers in today’s increasingly technological society.

Computer Graphics (PRO-LBM)
420-LBM-03 (1-2-3) 2 credits

The course is an introduction to computer graphic design using a standard graphics software package such as CorelDraw. It is taught interactively, three hours per week in the computer lab, with students getting extensive hands-on practice as well as completing projects on their own. No artistic ability or previous computer experience is required. This course includes elements of graphic design by computer, as well as an introduction to the theory of design. The goal is to produce well-crafted and esthetically pleasing illustrations with knowledge of the computer techniques involved as well as a practical understanding of the underlying artistic principles.

Web Page Design (PRO-LBM)
420-LBM-03 (1-2-3) 2 credits

This course is an introduction to design of Web pages. Students are not assumed to have any previous experience with computers. The course includes basics of networks and the history and workings of the Internet, and goes on to principles of page and site design using the HTML formatting language. Students will learn to design attractive, easy-to-navigate Web sites with appropriate use of images, links, and special features.The emphasis will be on “raw” HTML coding using a text editor. Later in the course students will be introduced to an HTML editor.  Following the contemporary approach to Web Page Design, StyleSheet definitions (“CSS”) are introduced; interactivity is achieved through user-input forms; livelier Web pages will be created by using short examples of code in the JavaScript programming language.