Syllabus (pdf version)

Introduction to the Internet - CSCI16 - Section 0413

Instructor: David Donica
Office Hour: Fridays, 11:00am to 12:00pm Building 98 Room 5
Phone: 530.859.2854
E-mail: donica@siskiyous.edu
Website: http://www.siskiyous.edu/class/csci16
Time: Internet Online Class
Date: 8/18/08– 12/18/08
Location: Internet Online Class

Text: New Perspectives on The Internet, Seventh Edition-Comprehensive
~ ISBN 978-1-423-92506-4

Course Purpose/Objectives:

As a student in this course, you will learn the most important topics of the Internet. You will begin with an introduction to the Internet and the World Wide Web. You will learn browser basics and e-mail basics. Next you will learn about various ways to search the Web, Information Resources on the Web, and Downloading and Storing Data. Additionally, you will learn about mass communication on the Internet. Next you will learn how to create effective Web pages with HTML and how to enhance them with browser extensions. Finally, you will learn how to secure your use of the Internet and about Web portals and electronic commerce.

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Successfully use the Internet to communicate using:
  • E-mail
  • Electronic discussion groups
  • Newsgroups
• Proficient at retrieving information using Internet tools such as search engines and directories
• Compare and evaluate Internet resources, searching strategies, and search tools
• Broader understanding of the history of the Internet
• Ability to choose an appropriate web browser and understand its basic functions
• Use methods and tools to experience secure use of the Internet
• Understand what is meant by E-commerce and the international, legal, and ethical environment in which it operates

Prerequisite:

This course has no prerequisites.

Text/Materials:

Text: Schneider and Evans, New Perspectives on the Internet, Seventh Edition—Comprehensive Course Technology, ISBN 978-1-423-92506-4
Software: Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher, or Firefox 1.07 or higher, and Windows 2000 or higher must be installed on your computer. Note that the figures and steps in this edition were written using Windows XP, so Windows 2000 users might notice minor differences in the figures and the steps. This book assumes a complete installation of the Web browser software and its components, and that you have an existing e-mail account and an Internet connection. Because your Web browser might be different from the ones used in the figures or the book, your screens might differ slightly at times.
Handouts: Additional handouts may be required. Instructor will provide information on obtaining this material.

Teaching Methods:

1. Lectures: Important material from the text and outside sources will be covered in weekly online postings. Students should plan to take careful notes as not all material can be found in the texts or readings. Online discussion is encouraged as is student-procured outside material relevant to topics being covered.
2. Assignments: Review Assignments, Case Problems, and other projects will be periodically assigned to reinforce material in the text. These assignments may require the application of various software packages.
3. Quizzes: Occasional unannounced quizzes will be given to help ensure students stay up with assigned material.
4. Exams: Two exams and a final will be given. The exams will be open book/notes and will test assigned readings and material discussed in class. Review sheets will be provided prior to the exam day. The final exam will not be comprehensive in nature. However, the instructor reserves the right to retest on material that was not appropriately comprehended. These items will be noted on exam review sheets.
5. Internet: All material will be distributed on the Internet. Class notes, instructional material, and student assignments will be posted on 'the net' in a class website www.siskiyous.edu/class/csci16. Students are encouraged to go to the website www.course.com and www.course.com/newperspectives in order to obtain file downloads and view other items of interest throughout the semester.

Grading:

Letter grades will be determined using a standard percentage point evaluation as outlined below. Grades may be curved after the total semester points have been tabulated. However, do not count on a curve to obtain your desired grade.

A	90%-100%
B	80%-89%
C	70%-79%
D	60%-69%
F	Below 60%

Total points will be computed as follows. The total points for quizzes, cases, and assignments may vary.

Exam #1:	1@	100	100
Exam #2:	1@	100	100
Forum Posts:	11@	25	275
QuickQuizzes:	10@	25	250
Case:	1@	100	100
Feedback Survey:	1@	75	75
Final Exam:	1@	100	100
Total:			1000 Points

Course Policies:

Missed Quizzes: The student is responsible for obtaining material distributed on the class website. This can be done on a daily or weekly basis. Missed or late quizzes can not be made up under any circumstances but with good cause and adequate notice, an early quiz may be given.
Assignments: All assignments are due by the assigned date and no later than 12:00 midnight. Late submission of assignments will be assessed a penalty of 10% per day. No exceptions are made.
Academic Dishonesty: Plagiarism and cheating are serious offenses and may be punished by failure on exam, paper or project; failure in course; and or expulsion from the University. For more information refer to the "Academic Dishonesty" policy in the University Undergraduate Catalog.
Need for Assistance: If you have any condition, such as a physical or learning disability, which will make it difficult for you to carry out the work as I have outlined it, or which will require academic accommodations, please notify me as soon as possible.
Posting of Grades: Final grades will be posted online in the course management system. If you wish to have your final grade sent to you, please notify the instructor and your grade will be emailed to you.

 

Please send any comments or questions about this site to David Donica.
© 2008 College of the Siskiyous. All rights reserved.