Prerequisites

·         Working knowledge of Java

Textbook

Distributed Systems: Principles and Paradigms, 2nd edition, Andrew S. Tanenbaum, Maarten Van Steen, 2007, ISBN 0-13-239227-5 (required)

Concurrency: State Models and Java Programs, 2nd Edition, Jeff Magee and Jeff Kramer (recommended)

Note 1: the GMU bookstore carries both of these.

Participation

Students are expected to

–        read the materials ahead of class (see schedule),

–        participate in class discussions,

–        individually answer reading assignments (5 out of 10),

–        contribute to a group project,

–        present the results of the group project,

–        pass a final exam.

Reading assignments.  When working in the weekly reading assignments, students should decide on the point (or points) to be made before starting to articulate the answer.  Think about possible weaknesses of those points, or how one might argue against them.  The articulation of an answer should be targeted to a peer: think about persuading a colleague of your point of view.  Each answer should consist of a crisp statement of the points to be made, followed by a supporting argument.  If an answer is longer than half a page, it is probably too long.  Ideally, the answers to each week’s assignment should fit into one page.

Honor Code. George Mason's policy concerning student conduct applies.  Although students are encouraged to discuss the topics covered in class, the weekly reading assignments are to be completed individually.  Any deviation from this is considered an Honor Code violation, and, as a minimum, will result in failure of the submission and, as a maximum, failure of the class.

Disabilities.  If you are a student with a disability and you need academic accommodations, please let the instructor know and contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at 993-2474.  All academic accommodations must be arranged through the DRC.