There are three major components of this course. During the first three to four weeks, we will dedicate most of our time to determining a worthwhile project that advances the web. These activities will culminate in a well-researched proposal for a project. The scope of the project may be too far-reaching to be accomplished in one quarter; that's OK. You may also decide to switch groups after the proposal. The main purpose of this endeavor is to determine and research an application, technology, or issue related to the web which advances the web or our understanding of it in one way or other. During this time, we will also give a quick introduction to basic web-technologies, which may include CGI, Perl, XML and semantic web technologies.
At the end of the first three weeks, you will begin to work on one of the projects, whether you proposed it or not. We will also begin to study in more detail some important areas of the web. The project, which has to be approved by me, has to advance the web in one way or other. During the last week of classes, you will present your project to the class, and you will write a professional paper about your project. As part of the in-depth discussions about important areas of the web, you will be asked to present research papers and the contents of newspaper articles.
An important aspect of doing research in any field is to stay current in it. To this extent you are encouraged to give in-promptu reports on interesting developments, news, or simply interesting sites that you encountered.
| Item | Weight
| Participation, including presentations | 25%
| Project proposal | 15%
| Project | 50%
| Homework | 10%
| |