IT 432 Web Architecture
Summary
Students study the organization of dynamic web applications by designing and creating working systems. Emphasis is given to front-end development using a modern framework such as React. Overview of major architecture concepts include routing, database access, authentication and deployment.
Course Goals
By the end of the quarter, students will be able to:
- Develop the front-end of a web application using a modern framework such as React
- Develop reusable web components
- Explain how state is managed among interactive web components
- Describe the organization of a web app in terms of web architecture components
Texts
Grading
Grade Determination
| Assignment |
Weight |
| Six preparatory assignments (10 points each) |
30% (60 points) |
| Weekly Experience Summaries |
10% (20 points) |
| Midterm Report |
10% (20 points) |
| Culminating assignment |
20% (40 points) |
| Summary Report |
30% (60 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.
The weekly experience summaries are posted accounts of work reviewing the weekly content. They are posted on D2L.
The preparatory assignments occur on a weekly basis for the first 7 weeks of class.
The culminating assignment is a more open-ended assignment that captures the major concepts of the course. It is due the final (10th) week of class.
The summary report is a submission due during final week. It includes original explanations, reflections or experiences on the major concepts for the course. It takes the place of a final exam.
The midterm report is a reduced version of the summary report focussing on one concept.
All assignments and reports must consist of original, individual work.
Policies
Students are expected to attend weekly (in person or by zoom). However, asynchronous attendance (watching recordings) will be supported on an as-needed basis.
Registration in the on-campus section requires a minimum attendance of 3 sessions in person. Registration in the synchronous (flex) session requires a minimum attendance of 3 sessions by zoom. For those with a time conflict, an alternate meeting time during the week can be arranged.
Failure to achieve the minimum attendance will result in a drop of a whole grade for each absence less than the minimum.
The goal of the labs is to practice concepts taught in the class. Submissions must have code that use constructs and conventions taught in class. Code with other constructs and conventions, such as that offered by online resources and AI agents, are subject to receiving no credit.
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 and copying are not allowed:
- Copying someone else's JavaScript code
- Copying code from an online source including an AI agent
- 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 submitted more than 3 days after the due date will not be accepted without documentation of a serious emergency.
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
Prior web coursework with JavaScript, such as IT 238 or IT 411
Tentative Schedule
| Week |
Topic |
Reading |
Assignment |
| Apr 2 |
Course Overview; JS and DOM review |
Course notes |
|
| Apr 9 |
React overview; Installing Node |
Ch. 1, React Tutorial |
Assignment 1 |
| Apr 16 |
Using simple React components |
Ch. 2 |
Assignment 2 |
| Apr 23 |
React components with data |
Ch. 3 |
Assignment 3 |
| April 30 |
React with state |
Ch. 3 |
Assignment 4 |
| May 7 |
React lifecycle |
Ch. 4 |
Midterm Report |
| May 14 |
Using components |
Ch. 5, 6 |
Assignment 5 |
| May 21 |
Routing with React |
Ch. 7, 8 |
Assignment 6 |
| May 28 |
Web architecture components |
TBD |
|
| Jun 4 |
Deploying web apps |
TBD |
Culminating Project |
| Jun 11 |
|
|
Summary Report |
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