INFO 293-10
Introduction to Networking
Spring 2021 Syllabus

Dr. Tonia A. San Nicolas-Rocca
E-mail
Other contact information: Skype name: tonia.san.nicolas
Office Location: Online
Office Hours: By appointment

Canvas Information: Courses will be available beginning January 27, 2021 at 6 am PT unless you are taking an intensive or a one-unit or two-unit class that starts on a different day. In that case, the class will open on the first day that the class meets.

You will be enrolled in the Canvas site automatically.

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to network computing and data communications as they are strategically used within organizations.  It focuses on concepts relating to hardware, software, protocols, models, design, security, local area networks, and wide area networks.  The goal is to provide students with an understanding of how organizations use networks, data communication, telecommunication solutions, and security tactics to improve efficiencies, share resources, communicate and collaborate, and to operate globally. Students will be provided with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience using typical networking solutions.

Course Requirements

All course requirements must be completed within the semester. A detailed schedule with dates for submission of the required documents and discussion posts is available in Canvas. The schedule is subject to change with fair notice to students by a post in Canvas.

• Labs: Students are to complete various lab assignments. Lab assignments provide students with a real-life look at the use of various networking components. Students will go through various steps to connect, configure, secure, and manage networks and network devices. [CLOs: 1,2,3,4,5,6; Core Competency: H]

• Hands-on Assignments: Students are to complete multiple hands-on projects. These projects provide students with an opportunity to design network solutions. Students must use a diagramming tool such as Microsoft Visio or Gliffy to complete assignments.  [CLOs: 1,2,3,4,5,6; Core Competencies: B, H]

• Quizzes - Students will complete quizzes covering assigned readings.  [CLOs: 1,2,3,4,5,6; Core Competencies: B, H]

• Research Project: Students will work in groups to complete a research project on a data networking topic of their choice. Students must present their research to the class, and prepare a report. [CLOs: 1,2,3,4,5,6; Core Competencies: H, M]

• Discussion Board: Students will participate in the discussion board by providing summaries, ideas and/or opinions relating to networking topics introduced in the class. Discussion board participation cannot be made-up once the discussion has been completed.  [CLOs: 1,2,3,4,5,6; Core Competencies: H, M]

Required Lab

• Students will use a virtual lab to complete lab assignments.  Students must purchase online access code. Professor will provide additional information to students.

Assignments 

Course Calendar
A course calendar is available from the course site at the start of the semester.

Assignment Due-Dates
Submit assignments by midnight Pacific Time the due date. Late assignments are not accepted except in cases of serious illness or family emergency. Check the course site daily for announcements and discussion posts.

Writing Requirement
If the instructor finds that a student's writing is unacceptable, the instructor will require the student to sign up for online writing tutoring. The student will ask the tutor to confirm with the instructor that he/she is attending sessions.

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Course Workload Expectations

Success in this course is based on the expectation that students will spend, for each unit of credit, a minimum of forty-five hours over the length of the course (normally 3 hours per unit per week with 1 of the hours used for lecture) for instruction or preparation/studying or course related activities including but not limited to internships, labs, clinical practica. Other course structures will have equivalent workload expectations as described in the syllabus.

Instructional time may include but is not limited to:
Working on posted modules or lessons prepared by the instructor; discussion forum interactions with the instructor and/or other students; making presentations and getting feedback from the instructor; attending office hours or other synchronous sessions with the instructor.

Student time outside of class:
In any seven-day period, a student is expected to be academically engaged through submitting an academic assignment; taking an exam or an interactive tutorial, or computer-assisted instruction; building websites, blogs, databases, social media presentations; attending a study group;contributing to an academic online discussion; writing papers; reading articles; conducting research; engaging in small group work.

Course Prerequisites

INFO 200, INFO 202, INFO 204. 

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. Understand the OSI Model & identify layer functions.
2. Understand transmission basics and networking media.
3. Describe and identify common physical and logical topologies.
4. Understand the use and purpose of different types networking hardware.
5. Understand the use of wide area networks & remote connectivity.
6. Understand basic network security and identify countermeasures.

Core Competencies (Program Learning Outcomes)

INFO 293 supports the following core competencies:

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Textbooks

Required Textbooks:

• West, J., Dean, T., & Andrews, J. (2019). Network+ guide to networks (8th ed). Cengage. Available through Amazon: B07BGT2Q5L

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Grading Scale

The standard SJSU School of Information Grading Scale is utilized for all iSchool courses:

In order to provide consistent guidelines for assessment for graduate level work in the School, these terms are applied to letter grades:

• C represents Adequate work; a grade of "C" counts for credit for the course;
• B represents Good work; a grade of "B" clearly meets the standards for graduate level work or undergraduate (for BS-ISDA);
  For core courses in the MLIS program (not MARA, Informatics, BS-ISDA) — INFO 200, INFO 202, INFO 204 — the iSchool requires that students earn a B in the course. If the grade is less than B (B- or lower) after the first attempt you will be placed on administrative probation. You must repeat the class if you wish to stay in the program. If - on the second attempt - you do not pass the class with a grade of B or better (not B- but B) you will be disqualified.
  
• A represents Exceptional work; a grade of "A" will be assigned for outstanding work only.

Graduate Students are advised that it is their responsibility to maintain a 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA). Undergraduates must maintain a 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA).

University Policies

Per University Policy S16-9, university-wide policy information relevant to all courses, such as academic integrity, accommodations, etc. will be available on Office of Graduate and Undergraduate Programs' Syllabus Information web page at: https://www.sjsu.edu/curriculum/courses/syllabus-info.php. Make sure to visit this page, review and be familiar with these university policies and resources.

In order to request an accommodation in a class please contact the Accessible Education Center and register via the MyAEC portal.

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