jQuery is a JavaScript library that makes HTML document manipulation and event handling easier. It was created in 2006 and the current version is 2.1.4. This document provides an introduction to jQuery, including how it was developed, what it does, how to install it and learn it. It also summarizes jQuery's capabilities like selecting elements, handling events, animations, and AJAX calls. The document outlines a 4 session plan to cover jQuery basics like selecting elements, formatting text, adding page elements, events, animations and using jQuery plugins. It provides examples of common jQuery functions.