Class work and Grades
You will be graded on the following 7 criteria. Explanations follow.
1. Research Assignment 10% of grade
2. Web site evaluation 10% of grade
3. Weblog and Online resume 10 % of grade
4. Web site creation ---class project 30% of grade
5. Quizzes 15% of grade
6. In-class work and participation 10% of grade
7. Final Examination 15% of grade

The following is an explanation of the work expected in each of the seven areas.

1. Research Assignment -- 10% of grade. You will be required to use the Internet and other forms of electronic resources to locate specific pieces of information on a subject mutually agreed upon with me. In a written paper at least two pages long (typed, double spaced with normal margins) you will describe and evaluate the various research techniques you used. You must also suggest ways in which the information you retrieve can be used. This assignment is due on February 5.

2. Web site evaluation -- 10% of grade. You will be required to evaluate three Web sites pertinent to the research assignment you just completed. You will create a presentation, using PowerPoint, which you will present to the class. You will be expected to use both images and text in your presentation. You will be graded on your critique of the content, presentation, appropriateness of the content as well as other qualities of the sites. You will also be graded on your presentation to the class and your use of multimedia while delivering that presentation. Presentations will be scheduled for February 19th and 26th.

3. Weblog and Online resume - 10% of grade. You will be required to keep a Web log for at least 10 entries, minimum 50 words each entry. You will publish it in the form of a Web page. You will also create a Web page which contains a copy of your resume. You will be graded on your writing, spelling and grammar, as well as your ability to turn the written text into HTML. Both Web pages are due April 2.

4. Web site Creation - 30% of grade. The class will be creating two or three different Web sites. You will be responsible for the creation of a portion of one of those Web sites. Included in your portion will be your Web log and Resume. You will also be responsible for several other aspects of the site, which will be determined in part by the class, in part by you and in part by me. Your portion may involve the creation of a multimedia presentation, design of graphics and site architecture, or it may involve more "content driven" pages. Much of what you do on the site will be determined by your area of interest as well as your area of expertise. Your work will be judged on quality of content, creativity of material, relevance to rest of project. Any text will be graded on your writing, spelling and grammar. Extra credit will be given for additional features or content you contribute, beyond your assignment. Web sites will be due April 30th.

5. Quizzes - 15% of grade. You will periodically be quizzed on information from lectures and from the readings.

6. In-class work and participation - 10% of grade. You are expected to attend all classes and will be responsible for all material discussed during class. In addition, I will be evaluating you based on your attitude, effort, initiative, participation and other measures of professional behavior.

7. Final Examination - 15% of grade. Will combine information from lectures and class work, readings and class projects.

Deadlines and Attendance
The University expects you to appear regularly and on time to classes. If you miss class sections it will be unlikely that you will be able to complete your assignments on deadline or and your grade will most likely suffer considerably from having missed the material. Work missed due to an excused absence may be made up. An in-class assignment such as a quiz or writing assignment due to an unexcused absence, on the other hand, may not be made up and will result in a zero for that particular portion of your grade.

Academic Integrity
All work must be your own. All work must be of your own, original effort. To plagiarize is to use the work, ideas, or words of someone else without attribution. Plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty or cheating will be dealt with severely. At minimum, you will flunk this course. To As we will discuss in class, it is important to understand that material on the Internet is protected by the same ethical and legal standards as other published information. The general rule is: The creator of the information has the right to decide how it is used. Others who want to use another's work must seek permission and give credit. That means you cannot copy images and text and represent them as your own, original work.

The university administration asks all faculty members to include this statement in course syllabi:
"Standards of academic conduct are set forth in the University's Academic Integrity Code. By registering, you have acknowledged your awareness of the Academic Integrity Code, and you are obligated to become familiar with your rights and responsibilities as defined by the Code. Violations of the Academic Integrity Code will not be treated lightly, and disciplinary action will be taken should such violations occur. Please see me if you have any questions about the academic violations described in the Code in general or as they relate to particular requirements for this course."

Contacting Professor Bear
I will be available prior to and following class on most days. All other office hours will be by appointment only. You are encouraged to e-mail or call to make an appointment. You are also strongly encouraged to email or call with questions. Please do not call before 8am or after 10pm. (unless it is an emergency) Weekend calls are ok.
Email: mj@mjbear.com
Phone: 202.364.5213