CSIS 314 Client–Server Systems

An image of ARPANET in 1974

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to constructing complete information systems based on the client–server model. On the client side, we introduce graphical user-interfaces, their design and implementation, as well as commonly used tools such as database access clients and report generators. On the server side, we introduce database management systems and the use of server-side programming tools that provide connectivity for clients and access to database systems. Along the way, students are introduced to the basics of distributed computing and computer networks.

CSIS 314 is supported by GitHub Education and the GitHub Education Student Developer Pack.


Instructor

J. Walker Orr, Ph.D.
Office hours: WMR 216 (see schedule)


Texts

required


Resources

Objectives

Students will put their programming skills to use in constructing a complete end-to-end information system solution. This will often be their first opportunity to construct a non-trivial system of software.

Students will be introduced to a number of topics that are covered in more detail in other courses. This introduction serves two purposes:

Course Organization

In addition to regular lectures and written assignments, this course will include a substantial programming project that will result in the construction of a complete end-to-end information system solution. Programming assignments may be carried out in one or more prescribed high-level languages. Instruction in the use of these languages will be provided.


Collaboration

See the GFU CS/IS/Cyber policies for collaboration and discussion of collaboration and academic integrity. Most students would be surprised at how easy it is to detect collaboration in programming—please do not test us! Remember: you always have willing and legal collaborators in the faculty.

Almost all of life is filled with collaboration (i.e., people working together). Yet in our academic system, we artificially limit collaboration. These limits are designed to force you to learn fundamental principles and build specific skills. It is very artificial but intensional for your own benefit. The only way for you to learn is by doing the work.

To be clear, do not:


Oral Defense Policy

I may require an oral defense for any assignment at my discretion. This is a brief meeting where you explain and defend your submitted work. This process mirrors the business world, where professionals routinely present and defend their analyses to supervisors and clients, and ensures your work represents authentic learning. If required, you must schedule and complete your defense within 72 hours of notification to receive a non-failing grade; without the defense, you will receive a zero on the assignment. If the work product is a group submission, all team members must be present at the meeting. Routine scheduling conflicts (work, other classes, social commitments) do not qualify for extensions. Be prepared to summarize your arguments, explain your methodology, defend your conclusions with evidence, and answer questions about your work and your problem solving process. You should be ready to articulate and defend the rationale behind your work.


Engineering Your Soul

The mission and vision statement of the Computer Science & Information Systems (CSIS) program states that our students are distinctive by "bringing a Christ-centered worldview to our increasingly technological world."

As one step towards the fulfillment of this objective, each semester, the engineering faculty will collectively identify an influential Christian writing to be read and reflected upon by all engineering faculty and students throughout the term. As part of the College of Engineering, CSIS students participate in this effort, known as Engineering Your Soul (EYS). This exercise will be treated as an official component of every engineering course (including CSIS courses) and will be uniquely integrated and assessed at my discretion, typically as a component of the quiz grade.

Students have three options for satisfying the EYS requirement.

The deadline for all of these options is the Wednesday the week after the group meetings.

All the reflections should be posted to the canvas EYS course. A reflection should be 100 or more words and should consist of your personal thoughts on the book and/or meeting, not simply a summary of the book.


Spiritual Formation

Besides EYS, I am always available to discuss the Christian faith if you have any questions or doubts. Send me an email, come by my office hours, or talk to my after class, Christ is the reason I am at GFU, I always have time to talk about faith.

Grading

The final course grade will be based on:

Grading Scale

Tentative Schedule

Week 1

Introduction & HTML

Reading: HTML Reference

Week 2

CSS

Reading: CSS Reference

Week 3

JavaScript

Reading: JavaScript Reference & Tutorial

Week 4

JavaScript & Ajax

Reading: Ajax

Week 5 – 6

REST

Week 7 – 8

HTTP, PHP, & REST

Reading: PHP Intro, Syntax, Variables, Echo, Types, Operators, If-Else, Arrays & Mulitdimensional Arrays

Week 9

SQL

Reading: SQL Select SQL Insert, SQL Update, & SQL Delete PDO Reference

Week 10

Authentication & Sessions

Reading: PHP Sessions

Week 11

Spring Break

Week 12

Valkey

Week 13 – 15

Special Topics & Student Projects
  1. GFU
  2. CSIS
  3. J. Walker Orr
  4. CSIS 314

This page was last modified on 2026-01-16 at 23:11:03.

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