Internet Component of Soci 488, '98)

 INTERNET  COMPONENT OF THE SOCI 488: (Delinquency)
 
 
For this class, the Internet will be a required component for
research and discussions.
 
The Internet is an international network of computers hooked up
to each other as one large system. Through it, using a computer,
modem, and telephone, a user can obtain information on virtually
any topic of interest. For criminologists or students writing
papers, this can be useful.
 
The best way to access information is through the Web (World Wide
Web) by connecting to "homepages" (places where other people
place papers and other information as an "electronic library").
 
NIU students have automatic computer access to the main NIU
system.  All students have a Z-number, which is your login ID for
the NIU computer system.
 
The Sociology Department also as a computer system. This is the
one we're using, because it's not as "busy" as the main system,
and because we offer services and resources that the main system
cannot because it has so many users. To obtain an account on this
system, students contact either Jim Thomas or Herb Rubin. We will
give you a logon ID (Z-numbers DO NOT work on the sun system).
 
                       CLASS REQUIREMENTS
 
All students are REQUIRED to sign up for the soci488 discussion
group.  This will allow you to send and receive class-related
information and discussion by e-mail. Here's how you do it:
 
Send this message:     sub soci488  firstname lastname
 
(NOTE: "firstname" is your first name, such as John or Judy, and
"lastname," of course, is your own last name
 
Send the message to this address:    listproc@venus.soci.niu.edu
 
You will receive confirmation that you subscribed. If the message
bounces, seem me, because it means there's a problem. You will
also be asked to change your password. You don't have to bother
with this unless you want to.
 
The class will also have a homepage (I'll provide the address via
e-mail)
 
                             GRADING
 
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU SIGN UP FOR THE DISCUSSION GROUP.
Critical information will be delivered via e-mail.
 
The net component will be graded on:
 
1) Signing up (failure to sign up for the discussion group leads
to and automatic 0 on the net component); Signing up but *never*
posting will result in an F (10 pct). That's the low end. To
move up the point scale....
 
2) Quality and quantity of posts: The expectation is that, for an
A in the net part of the course, students will make very roughly
one (1) solid, substantive response each week, or roughly 15 or more
during the term. It is quality, not quantity that counts, but
more numerous short informational posts (eg, an answer to "who
was the first person executed in Illinois?") also count heavily.
(NOTE: "Expectation" means the expected amount, which is a C.
Quality determines whether an A or B will be given)
 
3) Extra credit will be given occasionally, as might a quiz or
other point-gathering information.

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