Description:
Topics include how XML is used in Web sites and data storage applications, XSL, incorporating style with XSL and CSS, Namespaces, DTDs and Schemas.

Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Create, structure, and script XML documents. [REASON]
  • Demonstrate proper XML syntax. [REASON]
  • Explain element hierarchies in an XML document. [COMMUNICATE]
  • Write well-formed XML documents. [REASON]
  • Use Namespaces in XML. [REASON]
  • Add style to XML using CSS and XSL. [REASON]
  • Transform XML into other formats using XSLT. [REASON]
  • Use XPath and XPointer for locating specific XML data. [REASON]
  • Use XLink for linking XML and non-XML resources. [REASON]
  • Manipulate XML documents using DOM. [REASON]
  • Validate XML using DTDs and Schemas. [REASON]
  • Incorporate XML into traditional databases. [REASON]

Click this link to view the course syllabus: CIS 260 Syllabus

Click this link to view the specifications for the final project: Specifications

Clicking the links to the right will allow you to view or download the selected component as discussed in the Specifications. You will need an XML Editor to view the DTD file.
If I may, you might want to check out Oxygen's free trial: Try Oxygen!

My Reflection on this Classs:
My initial thought during the first few weeks of this class could be summarized by a single, burning question: "Why does something so simple have to be treated as if it is so complex?" However, the only complexities in XML are the rules for using it. Once I got a good handle on these, using XML became as simple as it really is. As sick as this may sound, it also was quite fun!