Operating Systems and Networks (CSIT 3100)

Fall 2009, 12:30-1:45 p.m. Tue-Thu, Rm. 103 Resch Science Center

Instructor: Jim Jones
Office hrs: 10:30-11:30 a.m. daily and other times as available
Office: Room 118 Resch Science Center (Phone x5294)

Texts:
Schaum's Outlines: Operating Systems, by J. Archer Harris
Schaum's Outlines: Computer Networks, 2nd ed., Ed Tittel

Course Description:
A study of operating systems and networking concepts such as multithreading, task management, storage management, local and wide area networks, TCP/IP (Internet protocols), security, and distributed systems.

Course Schedule:
The pace of this course depends somewhat on the nature of the class, discussion, and unplanned circumstances. I intend to procede through the chapters in the order appearing in the textbooks. The first half of the semester will cover Operating Systems and the second half will cover Networks. Assignments and exams will be announced in class. In as much as possible I will also announce them by email and on the class website (http://csit.graceland.edu/~jsjones/csit3100).

Grading:
My objective in grading is to be fair and predictable. Whenever I am concerned that some students are relying too much on others for help or not doing the reading, my attention shifts to writing exams in order to be fair to those who are studying. I try to be predictable by assigning points to assignments, projects, and exams that reflect their value relative to others. Thus, a 20-pointer has twice the weight of a 10-pointer no matter whether it is an exercise or an exam. I also assign points so that no one item is insignificant or overly significant to the final grade. You can easily determine your grade at any point by dividing the total points you earned by the total points possible. Expect at least two major exams (midterm and final) and regular homework assignments.

A: 90% and above B: 80% and above C: 70% and above D: 55% and above F: below 55%

I generally do not "curve" grades, but I sometimes look at how class scores are clustered to get a truer sense of where the actual grade categories lay.

Attendance:
Attendance, promptness and participation are expected by me. Conscious or unconscious, I may drag things at the start of class as I wait for empty seats to fill up. I am required to track absences, excused or not. Perfect attendance will earn you 2% bonus, helping those who are short of a borderline grade. Any excused absence will have to be made up in order earn this bonus credit (typically a 3-page paper or presentation) and serious lack of attentiveness in class (e.g., checking email, facebook, sleeping) constitutes an absence. In order for an absence to be considered as excused you must contact me before one week after the absence and get a make-up assignment.

Final Exam: Tuesday, December 15, 2009, at 10 a.m.
Mark your calendar NOW since there is a strict Graceland policy on final examinations. Only those having three or more finals on the same day can seek changes.

Classroom Civility/Courtesy:
Checking email and engaging in electronic chats are inappropriate during class sessions in the computer labs, especially while I am lecturing. These constitute lack of participation and a "virtual" absence.
It is rude and disruptive to come late or leave early. If you need to do so, please inform or ask me beforehand.
Turn off cell phones during class and exams. See me beforehand if you need an exception.
Hats, notes, bookbags and other materials are to be placed on the floor or out of sight during an exam.
Civility is expected toward the teacher and with each other. Being disruptive or argumentative in class is inappropriate. Resolve conflicts outside of classtime.

Plagiarism and Cheating:
So much of what we do is electronic in nature, easy to transmit and copy. Take special care to stay honest when seeking help and facing a deadline. Protect your work from those who might copy it and do not get so involved in helping someone that you are merely doing their work (an easy trap to fall into). Always put answers that you discover on the Web in your own words and cite where you found them. When in doubt about what is appropriate, ask me. See also the Graceland policy on academic integrity.

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact the instructor as soon as possible to make necessary accommodations.