IT 130 Introductory Computing for the Web
Summary
Students learn about the Internet and the Web through the creation
of interactive Web pages. Weekly assignments include
developing pages using HTML and Javascript. Incrementally,
programming concepts are learned and practiced to create interesting
dynamic pages. General concepts of computing are explored
throughout the term.
Course Goals
The primary goal of this course is to provide a general
understanding of computing by focusing on the Web and its
technologies. Specific goals include:
- Explain how Web sites are organized
- Develop useful Web pages
- Write simple programs
- Learn how to look up documentation to learn on your own
- Diagnose problems in computer code by tracing
program states, predicting output and explaining any discrepancies
between predicted output and actual behavior.
- Explain the role of programs and algorithms for solving
scientific problems.
- Identify difficulties and limitations of using computer
technology for solving problems.
Learning Domain Description
IT 130 (Introductory Computing for the Web) is included in the
Liberal Studies program as a course with credit in the Scientific
Inquiry domain. Courses in the Scientific Inquiry domain are designed
to provide students with an opportunity to learn the methods of modern
science and its impact on the world around us. Courses are designed to
help students develop a more complete perspective about science and
the scientific process, including: an understanding of the major
principles guiding modern scientific thought; a comprehension of the
varying approaches and aspects of science; an appreciation of the
connection among the sciences; the fundamental role of mathematics in
practicing science; an awareness of the roles and limitations of
theories and models in interpreting, understanding, and predicting
natural phenomena; and a realization of how these theories and models
change or are supplanted as our knowledge increases.
At the end of the quarter, we will revisit this description and
discuss how IT 130 addresses the goals of the learning domain. In
particular, we will consider how computational thinking aligns with
the scientific method and how the phenomena of this course relates
to "natural phenomena."
Texts
All required sources will be posted online. No additional texts are required.
Grading
|
Assignment
|
Weight
|
| Eight Web assignments (10 points each) |
45% (90 points, best 9 of 10) |
| Two quizzes (10 points each) |
| Midterm Exam |
20% (40 points) |
| Final Exam |
35% (70 points) |
Students receiving more than 90% of possible points are guaranteed at
least an A-, more than 80% at least a B-, more than 70% at least a C-,
and more than 60% at least a D.
Students are expected to attend every class. Attendance will be
informally kept even though it is not a part of the course grade.
Tests and quizzes can be made up with a serious documented excuse
(e.g. illness, death in the family) and must be arranged as soon as
possible. Arrangements involving other excuses require prior
permission from the instructor.
The goal of assignments is to practice the concepts taught in
class. You are expected to do your own assignments. However, some
collaboration with other students is allowed and even encouraged. The
following types of collaboration are allowed:
- Discussing strategies for solving a problem
- Explaining why a Web page does not work
- Reviewing and testing someone else's Web pages
- Using HTML and Javascript code provided by the instructor
and texts
The following types of collaboration are not allowed:
- Copying someone else's HTML or Javascript code
- Literally telling someone what code to write
Engaging in these last two types of collaboration will be
considered a violation of the university's policy on academic
integrity. Violators will receive a 0 for the corresponding
assignment and will be reported as required by the policy.
Late assignments will be accepted up to three days late with a one
point penalty. Assignments turned in more than three days after the
due date will not be accepted.
Additional assignments for extra credit will not be offered.
All grade challenges must be submitted in writing and include an
explanation why the given score or grade should be reconsidered.
Prerequisites
This course has no prerequisites.
Tentative Schedule
| Week |
Topic |
Reading |
Quiz, Exam |
Assignment Due |
| Sept 11 |
Basics of computing and the internet;
HTML and posting Web pages |
Web Servers, HTML Tutorial |
? |
? |
| Sept 16 |
More HTML, styles |
CSS
tutorial |
? |
Assignment 1 |
| Sept 23 |
Advanced CSS; Intro to javascript |
CSS Reference |
Quiz 1 (Thursday Sept 25) |
Assignment 2 |
| Sept 30 |
Javascript overview |
Online Javascript Reference |
? |
Assignment 3 |
| Oct 7 |
Javascript concepts; Functions |
Class notes |
? |
Assignment 4 |
| Oct 14 |
Exam week; more functions |
Class notes |
Midterm Exam (Tuesday) |
? |
| Oct 21 |
Conditionals, Counters |
References on comparisons and conditionals |
? |
Assignment 5 |
| Oct 28 |
Form controls |
Class notes |
Quiz 2 (Thursday Oct 30) |
Assignment 6 |
| Nov 4 |
References |
Class notes |
? |
Assignment 7 |
| Nov 11 |
Document-object model, Strings, Cookies |
Notes and Links |
? |
? |
| Nov 18 |
Server-side scripting and review |
Notes and Links |
? |
Assignment 8 |
Final Exam
The final exam is scheduled for Tuesday November 25, 8:45 AM -
11:00 AM, room to be determined.
This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.
Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course
content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The
evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely
separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation.
Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.
This course will be subject to the university's academic integrity policy. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/ If you
have any questions be sure to consult with your professor.
All students are expected to abide by the University's Academic Integrity Policy which prohibits cheating and other misconduct in student coursework. Publicly sharing or posting online any prior or current materials from this course (including exam questions or answers), is considered to be providing unauthorized assistance prohibited by the policy. Both students who share/post and students who access or use such materials are considered to be cheating under the Policy and will be subject to sanctions for violations of Academic Integrity.
All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar. Information on enrollment, withdrawal, grading and incompletes can be found at http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/Current%20Students/Pages/PoliciesandProcedures.aspx.
Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that
you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at:
Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd.
Phone number: (312)362-8002
Fax: (312)362-6544
TTY: (773)325.7296