ESNS

This is the first course in the ScienceWorks Entrepreneurial Studies series. It is a terrific introduction to many aspects of technology businesses and careers. Material to be covered includes both topical information (useful facts) as well as skills training. The course meets in DSC125, which was specially constructed for the ScienceWorks program. For special presentations the course will meet in other locations - please be alert to announcements for these special meetings. In addition, there are class meetings at other than scheduled times - special trips and presentations that have been arranged for you. These other meetings are required - please make the necessary arrangements.

In addition, all students will subscribe to FORTUNE. Subscriptions have been arranged for you. A fee of $20 must be paid. Provide this fee by Monday 9/11 to Mrs. Jean Preston in DSC209. Cash or Check is acceptable.

You are required to maintain the reading schedule throughout the course. Attached to this syllabus is a complete course schedule containing the reading assignments. Make sure you complete the assignments prior to the class meeting indicated in the chart.

Each student in this course will be provided with a laptop computer. A sign-up form will be provided in class. It is your responsibility to maintain your computer, and you are expected to use it to prepare assignments and do projects for this course. You may also use it for any other purposes you like.

A special resource room is available to you in DSC 207. Access to that room and to DSC 125 is available to you at all times through the Library - show your ID and a key will be issued. DSC 207 contains resource and reference materials, large-screen desktop computers, printers, and access to phone, fax, and copying. Please contact the instructor for using this facility.

Assignments include homework, two projects, written essays, and a journal. All written assignments will get two grades: one for content, the other for presentation (English Counts!!). All written assignments must be word-processed. You are expected to be capable with word processing and spreadsheet software. You are advised to contact the computer center for help in these areas, or to take some of the free courses they offer in computer software.

Journal There are many handouts that will be provided to you during the course, as well as visits by outside speakers and other faculty. Unless you have a super-human memory (which I seriously doubt) you will easily forget all of the wonderful information that you will be given. So, you will keep a journal in which you will write an abstract of each handout that you are given. The abstracts should be sufficiently complete so that you will only have to refer to the original document if very detailed information is required. Each entry should be a ready reference for you containing all the key information from each article, as well as the source of the information. The Journal will be collected at random times during the semester, so keep it up to date.

Essays There are several specific essay assignments that will be given in class. In addition, there is a weekly essay assignment due each Monday. This essay will be derived from an article in FORTUNE that concerns a business concept that you will track throughout the semester. The specific format and content for this essay will be discussed in class.

Projects There are two formal projects for the course. Each will require you to generate either a written report or a formal presentation - you will do one of each type. Specific project descriptions will be handed out in class.

Other Homework Periodically specific assignments will be made in class. These assignments will require you to do some research or analysis, and to submit a solution to a problem.

This one's easy. There aren't any!! All due dates are fixed and hard! If you can't make it to class then make sure that a classmate brings in your assignment, or that you provide it to the instructor ahead of time. Nothing will be accepted late!!!!

Attendance is not required. However, there is absolutely no chance that you will learn the material without being in class, and without that material I can assure you that you will fail the exams. Your choice. Please note that this course includes several field trips and special presentations, all of which occur outside of regular class hours. Attendance at these events is required. Make sure you make appropriate arrangements ahead of time so that you can attend.

You must achieve a passing grade (60% or better) in each of the above categories in order to pass the course. Even if you ace every exam, the projects, and homework, but skip the journal, for example, you fail. Grades will be heavily weighted based on your worst-performing area. For example, if your essays are poor, even if the other elements are good, your grade will correspondingly suffer.