Course Description
The Internet has transformed society, opening up communication channels never dreamed of by previous generations. This course introduces students to the structure, design, and operation of the Internet, beginning with the electronic and physical construction of networks and basic network protocols. It addresses personal safety online, how email and Web browsers work, and the design of simple Web pages. Along the way it explores the historical and societal implications of this new medium.
Look here for a detailed list of topics by week.
Text
Recommended:
- How The Internet Works, by Preston Gralla: Contains detailed labeled diagrams of many internet-related topics.
- Basics of Web Design by Terry Felke-Morris: Contains detailed information on web page design and specific aspects of HTML, aimed at beginners. The more advanced portions of this book will also be useful if you take CSC 105.
You may also like Web 101, by Wendy Lehnert and Richard Kopec, which was used for this course in previous semesters. It contains extra material and is correspondingly more expensive. These books have been placed on reserve in the science library. For information focused on specific topics relating to the Internet, Wikipedia usually contains accurate information.
Requirements
Weekly homework assignments expand upon the class material and develop students' expertise with related topics. Homework should be submitted via Moodle, and is due before the beginning of class (9:00am) on the day indicated.
Homework will often include a weekly quiz that will emphasize basic facts and foundational skills, and serves as a rapid assessment of material presented in the readings and in class. Quizzes are open-book and open-notes, and will be administered via Moodle.
As a culminating activity in this class, each student has the choice to either complete a take-home final exam, or to independently research a topic of current interest relating to the internet. If you choose to write a research paper, then you will present the fruits of your research as a 4-6 page paper (1000-1500 words) and in an oral presentation to the class. All research topics must be approved in advance; if a student has not submitted an approved topic by the deadline (typically in the second week of the course) then she must take the final instead.
Collaboration Policy: You may freely use internet resources and your course notes in completing assignments and quizzes for this course. You may not consult any person other than the professor when completing quizzes or exams. (Clarifying questions should be directed to the professor.) On assignments you may collaborate with others in the course, so long as you personally prepare the materials submitted under your name, and they accurately reflect your understanding of the topic. Any such collaborations should be indicated by a note submitted with the assignment.
This course is intended to be accessible to all. Students are encouraged to speak with the instructor about any changes to the course structure that could help accommodate individual learning styles.
Grading
Grading for this course emphasizes the experience gained by successfully completing the homework and other assignments. Specific weighting of different course components are listed in the table below. The class participation element includes both regular attendence, asking questions in class, and evidence of preparation for class discussions.
| Assignment | Weight |
|---|---|
| Homework sets | 50% |
| Class participation | 20% |
| Final Exam/Paper | 30% |
Students are encouraged to review the instructor's general grading policies.
Late policy: All homework assignments are to be submitted at the beginning of class. Late assignments handed in before 5 pm on the due date will be penalized by half a letter grade; after that the penalty will be a full letter grade. Late assignments will not generally be accepted once the on-time papers have been graded and returned.
Schedule
Lecture: Mondays & Wednesdays, 9:00-10:20 AM, Ford Hall 241.
This course meets during the first half of the semester only. The last day of class is October 26.
Staff
Instructor: Nicholas R. Howe (Office hours)
Teaching Assistants:
- Rebecca Mackley
- Kristina Fedorenko
Roaming TAs (available to all CS courses): T.B.A.
Consulting Hours
TA hours (all in Ford Hall 241):
- Mondays 8-10 PM (Kristina)
- Tuesdays 8-10 PM (Kristina)
- Thursdays 8-10 PM (Becca)
Office hours for Professor Howe are available here.
Additional Considerations
We want everyone to succeed in this course. Students requiring special accommodations due to disability or other factors are encouraged to contact the professor at their earliest convenience so that any necessary arrangements may be made.