This class assumes completion of a formal class in HTML or equivalent knowledge and skills. You will need to know a little about how to use CSS files, and it is recommended that you look into downloading the software to make your life easier. This is especially critical when you are validating your XML files with an external DTD and schema. I expect you to be able to check your work using validation tools.

Two and one-half hours lecture, two and one-half hours lecture-laboratory, three hours terminal time. Please schedule 6-7 hours a week for this course.

May be taken two times for credit.

Students are expected to:

• Attend all course lectures and labs. (for online: do all lessons, assignments, projects, quizzes, skills assessments, finals, participate in the online class discussion lounge)
• Complete and submit all assignments on time
• Complete a final project fulfilling the required competencies on time
• Participate in class discussions, peer reviews, peer critiques, collaboration, self-reflections and assessnemts
• Be motivated and active self-learners
• Have fun!

This is a hands on project-oriented course with class interaction through our web-based program. You will receive personal feedback from the instructor as well as interaction from classmates through web-based discussions on homework, assignments and projects. It's a lot of fun.

This course provides an introduction and overview of XML, including writing well formed and valid XML, the use of DTDs, XML schema, CSS and XSL for formatting, and advanced topics in XML including XPath, XLink and XPointer.

XML is the workhorse of e-business integration, foundation of middleware, and the next big wave in Web publishing. This course will give you a good overview of key subjects, and the necessary tools and hands on experience to become an XML developer.

Recommended: XML: Visual QuickStart Guide (2nd Edition), ISBN 0-321-55967-3. I also recommend XML for Dummies (Publisher for Dummies), and Learn XML in 24 Hours (Sams) (May 1, 2002) ISBN: 0764516574

Please note that -any- text book that works for you, works for me, and you may already have one or more good books.

XMLPad 3.0 You can download a free copy from WMHelp at http://www.wmhelp.com/xmlpad3.htm

This will help you out a lot. For Macintosh users, a little harder ($48) but you have a great tool in oxYgen XML editor http://www.oxygenxml.com/buy_academic_edition.html

You can also use simple text, Notepad, for your editing. I do not recommend XML Spy 30 day trial, for obvious reasons

If there are any students with a learning disability or physical challenge, you are entitled to any assistance you need to achieve your academic goals. Foothill College has an on-campus lab with talking computers, print enlargers, tactile maps of the campus, and other alternate learning options . If you or anyone you know would benefit from such a service, please call the Disabled Student Services Office in Room 5801 at (650)949-7017 or the TDD line (650)948-6025. Please also contact me if you have suggestions for making this course more learning accessible for you.

The following grading scale will be used for all graded assignments and the final grade:
Percent / Grade
90-100 / A | 80-89 /B | 70-79 / C | 60-69 / D | 0-59 / F

You are registered for a letter grade unless you fill out a Pass/No Pass option card with the Registrar by the time listed below. A grade of A, B, or C receives a Pass. If you receive a D or F, you will receive a No Pass.
To take the class Pass/No Pass, fax your request to the admissions and records office. Fax 650-949-7048. There is currently no way to request Pass/NoPass online. Students need to check the Academic calendar for the dates by which this has to be done. The basic guideline is: Fall/Winter/Spring - Friday of the fourth week of instruction and Summer - Friday of the second week of instruction.

Regardless of status, students are expected to complete all work, take all tests and maintain regular attendance (participation in the class discussions, lessons, etc.). There will be no incomplete grades given. It is the responsibility of each student to monitor the academic calendar concerning these issues.

Grades will be based on the following criteria from the Grading Page. You are responsible for reading all the information on the grading page. I believe in Perfection-Based Grading meaning that once you complete an assignment and get a peer review from a classmate, you can submit early for my review.  If there are errors, you can resubmit for full credit by the required expiration time.

If you use the school labs you might be able to access a tutor who has knowledge of this class. Tutors are instructed NOT to give you the answers, NOT to give you private lessons for missed classes or otherwise, and NOT to do your work for you but rather to act as coaches to encourage your problem-solving skills.

Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential for anyone who is serious about being in a professional web development or multimedia environment. Tutors and Teaching Assistants for our class convene with the instructor to discuss the progress of students who use their services.

Drops: It is your responsibility to drop or withdraw from the course if necessary. You must fill out a drop card and turn it in to the Registrar. If you do not formally withdraw or complete the course, you may receive an F grade. Please contact me if you drop. If you miss 2 sessions, you may be dropped by the instructor. If you do not pay your fees by the required time, you will automatically be dropped by A&R.

Deadline to drop with and be eligible for a refund is posted on Foothill's calendar.

Check all the REGISTRATION HEADINGS for dates for the following:
Deadline to drop without a grade
Deadline to file pass/no pass cards
Deadline to drop the course with a W

Once you drop, an administrator will deny your access to the Etudes class.

I do not issue any incomplete grades for this course. Homework is required by assigned dates. Check the ETUDES ASSIGNMENTS LINK for all homework expiration days and times.