Fall 2026
Business Computer Applications
Instructor: Ebony Simpson
Email:Simpsones@lamarpa.edu
Phone: 409-984-6443
Office Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 3:30-4:30 and online by appointment
Additional Contact Information: Madison Monroe Bldg. Room 214A
Students will study computer terminology, hardware, and software related to the business environment. The focus of this course is on business productivity software applications and professional behavior in computing, including word processing (as needed), spreadsheets, databases, presentation graphics, and business-oriented utilization of the Internet.
eBook Requirement:
MindTap for Beskeen/Cram/Duffy/Wermers/Wilson's Illustrated Series� Collection, Microsoft� 365� & Office�, 1-term Instant Access
ISBN: 9780357882474
Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.
Computer and Software: You must have access to a computer running Windows 10 or 11 and an acceptable version of the desktop version of Microsoft Office (Office is also called Microsoft 365). Other versions of Office may be acceptable with instructor permission. LSCPA students may obtain the desktop version of Office 365, at no cost, through LSCPA. Details will be provided when we get to the Office 365 section of the course. Computers with Windows and Office 365 capability are also available on campus (see Lab Access below) and other places, such as public libraries.
Notes:
· Important info for Apple Macintosh (Mac) and Chromebook users: Mac and Chromebook computers may be used for many assignments. However, certain assignments will require Microsoft Windows and the desktop version of Office. Mac/Chromebook users are welcome to use the computers in the campus computer lab for access to Windows computers and the desktop version of Microsoft Office. For exams, you will be required to complete items found only on Microsoft Windows computers.
· Apple Macintosh (Mac): the desktop version of Office required for this course can be installed on a Mac, but it does not include Microsoft Access, which is required for some assignments. Also, one section of this course requires Microsoft Windows. This section cannot be done on a Mac computer.
Chromebook users: the Microsoft Office version you will need in this class is not available for Chromebooks. Chromebooks are not suitable for this course
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Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
· Describe the fundamentals of information technology concepts – hardware, software, security, and privacy.
· Demonstrate proper file management techniques to manipulate electronic files and folders in local, network, and online environments.
· Create business documents with word processing software using spelling and grammar check, format and layout, tables, citations, graphics, and mail merge.
· Create business documents and analyze data with spreadsheet software using (1) tables, sorting, filtering, charts and graphics, pivot tables, macros; (2) statistical, financial, logical and look-up functions and formulas; and (3) add-ins.
· Create business multimedia presentations with presentation software using templates, lists, groups, themes, colors, clip art, pictures, tables, transitions, animation, video, charts, and views.
· Create databases and manage data with database software using tables, fields, relationships, indexes, keys, views, queries, forms, reports, and import/export functions.
· Integrate business software applications.
· Use web-based technologies to conduct ethical business research.
· Demonstrate an ability to integrate the concepts of the essential areas of business
· Apply business reasoning to the analysis of current events
· Demonstrate an understanding of business terminology and concepts
· Use decision-making skills to address business needs
· Demonstrate effective skills in written and oral communications using appropriate technologies
· Demonstrate an understanding of ethical concepts as applied to business
Under Revision
This course has no final exam. There are several exams throughout the semester.
90 - 100 = A
80 - 89 = B
70 - 79 = C
60 - 69 = D
Below 59 = F
Assignments: 50%
Exams: 50%
Assignments are due weekly on Fridays by 11:59 p.m. Please plan accordingly and monitor the course schedule regularly to ensure all work is submitted on time.
No late work will be accepted. Once the Friday deadline has passed, assignments will no longer be available for submission unless otherwise specified by the instructor. Students are strongly encouraged to work ahead whenever possible to avoid missing deadlines due to unexpected circumstances.
Students are responsible for reviewing the course schedule, managing their time, and ensuring that all assignments are submitted by the established deadlines.
Regular online attendance and participation are essential for success in this course. Although this is an online course, students are expected to be actively engaged in the course throughout the semester.
The instructor will monitor online student activity and participation in Blackboard to verify attendance and engagement. Students must log into Blackboard at least twice each week and actively participate in course activities.
Simply logging into Blackboard is not considered sufficient participation. Students are expected to review course materials, check announcements, complete assignments, participate in required activities, and remain engaged with the course.
Students are responsible for monitoring the course regularly and keeping up with all assigned work and deadlines. Failure to maintain regular online activity and participation may result in the student being considered non-attending and may affect the student's standing in the course.
Students are strongly encouraged to access Blackboard frequently throughout the week rather than waiting until the assignment deadline.
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Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.
Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Accessibility Services Coordinator, Room 119, in the Ruby Fuller Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.
LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.
For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.
If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.