Introduction to JavaScript

Course Data

Course Description

This course introduces the creation of interactive web sites by integrating JavaScript into site structure. Major topics include the Documents Object Model, event-driven scripting, coding functions, parameter passing, conditionals, loops, unobtrusive JavaScript, frameworks, AJAX and JSON. Students create web pages and web sites containing interactive components developed with JavaScript. Note: WEBT 157 is the same as CINS 157; credit will not be received for both.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion, the student should be able to:

  1. Describe and explain the relationship among XHTML, CSS, JavaScript, and the DOM;
  2. Explain file hierarchy and web site organization;
  3. Describe limitations of creating interactivity including browser support and differences;
  4. Explain how JavaScript is integrated in an XHTML document;
  5. Describe the difference between Java and JavaScript;
  6. Explain the differences between client-side and server-side event handling;
  7. List common JavaScript events;
  8. Modify CSS properties using JavaScript;
  9. Define, create and use a JavaScript function including parameter passing;
  10. Define and use variables in a JavaScript function;
  11. List and use the JavaScript conditional and looping statements in a function;
  12. List, explain and code JavaScript’s core objects including the Array, Boolean, Date, Math and String objects; and
  13. Utilize XHTML, CSS and JavaScript to develop an interactive web site.

Instructor's Methods

This course is taught using a combination of lecture, demonstrations, discussions, hands-on class activities and projects. Students are responsible for all materials covered in the lecture and textbook.

The textbook for this term is: Javascript, Gosselin. Course Technologies Edition 4 ISBN 1-4239-0150-9

Requirements, Points and Evaluation

Points Possible

Test 1 150
Test 2 150
Labs, Projects and Assignments 300
Final Project 250
Attendance & participation 150
Total 1000

Grades

900 - 1000 A
800 – 899 B
700 – 799 C
600 – 699 D
0 – 599 F

Tests

There will be 2 tests given throughout the semester, each worth 150 points. Tests will be given during a class period and students must complete the test in the given time frame. If a student is not present for a test and no prior arrangements are made, the student will earn a grade of 0, no exceptions.

Labs, Projects and Assignments

Labs, Projects and Assignments (referred to as just assignments from this point forward) will be given throughout the semester totaling 300 points. Students will be made aware of the assignments point value and due dates when the work is assigned. Missing class is not an excuse for missing an assignment. Late assignments will not be accepted and there will be no resubmissions. If an assignment is not handed in on time it will receive a grade of 0.

Final Project

Students will be responsible for one final project. More details will be given in class but the project will be an informative multiple page web site. This projects acts as the Final Exam for the course. Final projects MUST be presented to the class. If the project is not handed in on time a grade of 0 will be recorded, no exceptions.

Attendance & Participation

Each week students will earn 10 points towards their Attendance & Participation grade. If the student is present for class and participates accordingly (has all necessary assignments completed, is ready for discussion, etc.) then the student will earn the 10 points for that week. If the student however is not present for class, or is not properly prepared for class, he or she will not earn the complete 10 points. Exceptions to this policy will only be considered in extreme cases (i.e. - severe illness, religious holidays, accident, etc.).

Lateness Policy

Students should be on time for every class session. The class will begin promptly at the posted time in the CCBC schedule book. If a student arrives to class late they must sign the late sheet with their name and arrival time. For every 5 minutes that a student is late, he or she will receive 2 points off of that week's attendance & participation grade. Exceptions to this policy will only be considered in extreme cases (i.e. - accident, proof of extreme traffic conditions, etc.)

General Course Policies

NOTE: If you need the instructor's help, please follow these steps:

  1. Post your work to your student web space
  2. E-mail the instructor with a link to the page/item in question, and
  3. include a brief but clear question/comment/description of issue

Do NOT send files as attachments (word docs, html, JavaScript, etc.) unless requested to do so.

Policies will follow those outlined by The Community College of Baltimore County. The following additional policies are unique to this class:

Texts and Supplies

Required Texts: Beginning JavaScript 3rd Edition (Paperback) by Paul Wilton, ISBN# 9780470051511

Required Supplies:

Exhibition Policy

CCBC reserves the right to retain examples of each student’s work. We also reserve the right to show student work for teaching purposes, for exhibition at the school and on the Internet or elsewhere.

Additional Note

The Community College of Baltimore County and the Instructor reserve the right to make adjustments to this syllabus and calendar, with proper notice to students, as dictated by faculity need or class progress.