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CSC 498 (Directed Study - 3 credits) |
| Prof. Nadeem Abdul Hamid Office: SCI 354B |
Phone: (706) 368-5632 (office) Email:  |
| Office Hours: Mon 11-12:30 / Tue 10-12:30 / Wed 11-12:30, 2-4 / Thu 10-12:30, 2-3 / (or by appt) | |
The World Wide Web is currently one of the primary sources for storing and accessing data. However, its content is presented in a way that it is accessible only to humans. The Semantic Web is a new initiative to extend the World Wide Web with machine-processable content, allowing for automated processing and integration of Web data and resources. In this course, you will learn what the Semantic Web vision is and what its supporters believe it will eventually be able to do. You will be introduced to several Semantic Web languages and tools. You will gain a broad understanding of the challenges and problems associated with the framework and what progress has been made towards solving them.
A number of software tools and other documentation are freely available on the Internet. Given the changing nature of the Semantic Web framework, it will be necessary to make use of these as appropriate.
Assignments/small exercises (40%) - These weekly assignments will build on topics in the syllabus. The intent of these is to demonstrate practical understanding of the course and reading material. Such assignments may include programming exercises, using Semantic Web software tools, and writing or presenting paper reviews.
Project (60%) - Possible topics will be provided as a list or you may choose your own. Approximate timeline: Select a general topic by September 23; Formal proposal by October 7; Final report by November 25; Oral presentation during last week of class. (Weekly reports of progress must be provided after the formal proposal.)
Grades will be determined on a standard 10% scale: 90%-100% earns an A, 80%-89% earns a B, etc., with +/- grades given at the instructor's discretion. Assignment submissions that are completed on time, satisfying all the requirements will receive an A grade. Submissions that satisfy most of the general requirements will receive a B grade. Work that has problems enough to fall short of the assigned requirements will receive a C. Work that has extremely serious problems, or is turned in late, but demonstrates at least some effort and understanding will receive a D.
Attendance Policy: Please see the Berry College Viking Code for "Class Attendance Policies" (pp 10-11, 2004-2005 edition). Missing three (3) or more classes without justifiable reason (and appropriate documentation) will be considered excessive absences.
Academic Integrity: Students are expected to have read carefully and understood the rules governing breaches of academic integrity that are to be found in the Viking Code (pp 16-17) and the Course Catalog (pp 27-28, 2003-2005 edition).
Late Work: Late work will not be accepted unless an excuse is obtained prior to the day on which the assignment is due. This policy will be waived only in an "emergency situation" with appropriate documentation and/or prior arrangement with the instructor.
Disabilities: Students with disabilities who believe that they may need accommodations in this course are encouraged to contact the Academic Support Center in Krannert Room 326 (Ext. 4080) as soon as possible to ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion. Failure to contact the Academic Support Center will constitute acknowledgement that no disability exists and that no accommodations are needed.