Knots and Splicing

Instructor: Jonathan Westberg

Email:

Phone: 425-456-6543

Available office hours: Any time I am in my office

Equipment and software requirements: For this class you will need a functional PC and Internet connection.You will also need the use of a webcam with the ability to record, save, and send short clips. You will also need a six foot section of ½ inch hawser-laid rope for demonstrations. Your PC must be equipped with a media player, and the ability to view PDF files.

In thisfive week courseyou will learn the basics of knot tying and rope splicing and the practical uses as associated with various recreational activities and industrial trades. You will also learn the history of some of the classic knots/splices.

The course includes the following:

Videos from YouTube

Short films showing the process of each knot/splice.

6 links to web sites, such as the following:

  • The Elements And Practice of Rigging and Seamanship
  • Animated Knot tying
  • Climbing knots

Links to free textbooks

  • Practical Knots
  • The Ashley Book of Knots

A voluntary day and evening chat sessionwith the instructor on MOODLE Mondays and Fridays.

A knot of the week.

A weekly quiz

A final splicing/knot tying project at the end of the course

Following is the schedule:

WEEK NUMBER / AREA COVERED / WEEKLY QUIZ
1 / Types of Rope and Their Uses / 20 questions
2 / Quick Knots and Slip Knots / 20 questions
3 / The Mighty Bowline and Other Non-Slip Knots / 20 questions
4 / Hawser-Laid Splicing / 20 questions
5 / Make your rope work for you / 20 questions

This class presents options for all types of learners.

  1. For the visual learners, the videos, movies will give them the opportunity to see each knot as it is being tied.
  2. For auditory learners, clear precise instructions for tying each knot will be included with every video.
  3. For kinesthetic learners, the requirement of creating a video of their own will give them the opportunity to get a feel for each knot by tying it themselves.

The proctored chats give every student the ability to ask questions of the instructor and get an answer right away. The chat also fosters networking with other students.

By the end of the course, each student should be able to tie the correct knot for any situation.

All quizzes will be multiple choice. Final exam will consist of both a practical and written exam.

Though each student will have the ability to work at his/her own pace, it is highly recommended that they do not begin the section on splicing until week four.

All morning chat sessions will run from 8am to 9 pm while evening chat sessions will begin at 6pm and end at 7pm. If there are any changes to that schedule they will be posted on the class page. If you are not available during these times email me and we will see what we can work out.Chat sessions are voluntary, but I highly encourage you to participate as they can be both fun and informative. It is also possible that I may have guest chatters from time to time.