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Comprehensive Word Processing

I.     Course Prefix/Number: CAB 125

       Course Name: Comprehensive Word Processing

       Credits: 3 (3 lecture; 1 lab)

II.    Prerequisite

Hands-on computer experience using software that runs in a Windows operating system environment. The ability to type 20 wpm or consent of the instructor.

III.   Course (Catalog) Description

Course covers use and application of basic word processing functions, using Microsoft Word. Content includes entering, formatting, editing, moving, saving, printing and retrieving text; proofreading, correcting errors and spell-checking; page numbering, headers and footers, footnotes/endnotes, hyphenation, thesaurus, merge, tables (including math calculations), sort; additional content includes macros, templates, table of contents, indexes, fonts, and columns; introduction to styles, charts, and forms; features and techniques to enhance and simplify document creation. Hands-on applications provided to reinforce use.

IV.   Learning Objectives

   Through the use of a microcomputer and the software package being learned the student will demonstrate the ability to:
A.    Create various documents.
B.    Proofread, correct errors, and make editorial changes in text.
C.    Save, retrieve, update and move text without unwanted modification.
D.    Initiate search and replace operations.
E.    Print text and utilize print preview for page layout.
F.    Use spell check to correct misspelled words within a document.
G.    Produce repetitive documents, by merging variable information with constant text.
H.    Prepare multi-page reports containing headers and footers, footnotes, endnotes, table of contents and index.
I.    Use the hyphenation function and thesaurus capability to produce quality documents.
J.    Establish tables using the tables feature to define columns and cells.
K.    Use the tools necessary to set up mathematical formulas.
L.    Sort data and variable fields on merge documents.
M.    Develop template patterns as a default setup mechanism for a variety of documents with repetitive formats including margins, formatting, and standard pieces of text.
N.    Group instructions and commands into a macro to automate a series of actions.
O.    Create styles to be assigned to paragraphs and various text which will assign a predetermined format to it.

V.    Academic Integrity

Students and employees at Oakton Community College are required to demonstrate academic integrity and follow Oakton's Code of Academic Conduct. This code prohibits:

• cheating,
• plagiarism (turning in work not written by you, or lacking proper citation),
• falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth),
• helping others to cheat,
• unauthorized changes on official documents,
• pretending to be someone else or having someone else pretend to be you,
• making or accepting bribes, special favors, or threats, and
• any other behavior that violates academic integrity.

There are serious consequences to violations of the academic integrity policy. Oakton's policies and procedures provide students a fair hearing if a complaint is made against you. If you are found to have violated the policy, the minimum penalty is failure on the assignment and, a disciplinary record will be established and kept on file in the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years.
Details of the Code of Academic Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook.

VI.   Sequence of Topics

A.    Creating, Printing, and Editing Documents
B.    Formatting Characters
C.    Aligning and Indenting Paragraphs
D.    Customizing Paragraphs
E.    Proofing Documents
F.    Formatting Pages
G.    Customize Page Formatting
H.    Insert Elements and Document Navigation
I.    Maintaining Documents
J.    Manage and Print Documents
K.    Inserting Images
L.    Inserting Shapes and Word Art
M.    Creating Tables
N.    Enhancing Tables
O.    Creating Charts
P.    Merging Documents
Q.    Sorting and Selecting
R.    Managing Lists
S.    Managing Page Numbers, Headers and Footers
T.    Managing Shared Documents
U.    Inserting and Customizing Quick Parts
V.    Customizing AutoCorrect and Word Options
W.    Customizing Themes
X.    Formatting with Styles
Y.    Protecting and Preparing Documents
Z.    Inserting Endnotes, Footnotes, and References
AA.    Creating Indexes
BB.    Creating Specialized Tables
CC.    Creating Forms

VII.  Methods of Instruction

Class and individualized instruction.
Course may be taught as face-to-face, media-based, hybrid or online course.

VIII. Course Practices Required

A.    Attend seminars as scheduled.
B.    Attend lab as required.
C.    Complete required assignments and tests.
D.    Seminar schedule may be adjusted based on needs of the class.

IX.   Instructional Materials

Textbooks, online resources, and such other materials deemed appropriate for the topic and assigned by the program and instructor.
USB drive

X.    Methods of Evaluating Student Progress

Production of various documents, completion of assignments, and class participation.  Progress Checks and Exams.

XI.   Other Course Information

Software users! Copying software is in violation of Federal law and College policies. Suspected violations will be vigorously investigated and, if warranted, appropriate penalties will be applied.  Specifically, you do not have the right to make copies of software for yourself or others, or receive and use unauthorized copies of software.


If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability you may be entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations or services, contact the ASSIST office in the Learning Center. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements. The College will not waive any essential skill or requirement of a course or degree program.