Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Course Details
For a list of course activities, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Course Objectives
The aim of this course is to provide a framework for understanding information systems and tools to enable their use in organizations. We will cover five (5) major topics:
- Basics of Information Systems
- Data and Information
- Python Programming Basics
- Business Analytics
- Emerging Technology
Assumed Prior Knowledge
This course assumes no prior knowledge. However, if you have experience working in a business and interacting with technology assets or technology workers, then you will likely find the course material more relatable and relevant.
Course Materials
Technology
You will need to create an account to use these free resources from Databricks:
- Databricks Community Edition: free version of this cloud-based, big data platform
- Databricks University Alliance : a PDF with instructions for how to download these self-paced courses for free
Books
- Kim, G., Behr, K. & Spafford, G. (2014). The Phoenix Project: A Novel about IT, DevOps, and Helping Your Business Win. Portland, Oregon: IT Revolution Press.
- Audiobook version is highly recommended
- Tiwana, A. (2017). IT Strategy for Non-IT Managers: Becoming an Engaged Contributor to Corporate IT Decisions. The MIT Press.
Grades
Breakdown
| Activity | Description | Individual Points |
Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discussion Posts |
Cover weekly reading material |
8 × 4 points | 32 points |
| Lab Assignments |
Technical activity for data analysis practice |
7 × 4 points | 28 points |
| Quizzes |
Cover the previous lecture materials (including supplementary material) and assigned readings |
8 × 4 points |
32 points |
| Group Project |
Live presentation and PowerPoint for an end-to-end data visualization project
|
1 × 8 points |
8 points |
| Total | 100 |
Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90–100% | A |
| 80–89% | B |
| 70–79% | C |
| 60–69% | D |
| Below 60% | F |
Course Components
Discussion Posts
Discussion posts cover the week's reading materials. Your initial response (at least 250 words) are due Friday's at 11:59 p.m. You are also expected to make at least 2 additional replies (at least 100 words each) to your peers or instructor and "like" at least 3 of your classmates' posts or replies by the following Tuesday at 7 p.m. (before the next Live Session). You must post your initial response before you will be able to see your classmates' responses.
Each discussion post is worth 4 points, which will be awarded as follows:
- Initial post that shows thoughtful analysis: 2 points
- On-time replies to classmates: 2 points
Note: 1 point will be deducted for each late post.
Lab Assignments
Technical activity to get familiar with modern data technology necessary to perform data analysis.
Quizzes
Covers the previous lecture materials (including supplementary material) and assigned reading.
Group Project
Collaborate to put together and present an end-to-end data visualization project. Live presentation and PowerPoint due by end of last Live Session.
Course Policies
Communication
For sensitive topics, please email your instructor (lukemreese@ou.edu).
For technical troubleshooting, please reach out using the course Microsoft Teams channel.
Late Policy
You are expected to actively participate in Live Sessions and deliver assignments on time.
If you must miss a class, you will be expected to watch the Live Session recording and complete assignments by the due date.
Late submissions are generally not accepted.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Course Catalog
Search the OU Course Catalog.
Student Handbook
Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Academic Misconduct
In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook.
It is the responsibility of each student to be familiar with the definitions, policies, and procedures concerning academic misconduct. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.
This site also defines misconduct, provides examples of prohibited conduct, and explains the sanctions available for those found guilty of misconduct.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the most common form of academic misconduct at OU. There is basically no college-level assignment that can be satisfactorily completed by copying. OU's basic assumption about writing is that all written assignments show the student's own understanding in the student's own words. That means all writing assignments, in class or out, are assumed to be composed entirely of words generated (not simply found) by the student, except where words written by someone else are specifically marked as such with proper citation. Including other people's words in your paper is helpful when you do it honestly and correctly. When you don't, it's plagiarism.
For more information about plagiarism, watch this video and then take this short course offered by University Libraries.
Diversity Statement
The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community by embracing each person's unique contributions, background and perspective. The University of Oklahoma recognizes that fostering an inclusive environment for all, with particular attention to the needs of historically marginalized populations, is vital to the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission. This enhances the OU experience for all students, faculty and staff and for the communities we engage.
Land Acknowledgement
Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.
We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations. Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgment is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.
Non-Discrimination Policy
The University does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual based on the individual’s race, color, religion, political beliefs, national origin, age (40 or older), sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or veteran status in matters of admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, or health care services that the University operates or provides. For more information, please contact the Institutional Equity Office.
Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities
The University of Oklahoma is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for all students with disabilities. Students with disabilities who require accommodations in this course should contact their professor as early in the semester as possible.
Students with disabilities must be registered with the Accessibility and Disability Resource Center prior to receiving accommodations in this course.
If you have a disability and you would like to make a request for reasonable accommodation, please see the Graduate Student Handbook or get in touch with the Accessibility and Disability Resource Center.
Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues
Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.
Title IX Resources
For any concerns regarding gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, stalking, or intimate partner violence, the University offers a variety of resources, including advocates on-call 24/7, counseling services, mutual no contact orders, scheduling adjustments and disciplinary sanctions against the perpetrator. Please contact the Title IX Office at 405-325-2215 (8–5, M–F) or OU Advocates at 405-615-0013 (24/7) to learn more or to report an incident. Also, please be advised that a professor/GA/TA is required to report instances of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or discrimination to the Sexual Misconduct Office.
Religious Holidays
It is the policy of the University to excuse absences of students that result from religious observances and to provide without penalty for the rescheduling of examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays. It is the responsibility of the student to make alternate arrangements with the instructor at least one week prior to the actual date of the religious holiday.
Student Grievances
In addition to any policies outlined related to submitting an informal or formal grievance by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook for more information about the process of submitting a formal grievance.
Copyright Policy
It is illegal to download, upload, reproduce, or distribute any copyrighted material, in any form and in any fashion, without permission from the copyright holder or their authorized agent. The University of Oklahoma expects all members of its community to comply fully with federal copyright laws. If such laws appear to have been violated by any user, the university reserves the right (1) to terminate that user's access to some or all of the university's computer systems and information resources and (2) to take additional disciplinary actions as deemed necessary or appropriate. Repeat offenders will be sanctioned and their privileges terminated.
Registration and Withdrawal
If you choose to withdraw from this course, you must complete the appropriate University form and turn the form in before the deadline. If you stop attending the course and doing the coursework without doing the required paperwork, your grade will be calculated with missed homework and examination grades entered as zero. This could result in receiving a grade of F in the course. Deadlines are shown in the Academic Calendar, which is available from the Office of the Registrar.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|