Syllabus for CMIS370 -- Data Communication
Instructor: David Wills
Email: dwills@asia.umuc.edu
http://sensei.asia.umuc.edu/dwills/cmis370

DE office contacts

Weekly calendar

DESCRIPTION:
Data Communications explores the technical impact of data communications on computer systems. We will introduce the components of data communication, the seven-layered Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model (with emphasis on the four lower layers), and many of the protocols and standards required in exchanging information. (In Computer Networking, emphasis is on the upper three layers of the OSI model and on networking.)

OBJECTIVES:
On successful completion of this course the student will:

TEXTBOOK/SOFTWARE:
Data and Computer Communication, 8TH'07 ED. Stallings, ISBN 9780132433105
This is a good book by a master authority. We'll skip the math parts.
Textbooks can be ordered online at the Asia DE Web site, http://de.asia.umuc.edu/textbooks/index.cfm Books ordered from any other source will be at the students own risk. UMUC Asia DE cannot be responsible for problems encountered when textbooks are ordered from sources outside of the Asia DE Web site.

EVALUATION:

Proctored Exam: 50%
Conferencing    50%

All Web courses have a required proctored examination. Students are responsible for scheduling their appointment to test with the UMUC Field Rep office where they registered for their classes, normally two weeks prior to Proctored Exam Week. For complete instructions regarding proctored exam procedures go to the Asia DE Web site at http://de.asia.umuc.edu and select the .Proctored Exams.

Computer-Based Proctored Exams are available only for students testing at designated UMUC Asia Computer Labs (ask your local UMUC Asia Field Rep or Computer Lab Monitor if their location is participating), and only during the scheduled Proctored Exam period. All other students must be administered paper exams.

The grade of 'A' means "outstanding", i.e. mastery of the material. The grade of 'B' means "good". The grade of 'C' means "satisfactory".
Grades are curved and related to the class average. "Significantly above" the class average are the A's, "above" (or sometimes even at) the class average are the B's, at or below the class average are the C's. Significantly below the class average are the D's and F's.
Usually, in the 90's is an A, 80's is a B, 70's is a C. However, the curve might lower, so that maybe 85-100 is an A etc. This is more advantageous for you than the blind 90-100 A etc.

PENALTIES: There are penalties for late work. All work must be submitted as specified.

INCOMPLETES: The grade of I is exceptional and given only to students whose completed course work has been qualitatively satisfactory but who have been unable to complete all course requirements because of illness or other extenuating circumstances beyond their control. The grade of I may be considered only for students who have completed at least sixty (60) percent of the total course work requirements and who have received a passing grade on all the course work which they have completed. the instructor retains the right to make the final decision on granting a student's request for an I, even though the student may meet the eligibility requirements for this grade.

POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND GRADES: IAW with the University of Maryland, University Catalog, Asian Division, and the Student Handbook (current editions). These cover essential information such as attendance, grading, make-up work and plagiarism.

For administrative assistance: contact de@asia.umuc.edu
SDES students should contact: de@asia.umuc.edu
For WebTycho assistance: contact tycho@asia.umuc.edu. For WebTycho assistance on Saturdays and Sundays: tychosupport@umuc.edu
For proctored exam procedure information, please visit the DE Asia Website at http://de.asia.umuc.edu and click on 'Proctored Exams'.
For textbook assistance: contact detextbooks@asia.umuc.edu
Support for Asian Division Students is also available by phone at 225-3696 (DSN) or 81-42-552-2510 Ext. 5-3696 (international comm.), Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (JST).

Academic Policies are not course specific and are therefore created and housed separately from this syllabus. You may access and print Academic Policies from the Syllabus sub-menu in your classroom.

Schedule

TERM LENGTH 10 WEEKS (Apr 14, 2008 - Jun 22, 2008) NO BREAK
PROCTORED EXAM WEEK IS WEEK 10 (JUN 16 ~ JUN 22).
WEEK    DATES        ACTIVITY
1  	APR 14 ~ APR 20 
2 	APR 21 ~ APR 27 
3 	APR 28 ~ MAY 4 
4 	MAY 5 ~ MAY 11 
5 	MAY 12 ~ MAY 18
6 	MAY 19 ~ MAY 25
7 	MAY 26 ~ JUN 1 
8 	JUN 2 ~ JUN 8 	
9 	JUN 9 ~ JUN 15
10 	JUN 16 ~ JUN 22  Proctored Exam

Guidance on how to avoid plagiarism can be found at the following sites:
UMUC's Effective Writing Program "Helping Students Avoid Plagiarism"
UMUC's Online Writing Center "How to Avoid Plagiarism"
Indiana University's Writing Tutorial Service "Plagiarism: What It is and How to Recognize and Avoid It"

Online Etiquette and Conduct::
1. Be polite
2. Do not write anything you would be embarrassed to have printed in the newspaper. Computer messages are not private.
3. Keep in mind that any message you write can and may be forwarded to others. Again, be careful what you write and NO CHAIN LETTERS.
4. Do not forward personal notes or messages to others or a group unless you are certain the content is appropriate and you have asked the author. Do NOT forward chain letters to anyone who is enrolled in a UMUC course.
5. Be aware of how your words may affect others. Since you have no body language cues, you must be more careful.
6. When using quoted material or someone else's idea, include the citation just as you would in a hard-copy version.
7. Reread your message before sending it; edit if necessary