TEXTBOOK:  The textbook for this course is entitled, "Red Hat Linux 9 Bible" authored by Christopher Negus.  This is an extremely good resource which contains the Red Hat Linux version 9.0 on three CDROMs.  The text is can be purchased in the Sinclair bookstore located on the first floor of building 7.  If you decide to purchase the text elsewhere the use the ISBN 0-7645-3938-8.  For the economical minded folks, go to Amazon.com  for great pricing and reasonable delivery times.  This course of study also will emphasize the use of Web based documentation to expand ones knowledge of the Red Hat Linux distribution and to solve problems associated with Linux.  For those searching for other excellent textbooks that could serve as valuable resources for the Red Hat Linux distribution, I suggest that you visit Amazon.com, linuxdoc.org or Linux Mall.  Anyone of these web sites will have all types of Linux textbooks and documentation.  For the newbie, I'd recommend reviewing any one of these series; RedHat Linux Bible, Unleashed Red Hat Linux, Mastering Linux, and Using Red Hat Linux.  When reviewing these texts be aware of the version of Linux they cover.  If you like browsing through bookstores, all of the major bookstores in the Dayton area have sections filled with texts on Linux.

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES:  Upon request textbooks will be placed on reserve in the Physics Resource Laboratory (PRL) or the Learning Resource Center (LRC).  There is a wealth of web based resources that can be accessed by students at networked computers located in the LRC, Sinclair Teleports and the Physics Resource Laboratory (PRL).  Access to student Linux workstations can be achieved during the normal PRL hours.  Additional, access to student Linux workstations may occur by appointment with the instructor.

PREREQUISITES:  All enrolled students must have a strong background in Windows or permission of the instructor.

Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course of study.

GRADE CALCULATION:  Grades will be based upon the following components:
 

Individual grades will be expressed as percentages (or equivalents) and translated to a letter grade as follows:
 

Quizzes:  There will be quizzes administered throughout the quarter to evaluate each student's progress.  Prior to each announced quiz the students will be provided a list of skills, competencies and information to appear on the quiz.  The quizzes will be consist of multiple choice, fill in and short answer questions.
 
Class Lessons:  The course will be a hands on learning experience for all students.  Each student will have their own workstation on which to perform all class lessons.  Class lessons will provide the students with an opportunity to operationalize competencies and skills.   These lessons will be accompanied by worksheets that will guide students through blocks of material as the instructor integrates additional material and facilitates as required.  Reading assignments will be required of students in order to complete the class lessons in a timely fashion.

Resource Notebook:  The Open Source Community lends itself to an enormous amount of knowledge and information.  Linux is a part if this community.  In order to perform many tasks successfully, one must learn how to find and  use this information.  What good is this information if you don't record and organize it in a useable form.  The resource notebook will provide everyone an opportunity to record and organize the information and knowledge used during class.  This notebook will be collected several times during to quarter and graded on content, organization and usefulness by you and others.  Each time the notebook is collected you'll receive a grade based on 100 points.  After the notebook is returned, each student will be given reasons for the grade and suggested improvements.  If a student wishes to receive additional points for their notebook they can receive up to 50% of the lost points by implementing the suggested changes and resubmitting the notebook.

Laboratory Exercises:  These exercises will engage each student in configuration and adminstration tasks that will require troubleshooting skills.  These activities will apply the content knowledge and competencies operationalized in the Class Lessons.  These activities will build the student's confidence and exposure to real world situations.

LATE ASSIGNMENTS AND ABSENTEEISM: CREDIT FOR LATE ASSIGNMENTS AND PERMISSION TO MAKE UP TESTS WILL BE GIVEN ONLY WITH PROPER DOCUMENTATION OF ILLNESS OR OTHER VALID REASON. In case of absence, it is the student's responsibility to obtain information about assignments. Students may be dropped from the course for failure to attend regularly. Refer to the College catalog and the Bulletin for important dates and other information relevant to this course.

Homework and lab assignments will not be accepted for credit under the following two circumstances; a) the assignment has been graded and returned, or b) the answers to the problems have been furnished to the class.

EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES:   Students are responsible for informing the instructor of any instructional accommodations and/or special learning needs at the beginning of the quarter. The Tutorial Services program provides free educational assistance for any student who is enrolled for credit. This service is located in Room 10444 and their telephone number is 512-2792. Also, assistance is available to eligible students through Handicapped StudentsServices located in Room 10421. The telephone number is 512-5113.