CIS-240 Syllabus Last Updated 16 August, 2012

CIS-240-101-12FA Data Communications

Course Syllabus
Course Information .......................................................................................................................................................... 2
Course Description ....................................................................................................................................................... 2
Broad Goals Of The Course ........................................................................................................................................... 2
Objectives Of The Course ............................................................................................................................................. 2
Instructional Materials ................................................................................................................................................. 2
Course Section Information.............................................................................................................................................. 3
Instructor Information ................................................................................................................................................. 3
Teaching Methods ....................................................................................................................................................... 3
Units To Be Covered ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
Assessment .................................................................................................................................................................. 3
Tests [30%]............................................................................................................................................................... 3
"Test Your Understanding" Assignments [15%]......................................................................................................... 4
Critical Thinking Assignments [25%] ......................................................................................................................... 4
LabSim Network Pro Subsection Exams [20%] .......................................................................................................... 4
Professionalism [10%] .............................................................................................................................................. 4
Determining Your Letter Grade .................................................................................................................................... 5
Student Workload ........................................................................................................................................................ 5
Other Materials You Will Need ..................................................................................................................................... 5
E-Mail .......................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Skipjack E-Mail ......................................................................................................................................................... 5
Course E-Mail ........................................................................................................................................................... 6
Instructor’s Policies .......................................................................................................................................................... 6
Academic Dishonesty ................................................................................................................................................... 6
Doing College-Level Work ............................................................................................................................................ 6
Attendance And Missed Classes ................................................................................................................................... 7
Excused Absence .......................................................................................................................................................... 7
Use of Computers And Cell Phones .............................................................................................................................. 7
Need for Assistance...................................................................................................................................................... 7
Detailed Course Objectives .............................................................................................................................................. 7
Academic Instruction Emergency Management Plan ........................................................................................................ 8
Tentative Course Schedule ............................................................................................................................................... 9
CIS-240 Syllabus Last Updated 16 August, 2012

Course Information

Location: Chesapeake College Wye Mills Campus Room Tech-121

Lecture Tue 4:30-5:45 PM; hybrid course; meets only once a week

Credit Hours: 3

Course Description
An introduction to networking using concepts and techniques of teleprocessing network technology. Topics will include
point-to-point communication systems, multi-user systems, local and wide area networks, satellite systems, digital
networks, and network protocols.

Broad Goals Of The Course

At the end of this course the student will be able to

1. Describe/discuss business telecommunications and networks.

2. Define various types of computer networks and their uses.
3. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of distributed processing.
4. Define communication protocols and conventions.
5. Explain the constraints and trade-offs of digital communication.
6. Explain the inclusion of networking in a strategic business plan.
7. Construct solutions to case problems dealing with business computer networks.

Objectives Of The Course

See the Detailed Course Objectives section of this document.

Instructional Materials

1 of 2
Network+ Guide to Networks, 5th edition
by Tamara Dean
ISBN-13: 978-1-423-90245-4 ISBN-10: 1-423-90245-9
Publisher: Course Technology, 2010.
Format: Paperback textbook or eBook
CIS-240 Syllabus Last Updated 16 August, 2012

2 of 2
LabSim Network Pro (N10-005) Activation Code
ISBN-13: 978-1-935080-43-5

This activation code gives you access to the Web-based LabSim Network+ training
materials.

Course Section Information

Instructor Information

Instructor: Raymond A. Diedrichs

Call me Ray or Mr. Diedrichs, whichevery you are most comfortable with.

Office: Tech-109

Phone: 410-822-5400 ext 380

e-mail: [email protected]
Always start your email subject with CIS-240 That lets me know that it is class-related.

Office Hours: Mon/Wed 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM

Tue/Thu 1:45 PM to 2:30 PM
I sometimes keep office hours in Tech-109, but I am more often in Tech-121 instead. Feel free stop by to
discuss coursework, a concern you might have, or anything else that I could be able to help with.

Teaching Methods

 Lecture and demonstrations.

 Textbook-based assignments.
 LabSim-based lab assignments.

Units To Be Covered
See the Tentative Course Schedule section of this document

Assessment

Tests [30%]

 See Tentative Course Schedule section for planned test dates.

 No access to books, notes, or electronic devices is allowed when taking tests.
 You will take all tests in class using Angel.
 You must be present at the announced start of a test; at my discretion, a tardy student will not be permitted to
take the test and will earn a test grade of zero.
 There will be no makeup tests for this course.
CIS-240 Syllabus Last Updated 16 August, 2012

 If you can't take a test at the scheduled time and day, you must inform me beforehand by email or telephone,
and we will arrange for you to take the test in the Testing Center.
 If you don't taken an arranged test at the arranged time, then you will earn a test grade of zero.

"Test Your Understanding" Assignments [15%]

 "Test Your Understanding" assignments are based on end-of-chapter questions.

 "Test Your Understanding" assignments for the first half of the semester are due by midnight the day
before the midterm test.
 "Test Your Understanding" assignments for the second half of the semester are due by midnight the
day before the final test.
 "Test Your Understanding assignments not completed by the deadline automatically receive a grade of
zero.

Critical Thinking Assignments [25%]

 Critical thinking assignments are due on dates indicated in Angel.

 Late critical thinking assignment work can be turned in for at most 50% of the original points, but there
are deadlines.
 Late critical thinking assignment work for the first half of the semester must be submitted by midnight
the day before the midterm test.
 Late critical thinking assignment work for the second half of the semester must be submitted by
midnight the day before the final test.
 Critical thinking assignment work not submitted by the deadline automatically receive a grade of zero.

LabSim Network Pro Subsection Exams [20%]

 I will assign LabSim Network Pro sections using Angel.

 Each section has one or more subsection exams, and you will take each exam when you have
completed the subsection.
 Your exam scores will be automatically reported to me by LabSim, and I will give you credit for correct
answers (1 point per answer).
 LabSim assignments for the first half of the semester are due by midnight the day before the midterm
test.
 LabSim assignments for the second half of the semester are due by midnight the day before the final
test.
 If you don't take an assigned exam, you will earn a grade of zero for it.

Professionalism [10%]

A student with a professional attitude

 Attends class and shows up on time.

 Contacts me before class when an absence is unavoidable.
 Submits work that is on time, complete, and properly labeled.
 Contacts me about late work submission.
 Reads/studies new material to be covered in class before the class meets.
CIS-240 Syllabus Last Updated 16 August, 2012

 Fully participates in class discussions, group work, and other activities.

 Takes responsibility for announcements and material for every class.
 Follows instructions.
 Asks me for help in a timely manner.

From time to time even a diligent student encounters an unexpected life situation, and I understand that.. My
policy is as follows:

 Missing more than 1 class without contacting me each time before class will reduce your
professionalism grade by 50%.
 Missing more than 2 classes without contacting me each time before class will reduce your
professionalism grade by 100%.

Determining Your Letter Grade

Your letter final grade for the course will be determined as follows:

 A = 90% to 100%
 B = 80% to 89%
 C = 70% to 79%
 D = 60% to 69%
 F = 0% to 59%

These grades are based on rounding using the “5 or higher” rounding rule. For example, a grade of 74.5
is rounded up to 75, but a grade of 74.4 is rounded down to 74.

Student Workload
This is a hybrid class that meets only once a week. Students are expected to do a minimum of four hours of
work outside of class for every hour in class. Some assignments may require more time.

Other Materials You Will Need

You will find a USB flash drive (also called a "memory stick", "jump drive", or "thumb drive") useful in this class. An 8 GB
USB flash drive should be large enough.

E-Mail

Skipjack E-Mail

Your official Chesapeake College email account is your Skipjack email account. Your e-mail address is
[email protected]

You can access it from the Angel log on page. The College will communicate with you using this email address,
so check it frequently. When you send email to me, always start the subject line with CIS-240 so that I know it
is class-related (those emails get my immediate attention).

My email address is [email protected]

CIS-240 Syllabus Last Updated 16 August, 2012

Course E-Mail

Within Angel, there is course email that you also can use. I will often communicate with you using this email
mechanism, so look for the "you've got mail" icon on your Angel home page. If you don't know where that is
or what it looks like, ask me about it.

You can access it from the Angel log on page. Use it to ask a question or make a comment; I check it daily and
should be able to provide an answer within 24 hours (except on weekends).

Instructor’s Policies

Academic Dishonesty

Plagiarism and cheating are serious offenses and may be punished by failure on exam, paper or project; failure in the
course; and/or expulsion from the College. Be guided by the Student Honor Code:

Students of Chesapeake College agree to demonstrate academic and personal integrity.

• Chesapeake College students are persons of integrity: they stand for that which is right. They tell the
truth and ensure that the full necessary truth is known. They do not lie.*
• They embrace fairness in all actions. They ensure that work submitted as their own is their own, and
that assistance received from any source is authorized and properly documented. They do not cheat.*
• They respect the material and intellectual property of others and ensure that others are able to
benefit from the use of their own property. They do not steal.*

Therefore, each student at Chesapeake College pledges to:

• Submit assignments that reflect his/her own thoughts and work.

• Cite and properly acknowledge the thoughts and work of others.
• Complete all test and other in class assignments using his/her own thoughts.
• Reject the use of materials acquired illegally.
• Respect the rights and property of others.

Those found to be in violation of this code agree to disciplinary sanctions and appeal processes outlined within
the Chesapeake College Student Code of Conduct.

(* Adapted from the U.S. Naval Academy Code of Honor)

Doing College-Level Work

 This is a college-level class, and your work should always be your best effort.
 When preparing assignments, merely quoting what is written in your textbook is not sufficient to earn full
points. Instead, restate information in your own words.
 Avoid spelling and grammar errors.
 Proof-read what you write before you turn it in to ensure that it says what you mean to say. Remember, clear
writing is a sign of clear thinking: if you understand something, then you can write about it with clarity.
CIS-240 Syllabus Last Updated 16 August, 2012

 Don't neglect to use the Academic Support Center (L105, Learning Resource Center) if you feel that you need
assistance with your study habits and writing.
 Also remember that struggling with the material is a sign that learning is taking place. Working through the
struggle is the means by which you learn, so don't avoid it -- welcome it.
 We all will also conduct ourselves with civility, courtesy, and respect in the classroom.

Attendance And Missed Classes

 Success in this class depends upon regular attendance, and you are expected to attend every class.
 If you miss a class, you are still responsible for the completion of all assigned work..
 Class will begin on time and end at the scheduled time.
 At my discretion, those arriving late will not be admitted.

Excused Absence

 An excused absence is one in which you have notified me prior to the missing of class that you cannot attend.
 You can notify me by email ([email protected]); always start your email subject line with CIS-240, as
that lets me know that it is class-related.
 You can also notify me at 410-822-5400 ext 380 by leaving a message.

Use of Computers And Cell Phones

 It is unprofessional to use the computer for any purpose while I am lecturing unless I invite you to do
so.
 You should turn off your cell phone and put it out of sight before entering the classroom. It is
unprofessional to use a cell phone for voice or text while I am lecturing.
 If you are expecting a call that cannot wait until after class, please put your phone on vibrate and step
outside the classroom to answer it.
 If I decide that you have behaved in an an unprofessional manner, I will ask you to leave.

Need for Assistance

 If you have a physical or learning disability that will make it difficult for you to do the course work or
that will require academic accommodations to be provided, please see Judy Gordon (410-827-5805,
[email protected]) as soon as possible.<
 If you are a first generation college-attendee or come from a low income family, consider contacting
Academic Support Services (L105, Learning Resource Center). They may be able to give you additional
assistance by providing tutoring and access to additional technology.

Detailed Course Objectives

Upon completion of the course, the successful student will be able to…

 Define network
 Describe several network configurations and topologies
 Explain the use of cabling and NICs
 Explain how wireless networking works
CIS-240 Syllabus Last Updated 16 August, 2012

 Describe access methods

 Describe how networks send data
 Define Ethernet; token rings
 Describe several different network operating systems: compare/contrast.
 Describe several different network standards and explain why standards are important.
 Explain the use of and importance of network protocols.
 Describe the elements of network connectivity.
 Design a network.
 Explain how networks can be made to be secure.
 Explain how to manage a shared printer.
 Explain the importance of documentation.

Academic Instruction Emergency Management Plan

In the event that Chesapeake College needs to close for an extended period of time due to a flu pandemic, severe
weather event, or other emergency situation, consideration will be given to the timing and duration of the closure as
follows:

Closure during the semester for up to one week – there will be an opportunity to make up work missed without
significant alteration to the semester calendar.

Closure extending beyond one week (or in situations where classes are cancelled on the same days/evenings over
multiple weeks) – the College may extend the length of the semester. Depending on the timing of the closure, scheduled
breaks, end of semester dates, and/or the processing of final grades might be impacted.

Students can acquire information about closures on the College website or by calling 410-822-5400 or 410-228-
4360. Chesapeake College courses held at off campus sites will follow the protocol of the host facility
CIS-240 Syllabus Last Updated 16 August, 2012

Tentative Course Schedule

This schedule is subject to change.

Week Day Date Textbook LabSim

W1 Tue 21-Aug No class (classes start on 22 Aug)
0.0 Introduction
W2 Tue 28-Aug Ch 1 An Introduction To Networking
1.0 Network Basics
W3 Tue 4-Sep Ch 2 Networking Standards and the OSI Model
W4 Tue 11-Sep Ch 3 Transmission Basics and Networking Media 2.0 Cables and Connectors
W5 Tue 18-Sep Ch 4 Introduction to TCP/IP Protocols 5.0 Network Implementation
W6 Tue 25-Sep Ch 5 Topologies and Ethernet Standards 4.0 Ethernet
W7 Tue 2-Oct Ch 6 Network Hardware, Switching, and Routing 3.0 Networking Devices
W8 Tue 9-Oct Ch 7 Wide Area Networks 7.0 Wide Area Networks
W9 Tue 16-Oct Midterm Test on Ch 1-7
W10 Tue 23-Oct Ch 8 Wireless Networking 6.0 Wireless Networking
W11 Tue 30-Oct Ch 9 In-Depth TCP/IP Networking
W12 Tue 6-Nov Ch 10 Virtual Networks and Remote Access
W13 Tue 13-Nov Ch 11 Network Security 8.0 Network Security
W14 Tue 20-Nov Ch 13 Troubleshooting Network Problems 10.0 Troubleshooting
Ch 14 Ensuring Integrity and Availability
W15 Tue 27-Nov 9.0 Network Management
Ch 15 Network Management
Finals 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM Comprehensive Final Test
Tue 4-Dec --
Week on Ch 1-11, Ch 13-15