CSIT 220 (Data Communication)

CSIT 220 Syllabus

Contact Info:   

Thomas E. Blum
Office: O-128
Office Hours: MWF 10:00, TR 2:00 or by appointment
Phone: 215-951-1722
e-mail: blum@lasalle.edu
Web: http://www.lasalle.edu/~blum

Description:

Lecture/theory course covers the current methods, practices and standards used to enable communication on computer networks. This includes a study of the physical layers, architectural layers, design, operation, management, the ISO standards. Both local and wide area networks are examined.

Meetings:

Tuesdays and Thursdays 11:00 - 12:15

Location:

Olney 217

Texts:

Computer Networks and Internets, Douglas Comer (Prentice Hall) ISBN: 0131433512
The book is on reserve in the library.

Websites:

Online Books:

List of Safari Tech Book Online
Instructions for Accessing Safari Tech Books Online

Titles relevant to this course:

  • Sams teach yourself TCP/IP in 24 hours / Joe Casad

Assessment:      

 The components of the course will be weighted as follows
Tests: 54% 3 tests
Final: 18% The final is cumulative with an emphasis on any previously untested material.
Homework: 16%  
Class/Quizzes: 12%  
Or if it is beneficial to the student, the following alternative weighting scheme will be used:
Tests: 36% lowest test dropped
Final: 36%
Homework: 16%
Class/Quizzes: 12%

In addition,

  • If you take information from any source (book, website, etc.), that source should be cited. Failing to do so may be considered plagiarism and thus cheating.
  • A late penalty of 5 pts (out of 100) will be deducted from your score for each class day an assignment is late.
  • Tests will be written.
  • The plus/minus grading system will be used.
  • Attendance will be taken.
  • Absences, lateness, etc. will be reflected in the class portion of the grade. More than three unexcused absences may result in the lowering of a grade.
  • Make-up tests are given at the discretion of the professor. You have to meet with me to discuss the reason for missing the exam and to schedule a make-up. It may be decided that the missed test will serve as your dropped score (see the second grading scenario above).

Self-Study:

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science will be conducting a self-study during the next four years. A part of this process involves inviting external experts who will review our course offerings, assessment measures, and student work. For this reason, faculty members will keep sample copies of students’ work including tests, homework assignments, programming assignments, and projects. Every effort will be made to ensure individual names are eliminated from these “artifacts.” If you prefer not to have your work included in this collection, please inform your instructor.

Classroom Behavior:

While in the classroom, students should behave in a manner that is neither distracting to nor disrespectful to the professor or other students. Cell phones should be turned off.

Cheating:

 Claiming another's work as your own is cheating. A student caught cheating will receive a score of zero. Cheating may result in a reduction of the final grade. Repeated cheating can result in a failing grade for the course. Asking another for help on part of a homework is acceptable; handing in duplicate or nearly duplicate work is not. If you require a significant amount of assitance, you should seek my help. Finally, openly allowing your work to be copied is also cheating.