CMSY129 Principles of the Internet
Syllabus DetailThis course introduces the student to the Internet. Students will work in a lab setting, which will consist of their home computer or one used on the HCC campus, and will access Internet software, get online on the Internet, and carry out basic functions including searches, communications, and data transfer.
After successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
- Understand the basic concepts behind the Internet and the World Wide Web.
- Communicate over the Internet using email and Internet Relay Chat (IRC).
- Find information on topics of interest using listserv and newsgroups.
- Conduct research using search engines.
- Find, download, and install files from the web.
- Share files with others on the Internet.
- Understand basic concepts of Hypertext Markup Language (HTML).
There are no class meetings scheduled for this course. All course assignments will be handled over the Internet through email. Assignments will be posted online and students will submit their coursework via email. Dates and times will be arranged for online chat sessions with the instructor and fellow students. You may complete this course as quickly as you would like but your work must be emailed to me no later than the last date of the semester.
In this environment, more responsibility rests on individual students than might be true in a traditional classroom. However, as in all classes, student success depends on motivation and participation in assignments. Regular interaction with the instructor and classmates will be accessible via email and online chat.
The grade will be determined from 5 assignments which will demonstrate your understanding of basic internet concepts. Completing the assignments will require that you spend some time on the internet searching for information, locating sites to download/upload files, sending and receiving mail, and learning to use the Internet as a tool to learn about the Internet. Online chat sessions will be scheduled, but are intended to introduce you to the medium and communicate with your classmates and instructor. The chat sessions will not be graded in order to encourage a risk free environment for expressing yourself and your experiences familiarizing yourself with the Web.
If you do not intend to complete this course, you should be sure to officially withdraw. Failure to withdraw will result in an "F" grade. Academic honesty, as defined in the Student Handbook, is required of all students.
ASSIGNMENTS
WEEK 1 - Introduction, Email, and Internet Basics Points Intro form 40 Signature file 20 Email with attachment 20 Discussion web introduction 20 WEEK 2 - Mailing Lists and Newsgroups Points Search email engines (online form submittal) 20 Join mailing list (online form submittal) 20 Deja search (online form submittal) 60 Portal site comparison (online form submittal) 50 WEEK 3 - Search Engines Points ISP comparison (online form submittal) 50 5 top search sites with URLs and description
(online form submittal) - 2 points per URL100 WEEK 4 - Internet Utilities and Hypermedia Points Download plug in and install (online form submittal) 100 Capture site's HTML using View | Source
FTP this file to class site50 Online chat – class chat, MIRC or similar description of experience (online form submittal) 50 WEEK 5 - HTML Points Free web hosting site comparison (online form submittal) 100 HTML page 300 TOTAL POINTS 1000 GRADING
A 900-1000 points B 800-890 points C 700-790 points D 600-690 points F under 600 points Click here for the grade spreadsheet – sorted by your HCC ID number.
Students with special needs are encouraged to discuss them with the instructor. The college also provides much assistance through Student Services. This program offers academic support to physically and learning disabled students, first generation students, and low income students. The support services include academic counseling, tutoring, workshop presentations, and group instruction.