CSCI B656: Web Mining (3 CR)

Syllabus


Objectives | Grading | Policies | Academic integrity | Remarks

Course description and learning objectives

The course will cover machine learning techniques to mine the Web and other information networks, social networks, and social media. We will discuss applications to search, retrieval, classification, and recommendation. Various models to explain the dynamics of Web processes will also be emphasized. Topics to be covered will include: Students will work on a semester-long group project on one of the topics covered in class.

Students will:

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Class organization and tentative grading

Component Weight Notes
Presentation of readings and leading of discussion 25% Each student will be responsible to present some papers and lead class discussion on those papers. Grading is based on student's capability to synthesize critical contributions and foster a lively discussion capable of bringing key insights and connections into light. Hint: lots of slides with lots of text bullets typically do not work well. You can find lots of great examples of effective short presentations.
Participation in class and online discussions 25% Each student is expected to read all papers ahead of class discussion and participate actively in the discussion. Participation grade is based on demonstrated familiarity with assigned readings and capability to make critical observations and to contribute constructively to the discussion.
Project 50% Students will form groups and identify project topics at the beginning of the semester. They will develop a timeline, submit a proposal, and receive feedback from instructor and/or AIs. They will submit a progress report due around week 10, and a final project report (in conference poster proceedings format) due at the end of the semester. They will also maintain a wiki as an open lab notebook. Grading will be based on quality of reports and wiki, an in-class project presentation, and an interview to demonstrate the project.
If a student submits to a relevant conference a paper documenting a project from this course, and the paper gets accepted for publication within a semester after the end of this course, the instructor will change the course final grade to A or A+ (at his discretion). Relevant conferences include WWW, WSDM, SIGIR, KDD, CIKM, ICWSM, SocialCom, Web Science, WI, and others (to be approved by instructor).

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Class policy

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Academic integrity

The principles of academic honesty and professional ethics will be vigorously enforced in this course, following the IU Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct and the CS Department Statement on Academic Integrity.

This includes the usual standards on acknowledgment of help, contributions and joint work, even when you are encouraged to build on libraries and other software written by other people. Cases of academic misconduct (including cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, interference, or facilitating academic dishonesty) will not be tolerated.

Your submission of work to be graded in this class implies acknowledgement of this policy. If you need clarification or have any questions, please see the instructor during office hours.

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Final remarks

We would like to hear from anyone who has a disability or other issues that may require some accommodations. Please see the instructor after class or during office hours. The DSS office and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) are available for assistance to students.

We would like to know early in the semester of any possible conflicts between course requirements/deadlines and religious or civic observances, so that accommodations can be made. Please see the instructor after class or during office hours.

We welcome feedback on the class organization, material, lectures, assignments and exams. You can provide us with constructive criticism via the discussion forum. Please share your comments and suggestions so that we can improve the class.

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