Syllabus for 0702CMST3856381

Faculty Contact Information


Professor: Mike Mardesich

Email:  mmardesich@yahoo.com

cell: 410-903-6303  (please do not call after 9pm EST)

 

Teaching Assistant: Jodie Nauman

Email:  Jodie@polaris.umuc.edu



Course Description


Prerequisite: CMIS 102, CMIS 102A, CMST 103, or IFSM 201. A study of HTML and Web page design including Internet security measures as well as social, ethical, and legal issues related to the growth of the Internet. Assignments include designing and publishing a Web page. Additional topics include basic principles and protocols of the Internet; configuration and use of graphical Web browsers; application programs such as e-mail, searching and retrieving information on the World Wide Web; and the use of portals. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CAPP 385 or CMST 385. one of the following courses: CAPP 385 or CMST 385.

Course Goals/Objectives


After completion of this course, you should be able to:



Course Introduction


In CMST 385, you will learn about the components of the Internet (along with the associated terminology) so that you can understand not only what you can do on the Internet, but how and why. We will cover Internet concepts such as ISPs, URLs, domain names, newsgroups, chats, files transfer, search tools, web site creation, Internet communication, Internet security and privacy, and the software and hardware needed to implement Internet applications. You will learn how to use the World Wide Web in business, at school, or at home to correspond around the world, access news, research information, shop online, invest, bank, and more.

Emphasis is on hands-on practice to learn the features of the Internet. Because of its prominence in the Internet environment, we will teach web site creation fundamentals throughout the course, allowing you to produce a functional, worldwide-accessible web site by the end of the course.

 

This course includes content and activities appropriate for students' achievement of the following Cross-Curricular initiatives: Competence in Information Technology and Information Literacy.

 

The modules for CMST 385 include the following:



Grading Information and Criteria


Grading Criteria

Individual student grades will be figured on the following:

 

Final Exam 20%

Online

Participation 

 15% 
Assignments 25%
Web Project 30%
Quizzes 10%
Total 100%

Grading Scale

The grading scale, based on 100 points is:

 

 A 90–100
 B   80–89
 C   70–79
 D   60–69
 F    0–59


Additional Information


ADDITIONAL NEEDS: (these will be explained during the first class session)

REQUIREMENTS
folderAll assignments must be submitted for grading by their corresponding due dates. No late assignments will be accepted. Even though many of our assignments build on each other to prepare you for the final Web project, you will not get the points for the previously due work unless it is turned in by the due date. 

x A proctored FINAL exam will be required. You will need to register for your final exam and provide a photo ID at the time of taking the exam.  We may also have various online quizzes relating to reading assignments, terminology, and course concepts.

folderBACK-UPS. Save all graded assignments, planning materials, returned assignments, quizzes, etc. You are responsible for your work. Always back-up your materials. If your computer is hit by lightening (or whatever) during the last two weeks of class when the Web project is due and you didn't have a back-up, then your final grade will be in serious jeopardy.  Always back-up your materials.

folderCLASS PARTICIPATION. Attendance is required, so how do we do that in an online class? You are required to respond to 12 weekly conferences. If you do not respond to that conference during the week it is required, you do not get the conference participation points. Once the deadline has passed, you may not go back to respond to conferences you missed. Plan on logging in to our WebTycho classroom at least twice each week.

Although 24/7 online presence is not possible, either the instructor or the teaching assistant will respond to the WebTycho classroom questions and e-mail at least once every day.

folder ACADEMIC INTEGRITY. Cheating will not be tolerated in this class. You are expected to do your own work. If an assignment you have turned in for this class has been posted on the Internet, received from a student in a previous class, or taken from any other individual, you may forfeit your ability to complete the course. Similar responses may be expected for copying exam questions or using “cheat sheets.”

Students at UMUC are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that will contribute to the maintenance of academic integrity. Failure to maintain academic integrity (academic dishonesty) may result in disciplinary action.

Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to obtaining or giving aid on an examination, having unauthorized prior knowledge of an examination, doing work for another student, and plagiarism.

Plagiarism is the presentation of another person's idea or product as one's own. Plagiarism includes (but is not limited to) copying verbatim all or part of another person's work; using phrases, charts, figures, illustrations, computer programs, or mathematical or scientific solutions without citing the source; paraphrasing ideas, conclusions, or research without citing the source; and using all or part of a literary plot, poem, film, musical score, or other artistic product without attributing the work to its creator.

Students can avoid unintentional plagiarism by carefully following accepted scholarly practices. Notes taken for papers and research projects should accurately record sources of material to be cited, quoted, paraphrased, or summarized, and papers should acknowledge those sources in proper academic format (either MLA or APA style).

UMUC's policy on Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism can be found at http://www.umuc.edu/policy/  or is available from the Office of the Dean, School of Undergraduate Studies.

DISABLED STUDENTS. If you are a student with a disability who needs accommodations in this course, you must register with Veteran and Disabled Student Affairs. You will need to provide documentation of a disability and its impact on the course in order to receive accommodations. Please contact Veteran and Disabled Student Affairs at 301-985-7930 or 800-888-UMUC, extension 7930 or by email at vdsa@umuc.edu.

 Click here to e-mail your instructor  Mike Mardesich

Disclaimer: Information contained in this syllabus, to the best of the knowledge of the instructor, was considered correct and complete when distributed for use at the beginning of the semester.  However, this syllabus should not be considered a contract between the University of Maryland University College and any student  The instructor reserves the right, acting within the policies and procedures of UMUC, to make changes in course content or instructional technique without prior notice or obligation.



Project Descriptions


Purpose

Assess your abilities to design and develop a Web page using various tools and methodologies such as HTML.

Objectives

  1. Create a student account on UMUC's designated Web server.
  2. Create Web pages in a text editor using clean HTML coding.
  3. Save, upload, test, edit and refresh HTML pages to the UMUC's designated Web server.
  4. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the technical necessities required by XHTML coding by making at least one of your site's pages XHTML compliant.
  5. Write Cascading Style Sheet settings and incorporate the styles into at least one of your site's pages.
  6. Demonstrate an understanding of both the technical and aesthetic sides of Web design.

Instructions
Create a CMST 385 student Web site. Some of the pages may be created through your CMST385 course exercises. All other pages may use any appropriate topic, but the topics must be approved in advance by the instructor. A project proposal should be assigned as well.

Examples for student projects could include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. description of your major field of study
  2. description of how CMST 385 fits in with your work or leisure time activities
  3. description of your favorite non-profit organization

Students will be expected to create a reference sheet citing all sounds, artwork, or text used from other authors. Students must use the APA style of citation. Details for citation guidelines can be found at the UMUC library reference site: http://www.umuc.edu/library/citationguides.html. If you choose to use entirely your own text, graphics, and audio, then you must create a statement of copyright in place of a citation page.

Deliverables

A Web site with the following key elements:

1.  Six pages properly coded and formatted and containing the necessary elements as noted in the Grading – Assessment Methodology table below. Your Web site must be hand-coded by you using Notepad or a similar text editor. If your instructor detects that you have used a WYSIWYG editor or other software, you will receive a zero for your Web site grade.

2.  At least one of the pages within your Web site must use an internal or external Cascading Style Sheet.

3.  At least one of the pages must follow specific XHTML guidelines and have been validated by the World Wide Web Consortium.

  1. Strong overall layout, design, and usability – making certain that:
    1. each page is easy to navigate
    2. the text and background colors are appealing
    3. the text is of a size, color, and style that is easy to read
    4. text and graphic placement is visually appealing (use correct aspect ratio: the graphics should not appear squished or stretched)
    5. each page loads reasonably fast
    6. each page has unifying elements that make the pages seem that they
    7. belong together in one cohesive Web site all pages are well-written, using proper spelling, grammar, and sentence construction

Students will be expected to create a reference sheet citing all sounds, artwork, or text used from other authors. Students must use the APA style of citation. Details for citation guidelines can be found at the UMUC library reference site: http://www.umuc.edu/library/citationguides.html. If you choose to use entirely your own text, graphics, and audio, then you must create a statement of copyright in place of a citation page.

Grading - Assessment methodology & Rubric

Points

Requirement

5

Main page (homepage) must be named index.html (making the location of the student's site the default URL).

5

Main page must have a link to all other pages

5

All other pages must have a link back to the student's main page

5

Each page must have a title (using the HTML title tags)

5

Each page must have an appropriate background color or graphic, and at least four font colors must be used within the site (the colors used must be presentable and cannot interfere with reading the pages)

5

At least one of the pages within the student's site must use an internal or external Cascading Style Sheet.

5

At least one of the pages must follow specific XHTML guidelines and have been validated by the World Wide Web Consortium.

5

At least one instance of italics must be used within the site

5

At least one horizontal rule must be used within the site

5

An ordered and an unordered list must be used within the site

5

At least one table must be used within the site

5

Two regular images must be used within the site (all image tags must use the image attributes: alt, height, and width; and be free-to-use graphics as well as cited correctly if borrowed)

5

Two hyperlinked (or active) images must be used within the site (these image links may be links to internal or external pages)

5

Two animations must be used within the site (students do not have to create their own animation; they may use already created animation as long as they are cited correctly)

5

A link to your e-mail address

5

At least six links to other Web pages (external links)

5

At least one page must use an anchor tag to link to a specific section on that page

5

All borrowed content must be cited using either APA or MLA citation procedures and must be available within the site (as a citations page or on the individual pages where the borrowed material/graphics are used)

10

Strong overall layout, design, and usability

100

Total possible points



Academic Policies



Please find below general information and links to help you as you complete your coursework at UMUC:

For more information on student services and more general information, please go to UMUC's web site at http://www.umuc.edu.

Makeup Exam Policy

Students are expected to take all exams when scheduled.  In the event of illness or extraordinary circumstances, the student must contact the faculty member and provide documentation to request an exception and approval to take a makeup exam.  If the request is not approved, the exam grade will be recorded as a zero.  Failure to register for a proctored exam is not an approved reason to request a makeup exam.



Course Schedule


WeekReadings/AssignmentsDue Date
1

Week of 03/25 - 04/02

 

  • Access Module 1: The Internet under COURSE CONTENT (at the WebTycho main menu). Read the Overview, Objectives, Commentary, Glossary, and complete the Self-Assessment for your own review.
  • Read Chapter 1  (called Tutorial 1 "Developing a Basic Web Page")  in your textbook HTML, XHTML, and Dynamic HTML . If you are new to HTML, you should also complete the HTML exercises outlined in our textbook.

    Introductions

  • Post an introduction to the Week One conference under the main heading INTRODUCTIONS.  I invite you to respond to a fellow classmate's introduction. (conference points)

  • Take the Internet Knowledge assessment at http://www.classzone.com/books/research_guide/page_build.cfm?content=postquiz&state=none   and post a general comment stating how you did on the quiz. (conference points)

  • Access the web site,  http://www.warriorsofthe.net/movie.html. Scroll down and click on the download In English. You can then select either Site A or B to download it from. Once you download the movie, you may either run the video, or save it on your computer and run it later.  This is a very informative video about the Internet, but there are some errors in the dialog. See if you can spot those errors, then email me your answer. I will post the answer at the end of this week and give credit to anyone that can correctly identify these

    • 4/2/07
    2

    Week of 04/03 - 04/09

    TOPIC -- Module 2: Communicating Over the Internet

     

  • Access Module 2: Communicating over the Internet under COURSE CONTENT (at the WebTycho main menu). Read the Overview, Objectives, Commentary, Glossary, and complete the Self-Assessment for your own review.
  • Continue reading Chapter 1  (called Tutorial 1 "Developing a Basic Web Page")  in your textbook HTML, XHTML, and Dynamic HTML .
  • Vocabulary worksheet 1 -- submit your work as a Microsoft Word attachment to your assignment portfolio.
  • Security Check your PC - Go to the following websites and check your PC: Symantec Security Check, Shields Up, Firewall Test, Port Scan and Internet Security made easy, Gibson Research Corporation Home Page.  There will be a conference this week to provide instructions on using these website checks and to discuss your findings and their implications if their are any.
    • Visit the World Wide Web Consortium site at http://www.w3.org/Consortium/Overview and look at the links in the box on the right side of page, particularly the following sections: "Goals", "Technology", "History," "Major W3C Achievements (included in History link)," and "Future." Post a response in the conference this week titled World Wide Web Consortium explaining what you believe to be the W3C's greatest contribution so far.
    4/9/07
    3

    Week of 04/10 - 04/16

    TOPIC -- Module 2: Communicating Over the Internet 

    • Write your resume in HTML. Submit the finished resume printed from Notepad and from your Internet Browser. Your page must include the following HTML formatting: bold, italics, bullets, text color, two separate fonts, and two font sizes.
    • Take Quiz 1 -- will be taken online and submitted automatically

    • Submit e-mail showing you have registered for your proctored final exam. (Forward your UMUC Testing Center confirmation to mmardesich@yahoo.com ).

    4/16/07
    4

    Week of 04/17 - 04/23

    TOPIC -- Module 3: Internet Browsers, Search Engines, and the World Wide Web

    • Access Module 3: Communicating and Finding Information on the Internet under COURSE CONTENT (at the WebTycho main menu).  Read the Overview, Objectives, Commentary, Glossary, and complete the Self-Assessment for your own review.
    • Online Lecture Resource: Go to the website listed as a Checklist for Internet research tips. Be sure to click on the Evaluating Internet Resources and within the online lecture.
    • Web Page Evaluation activity -- conference posting. Check out the website Evaluating Websites, although additional sites will be provided in the conference.
    • Go to the following sites as we discuss search engines: Web Directories, Seach Engines and Web Indexes, Power Search Techniques, Boolean and Field searching.  For the Power Search Techniques, Boolean and Field searching web site, complete the assignment at the end of the end of the web site and post it as a Microsoft Word attachment to your assignment portfolio.
    4/23/07
    5

    04/24 - 04/30

    TOPIC -- Module 3: Internet Browsers, Search Engines, and the World Wide Web

    4/30/07
    6

    05/01 - 05/07

    TOPIC -- Module 5: Unix, Telnet, FTP, and WWW

     

  • Access Module 5: Unix, Telnet, FTP, and WWW  under COURSE CONTENT (at the WebTycho main menu).  Read the Overview, Objectives, Commentary, Glossary, and complete the Self-Assessment for your own review.
    • Set up NOVA www folder and UNIX permissions --  results will be seen online
    • Write and post your beginning index.html page -- post URL to WebTycho assignments.
    • Download the free software and follow the tutorial for using the FTP software to upload your first HTML page --
    • 5/7/07
    7

    05/08 - 05/14

    TOPIC -- Module 5: Unix, Telnet, FTP, and WWW

     

  • Read Chapter 2 (called Tutorial 2 "Developing a Basic Web Site")  in your textbook HTML, XHTML, and Dynamic HTML . Pay special attention to the concept of hyperlinks. (If you are new to HTML, you should also complete the HTML exercises outlined in our textbook.)
    • Take Quiz 2 -- results will be posted automatically upon completion
    • Web Project Proposal -- submit as a Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, or Excel attachment to your assignment portfolio for grading.
    • 5/14/07
    8

    05/15 - 05/21

    TOPIC -- Module 4: Creating Websites

     

  • Access Module 4: Creating Websites under COURSE CONTENT (at the WebTycho main menu).  Read the Overview, Objectives, Commentary, Glossary, and complete the Self-Assessment for your own review.
  • Discuss Web Content Accessibility Guidelines as they apply to Internet users with disabilities. How to develop your website so that these guidelines can be met.
  • InClass hyperlinks exercise -- Chapter 2 -- see our Week 8 conference postings
    • 5/21/07
    9

    05/22 - 05/28

    TOPIC -- Module 4: Creating Websites

    • Read Chapters 3 and 4 ( called Tutorial 3 "Designing a Web Page" and 4 "Designing a Web Page with Tables" ) in our HTML/XHTML textbook.
    • Review copyright issues presented at  http://www.templetons.com/brad/copymyths.html . Prepare a paragraph explaining the importance of copyrights on the Internet. -- conference posting
    • InClass table formatting exercise -- Chapter 4, Case Problem 1 -- see our Week 9 conference posting
    • Continue writing your HTML project pages ( Have at least two pages ( with content ) that link from your index.html page. Have them posted by the end of this week.)
    5/28/07
    10

    05/29 - 06/04

    TOPIC -- Module 4: Creating Websites

     

    HMWK: Due by the end of week 11 (next week)

     

    Introduction to CSS and Multimedia on the Web

    • Read Chapter 7  (called Tutorial 7 "Working with Cascading Style Sheets")  in your textbook HTML, XHTML, and Dynamic HTML .
    • Create an internal style sheet to be used on one of your HTML pages. You must use at least four style settings. Upload your revised page to your Nova www account. Submit the URL of the completed HTML page to your CSS WebTycho assignment portfolio for grading.
    6/4/07
    11

    06/05 - 06/11

    TOPIC -- Module 4: Creating Websites

     

  • Introduction to CSS and Multimedia on the Web

    • Continue reading Chapter 7 (called Tutorial 7 "Working with Cascading Style Sheets")  in your textbook HTML, XHTML, and Dynamic HTML .
    • Create an internal style sheet to be used on one of your HTML pages. You must use at least four style settings. Upload your revised page to your Nova www account. Submit the URL of the completed HTML page to your CSS WebTycho assignment portfolio for grading.
    • Take CSS quiz and submit the screenshot of your best results to your assignment portfolio (called Quiz 3) to be graded.
    • 6/11/07
    12

    06/12 - 06/18

    TOPIC -- XHTML formatting changes

     

  • The format of XHTML

    • Read Chapter 9  (called Tutorial 9 "Working with XHTML")  in your textbook HTML, XHTML, and Dynamic HTML .
    • Discuss the format of XHTML. Revise one of your HTML pages to follow the specific XHTML rules. Then submit one of your HTML pages for XHTML verification: http://validator.w3.org/  Then, upload your revised page to your Nova www account. Submit the link of your verified page to the XHTML WebTycho assignment portfolio for grading.
    • 6/18/07
    13

    06/18 - 06/22

    TOPIC -- Module 6: Internet Security, Privacy, and Legal Issues

     

    • Read "Module 6: Internet Security, Privacy, and Legal Issues." Read the Overview, Objectives, Commentary, Glossary, and complete the Self-Assessment for your own review.
    • Review the requirements for the CMST385 web site project. The web site project will be due at the end of Week 14.
    • Read the security tips at http://www.staysafeonline.info/basics/consumers.html and respond with a paragraph explaining your role in keeping your online equipment safe.--conference posting
    • Take Quiz 4 -- online submission.
    6/22/07
    14

    06/22 - 06/28

    Review for final exam and answer last minute HTML/XHTML questions.

     

    Web Project must be complete and submittted by the end of this week (no later than midnight on JUNE 28) .

     

    Student project checklist must be submitted to instructor's e-mail: mmardesich@yahoo.com

     

    06/22 - 06/28   Final Exam (Proctored exam)

    6/28/07