The Analytical Engine: An Introduction to Computer Science Using the Internet. R. Decker & S. Hirshfield, 1998 [AE]
This is the primary text. It does not have the breadth of many introductory texts but it does go into a number of very interesting aspects of computing and information science in enough depth to give you a sense of what these issues are all about. It has excellent introductions to HTML and Javascript which will be used in the class project. Do not confuse this with earlier editions based on local prototyping software (HyperCard or ToolBook).
This is an easy and largely non-technical read but contains some very useful insights into designing artifacts of any kind for human use. Many students here and a number of other people I've met have called this the most useful book they have ever read.
This is a broad but relatively shallow review of many aspects of computing. It will serve to make sure that those of you coming in with relatively little background will be up to speed on the basics of these topics (at least you will know what the terms mean etc.). But probably even those with strong backgrounds will learn at least something from this, even if you are rather familiar with the field already.
Attendance, participation and effort are expected and may influence the final grade. The assignments, quizes and term project will contribute approximately equally to the final grade.