CISC474: Advanced Web Technologies
Syllabus, Spring 2006 (v1.0, 02/08/06)
CIS Dept., University of Delaware

Course CISC474 (Advanced Web Technologies)
Prerequisites

CISC220 (Data Structures)
CISC370 (Object Oriented Programming Using Java)

Co-requisite CISC437 (Database Systems)
Time/Place MWF 10:10-11am, Memorial Hall 110
Course Home Page http://www.udel.edu/CIS/474/pconrad

Course Staff

  Name Email Web Site Office Hours*
Instructor Phillip Conrad pconrad@udel.edu http://copland.udel.edu/~pconrad
MW 3:45-4:45pm
TR 11am-noon
Teaching Assistant

Oana Tudor

oanat@udel.edu TBA
TBA

By the end of this course, you should have demonstrated that you can:

There are a wide variety of technologies that we could use to achieve these objectives, including JSP, PHP, modPerl, ASP, Cold Fusion, and others. However, we are going to focus on only one technology and try to understand that one in more depth, rather than surveying all the various options. In particular, we will focus on Java-based web technologies, including servlets and JSP.

There will be opportunities, though, to learn about other server side technologies including PHP and ASP if students want to pursue this. Credit will be given for doing so, though I'm still working out exactly how (which is why this syllabus is not yet complete.)

Open Source Emphasis

An important aspect of this class is that we will be working the entire semester on an open source model. This means that your source will be open to your classmates, and to the world at large. You are encouraged, not discouraged, from sharing source code with each other.

Plagiarism will be a non-issue, because each of you will have individual responsibilities and each group will have slightly different projects to work on.

One more thing: you are required to put the the source code you submit on these projects under an "open source" license, such as the GPL. (We'll look into various alternatives to the GPL and pros/cons of each within the first few weeks of the course.) This will mean that future generations of CISC474 students may have the opportunity to build on the code you wrote this semester. So, write good code, because people are going to see it. This reflects how things work in the real world.

If you are not comfortable with that, you should come and talk to me about whether you want to remain in the course.

Grading

I'm still working out the details on this part, which is why I expect to have a "v2.0" of the syllabus for you on Friday. However, I can tell you this much:

Part of why I'm still working out the details is that I've done some reading on the latest research about how grading in college courses affects student learning. The best research suggests that the "usual" way of doing things (see for example, last years CISC474 syllabus) isn't the best way. I'm still figuring out how to apply the suggested "better ways" to the things we'll be doing in this course.

Problem Based Learning

The course will be taught using a Problem Based Learning (PBL) format. Students in groups work through real-world problems with the goal of learning how to apply software development techniques, find and evaluate information about programming technologies, and communicate ideas and information about software development to others. Discussions led by the course instructor, plus supplementary lectures, help to put the problems in context of the course objectives. When given a problem, students may be asked to identify what knowledge or skills are needed to address the problem (i.e. learning issues). Students pursue those learning issues both inside and outside of class time.


The PBL technique was pioneered for training doctors in medical schools. The University of Delaware is an international leader in the application of this technique to undergraduate education, where it has been widely used.

Policies

The main course policies can be summarized as follows:

  1. Show up and be on time (for class and group meetings)
  2. Be honest (especially regarding academic honesty)
  3. Respect people
  4. Turn in work on time. If/when this fails, respect the late penalties.
  5. Report grade disputes in a timely fashion.

A more detailed look at these and other course policies will be posted in v2.0 of the syllabus.

ADA Accomadations

If you have a disability that requires special accommodation, please contact me by email (pconrad@udel.edu) or in person during office hours within the first week of classes.

Disclaimer

Information in the syllabus is subject to change as the instructor sees fit, or as required by Departmental, College, or University policy, provided that reasonable notice is given to the class.

Acknowledgments

I am grateful to Bob Caviness, Paul Amer, Hal White, Terry Harvey, and others for giving me permission to adapt text from their syllabi for inclusion in this document.

Invitation

Please contact me by email, phone or during my office hours if you would like to discuss any aspect of the course; I welcome the opportunity to be of assistance.

 


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