CIT 114 - IT Essentials
On-Campus
CIT 114 - 2201

Course Information
The course teaches the knowledge and skills required to assemble and maintain personal computers and peripheral
devices. Major topics include assembling components, installing software, connecting to networks, troubleshooting and
repair, customer support, imaging and virtualization. Assists student preparation for CompTIA A+ certification. Course
content is a combination of content from former CIT 110 A+ Hardware and CIT 111 A+ Software courses.

Learning Outcomes
1. Identify, install, and configure PC hardware components.
2. Operate common ancillary and mobile devices.
3. Configure a PC to connect to a network and the Internet.
4. Perform basic installation and maintenance tasks for a Windows operating system.
5. Diagnose and resolve basic hardware and operating system problems.
6. Use customer service and communication skills.
7. Identify security risks and implement security measures for PCs and small networks.

Instructor Information

Dr. Scott Beckstrand	Phone: 651-4464	Office: 2659B	Email: scott.beckstrand@csn.edu
Office Hours	Mail Sort Code: T2E	Online	Course Objectives 220-1101 Course Objectives 220-1102

Textbooks

Required: LabSim PC Pro. 978-1-935080-42-8, Key Ordering Information Recommended: CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide 11th Edition. Meyers, McGraw-Hill, 978- 1264609901

This course will prepare you to take and pass the current CompTIA A+ tests. The course consists of videos, lessons, labs,
short exams, and a final. All labs and exams are in LabSim. The final is in LabSim. You may repeat the labs and exams as
many times as you desire, the last attempt will be used for the grade. The Final test will become available on May 10th and
must be taken no later than 10:00pm on May 10th. The final can only be taken once and will be available under the
Certification tab in TestOut. The PC Build and PC Game assignments are done using the simulation software. This
software should be downloaded and installed as soon as possible. The first PC Game assignment is due at the end of Week
Three. All information is in the Important Information Module in Canvas. The PC Build can be done anytime during the
semester and is required for the class. Please contact me if you have any questions.

The course objectives are the CompTIA objectives for the A+ certification exams. While one outcome for the class is to
be able to meet the objectives provided by CompTIA, certification is the main goal. It is expected that students passing
the class will be able to take and pass the certification tests, the probability being related to the final grade received.
CompTIA objectives can be found using the links above and discount vouchers for the CompTIA test can be found at
itcert.csn.edu.

This syllabus is subject to change as deemed appropriate by the instructor with notification.
No exceptions can or will be made to the deadlines.

Weekly Schedule

*All of the last module is included in the week assignment
All work must be completed and submitted by May 10

Software/hardware requirements
A computer running Windows is required to use the PC Build software.

Late Work Policy
5% per day late penalty for the first 10 days. After 10 days late assignments can earn 45% of full credit.

Grade determination

Miscellaneous Items	*3
Labs & Exams	60%
PC Build Game	15%
Final	20%
Attendance	5%
PC Build	**P/F

* 3 bonus points
**All students are required to complete the PC Build (Single Build point is not counted in the grade points total)

Percentage Range	Grade	Percentage Range	Grade	Percentage Range	Grade
94-100	A	90-93	A-	87-89	B+
84-86	B	80-83	B-	77-79	C+
74-76	C	70-73	C-	67-69	D+
64-66	D	60-63	D-	<60	F

Important Note - If you have any concerns about this course and/or me, please contact me first. If I cannot resolve your
issue, please contact CIT Department Office at 702-651-5976. You will be directed to the appropriate Program Director or
the Department Chair. You will remain anonymous, if possible, and all communications will be strictly confidential.
Please DO NOT wait until the last minute to make your concerns known to me and/or to the CIT Department.

CSN Student email - All students enrolled at CSN have a CSN Student Email account. All information from the
college will be sent to your CSN-issued student email address (enrollment information, financial aid information, cashier
information, college events, etc.). It is extremely important that you check your student email daily. You can access
your student email through GoCSN (go.csn.edu). Once you validate your student email address you will have access to
Microsoft Office 365 for up to five devices and 1TB of OneDrive storage. Visit the CSN Information web site for
additional information.

Attendance Policy - College assumes maturity, seriousness of purpose, and self-discipline for meeting the
responsibilities associated with each course. If you need the instructor to sign documents testifying about your
attendance, YOU must email the instructor after each class you attend to let them know you were there. Attendance is expected.

Academic Integrity - Taking the words of others or presenting the ideas of others as your own not only limits your
academic research skills, it also violates the CSN’s Student Academic Integrity Policy. Cheating on exams or other course
work also violates the CSN Student Academic Integrity Policy. You can find more information about CSN’s Academic
Integrity Policy at the Academic Integrity Web Site. The minimum penalty for such offenses in this course is to fail the
assignment. Failing the course will also be considered as an option. Infractions of the CSN Student Academic Integrity
Policy may lead to suspensions, expulsion, transcript notations or other sanctions. You SHOULD NOT attempt to pay
anyone to complete your work. You SHOULD NOT consult any web sites that provide answers to assignments.

CSN Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement and current Disability Resource Center (DRC)
Contact Information - The College of Southern Nevada is committed to making physical facilities and instructional
programs accessible to students with disabilities. If you have a disability that may have some impact on your work in this
class and for which you may require accommodations, please visit the Disability Resource Center (DRC) so that such
accommodations can be considered. All discussions will remain confidential. The DRC has offices on all three campuses.
These serve as the focal point for coordination of services for students with disabilities. If you have a physical, emotional,
or mental disability that “substantially limits one or more major life activities (including walking, seeing, hearing,
speaking, breathing, learning and working),” and will require accommodation in this class, please contact the DRC at
West Charleston 702 – 651 – 5644, or email at WCDRCStaff@csn.edu or at North Las Vegas 702–651–4045, or email at
CYDRCStaff@csn.edu or at Henderson 702–651–3795 , or email at HCDRCStaff@csn.edu. For Deaf and Hard of
Hearing Services contact the DRC using 70 –651–4448, or email at Deaf.HH.Services@csn.edu. Any student who
receives an accommodation letter from the DRC, please meet with me to discuss the provisions of those accommodations
as soon as possible.

Student Rights & Responsibilities - When you choose to become a student at CSN, you accept the rights and
responsibilities of membership in CSN’s academic and social community. You can find policies covering students such
as the Student Conduct, Students’ Right to Know, Students’ Academic Integrity, and Disruptive and Abusive Student in
the following locations:
    Catalog and Student Handbook (Catalog Web Page) in the Policies and Procedures section.
    CSN Website (Student Policies) under the heading “Student Policies.”

College Library Services - CSN Libraries provides support for students completing assignments that require research
and the use of information. Librarians are available to students for one-on-one assistance locating and citing quality
information either online at the Library information or at one of our campus libraries. Find more information on our main
website at the Library main page.

Safety For On-campus classes – This class does not have an experiment lab and therefore we will not be concerned
about following specific safety strategies. However, Approved classroom safety procedures are posted in each classroom
and are to be followed. Students are to familiarize themselves with the nearest exit to use during a fire alarm. Do
NOT use the elevators. Students must take ALL personal belongings with them when exiting the
building. No student will be allowed back into the facility until the all clear is given.

Public Health Directives (COVID-19) for On-campus classes – Students must follow all active CSN public
health directives while enrolled in this class. CSN public health directives are found at the CSN Covid-19 Information.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) - The Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS offers shortterm,
problem-focused counseling to CSN students who may feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of college, work,
family, and relationships. Clinicians are available to help students cope with stresses and personal issues that may
interfere with their ability to perform in school. The service is provided confidentially and free to currently enrolled
students. To schedule an appointment, please call CAPS at WC (702) 651-5518, at NLV (702) 651-4099, and at HN
(702) 651-3099.

Food and Housing Insecurity Support - Any student who has difficulty affording groceries or accessing sufficient
food to eat every day, or who lacks a safe and stable place to live and believes this may affect their performance in the
course, is urged to contact Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS), for a list of resources and support.

References - Safari Tech Books available through the library offer an excellent source of supplemental resources that
you may use for this course. To find Safari Books Online, go to the Safari Books. To access the resources, always use
your Canvas credentials and always use your CSN student email address.

Required extra- or co-curricular activities - All activities are based on projects and exams assigned throughout the
course. Any required extra activities will be clearly explained in class.

Additional fees - There are no additional fees for this course.

Advising & Coaching Services - Advisor/Success Coaches help students assess academic strengths and limitations,
learn academic success strategies, explore careers, declare a major, navigate the educational system, access campus and
community resources, and connect to campus life. The department also manages the CSN Faculty E-Alert System assisting
instructional staff by working with students on strategies and interventions that lead to successful course completion.
Contact Information: Charleston Campus: Building D – Student Services Area : 702–651–5670, North Las Vegas Campus:
Student Services Area : 702–651–4049, Henderson Campus: Building B – Room 120 : 702 – 651–3165. Visit the Advising
web site for more information.

My responsibilities:
1. I will reply to your e-mail messages in a timely manner. Replying to phone calls may take more time.
2. I will try my best to resolve any course-related issues.

Your responsibilities:
1. You will stay active in the course. Let me know if you find any discrepancies in the syllabus, course material, or
activity due dates, as soon as possible.
2. You will monitor the deadlines for all assignments and ask questions if needed.
3. You will do your best in class and will not hesitate to ask for help.

Withdrawal Policy - Instructors do not have the option of withdrawing students. For official withdrawal dates and
other IMPORTANT college dates, look at the online schedule at the CSN Calendar and locate the calendar for the current
semester.

You are strongly encouraged to discuss your decisions with an academic counselor, academic adviser or success coach
AND Student Financial Services, because these decisions may affect your financial aid and Satisfactory Academic
Progress. Students receiving financial aid may find their awards reduced.

If you wish to receive a W in lieu of a grade, you MUST withdraw yourself officially from the class. Once you have
withdrawn (dropped), you must discontinue attending class. Alternatively, you may wish to change from Credit to Audit
and continue to attend the class.

Change to Audit – Forms are available on the CSN website. Print the form and fill it out, check the boxes, sign and
date. Submit the completed form in person at the Registrar’s Office. To avoid visiting the registrar’s office in person, you
may scan or photograph the signed form and send it, using your CSN student email, along with a clear color copy of your
state ID to MyCSN.Updates@csn.edu

The following dates are for 16-week sessions:
January 23 - Last day for 100% refund
January 30 - Last day for 50% refund
January 30 - Last Day to Drop a Class WITHOUT a Grade of W
February 20 – President’s Day – school is closed
March 13 – March 19 – Spring Break – No class activities
March 24 - Last Day to Officially Change from Credit to Audit
March 24 - Last Day to Drop a Class WITH a Grade of W

Class Policies -
All course material is available online in Canvas. While the design of this course allows flexibility in your scheduling,
please realize that the deadlines are just as strict as any other course. Allocate your time accordingly to complete the
assignments. Use the mail messaging in Canvas to contact me or ask questions.

Internet Access - Internet access is your responsibility. This class can be accessed from any computer with Internet
access anywhere in the world. Therefore, excuses such as “My computer is not working” or “My provider was down” are
not acceptable. If you find yourself in a real jam, you may drive to any CSN site and use one of the computers in the CSN
open computer labs. Of course, if there is a computer problem originating from CSN, then appropriate actions will be
taken.

Computer Labs – CSN provides access to computers at many physical locations. For Computer labs hours and
locations, visit the Computer Lab

Networking Lab - The networking lab will be open by appointment only. For location/date/time information, please
visit the CIT Information Web site. Click on Networking and Software Lab Hours

Academic Advising
Academic Advisors help students assess academic strengths and limitations, learn academic success strategies, explore
careers, declare a major, navigate the educational system, access campus and community resources, and connect to campus
life. Contact Information: Charleston Campus: Building D – Student Services Area : 702–651–5670, North Las Vegas
Campus: Student Services Area : 702–651–4049, Henderson Campus: Building B – Room 120 : 702–651–3165. For more
information visit Academic Advising

Centers for Academic Success (CAS) - Centers for Academic Success (CAS) provides quality DROP-IN academic
assistance to all students enrolled in for-credit courses at CSN. Tutors are available for most general education courses and
some historically challenging courses. Academic learning support includes assistance with learning strategies, Canvas,
Smarthinking online tutoring, Microsoft Office, reading, writing, oral presentations, math, and science. CAS tutors also
provide support to study groups and assistance for placement test preparation. CAS is open Monday through Sunday to be
more accessible to all students. Hours for all locations are Monday – Thursday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and Friday – Sunday
11:00 am to 4:00 pm. You may visit the CAS web site for more details about online and in-person services. You may also
contact us at one of our offices: Charleston Centers (651- 5732), North Las Vegas Learning Commons (651-4232),
Henderson Learning Commons (651- 3125).

Canvas Computer Instructions & Technology Help Desk
The Canvas Student Quick Start Guide be found at Canvas web site. The entire Student Guide may be found on this web site. Telephone Support for Distance Education students having problems logging into a course, using course web site tools,
or other technical problems can be found by contacting the CSN Technology Help Desk locally at 702–651–4357, or via 1-
800–630–7563 toll-free, 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.

Objectionable materials - Instructors have the responsibility to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior
appropriate to the discipline and method of instruction. No objectionable materials or language will be used during this
class. This includes all possible modes of the class: online and in person. The instructor will make the final determination
regarding any objectionable materials or language. Students may not engage in activity the instructor deems disruptive or
counterproductive to the goals of the class. Instructors have the right to remove offending students from class.

Recording Class - Recordings of the class are not allowed without the explicit permission of the instructor.

Early Alert Program - Early Alert Referral Program (MyCoyotePLAN) – A referral program to connect students with
college resources when assistance is needed to achieve success. Referrals may be initiated by faculty and staff as well by
students through MyCoyotePLAN. After a referral is submitted, students will receive an email notification and will be
contacted by the department to which they were referred to help.

TRIO Student Support Services - One stop shop for first-generation college, financial aid-eligible and disabled
students offering tutoring, academic advising, career exploration, college-transfer assistance, and development of college
success strategies. Contact information: North Las Vegas Campus: Building E Room 109 : 702–651–4441 or visit the
TRIO’s web site.

Printing @ CSN - Printing in CSN classrooms, computer labs and libraries falls under Print Wise. Print Wise provides
each CSN student with a $10 credit toward printing at the start of each semester, which will provide for up to 200 black
and white copies at 5¢ a page, or 40 color copies at 25¢ a page. After that, you may put money into your account online or
at the CSN Cashier’s Office to purchase additional prints at the same rate. It is your responsibility to maintain your
printing accounts to cover printing expenses during each semester. More information about the Print Wise system may be found at the Printwise Information.
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Course Contract -
This syllabus is a course contract for the duration of the semester. By continuing with this course students agree to the
terms set forth in this syllabus and will adhere to all rules and policies outlined.

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work and attendance policies,
may be subject to change without advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.