![[Basics]](../graphics/basics.gif)
![[Requirements]](../graphics/reqbtn.gif)
![[Grading]](../graphics/grading.gif)
![[Policies]](../graphics/policy.gif)
Basic Information
Instructor: Julia Benson-Slaughter
Fall Semester, 2009 -- MW 1:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Location: Room E-0280, Dunwoody Campus
Catalog Description
This course is an introduction to the fundamental principles of computer science. It emphasizes structured, top-down development and testing of computer programs. The course includes an overview of computers and programming; problem solving and algorithm development; simple data types; arithmetic and logic operators; selection structures; repetition structures; text files; arrays (one and two dimensional); procedural abstraction and software design; modular programming (including subprograms or the equivalent).
Instructor's Comments
Many students begin this class thinking that computer science is basically video games and word processing. It isn't. The field of computer science requires critical thinking skills, discipline, an open mind, and active participation in the learning process from you, the student. For a large number of you, this will be one of the most difficult and time-consuming classes you have ever encountered, simply because you will be encountering a totally unfamiliar discipline for the first time.
You will find that this class involves a considerable amount of work outside the classroom on assignments, plus additional time to study for tests. Projects and exercises, as well as test questions, will inevitably involve problem solving rather than simple recital of facts and figures.
Prepare yourself now for a lot of hard work, but a lot of reward as well!
Course Requirements
Prerequisite
Completion of CSCI 1300 with a 'C' or better, or official transient status.
Note:Typing skills are not required, but are extremely useful for this class. If you cannot touch-type at least 20 words/minute with fewer than three errors, you are strongly urged to spend some time working with typing tutorial software. Such a program is available online at keybr.com or on computers in the Georgia Perimeter College computer lab.
Textbook and Supplies
Starting Out with Java: From Control Structures through Data Structures.
Tony Gaddis and Godfrey Muganda. Addison Wesley, a division of Pearson Education Inc. ISBN 0-321-42102-7.
You will need a USB flash drive (minimum size 2GB, 4GB or more preferred) on which to save your work. We will also set up this flash drive so that you can run the Java compiler and run-time environment from it. Be sure you bring this to each class meeting, as we do work on the computer during many class sessions.
Communications
I frequently make announcements and reminders of due dates and other important events at the beginning of class. These announcements and updates will normally also be posted at the GPC Computer Science Forum. You are expected to check the CSCI 1301 section of the forum on a regular basis for general updates and information. Individual questions and requests should be addressed to me either in person or via your preferred email/messaging system.
Assistance
- I hold regular office hours on class days, where any student can drop in to ask questions and get help.
- I am also available outside of office hours for limited assistance via email, instant messenger, Twitter, Facebook messaging/chat, or telephone. Emails and phone calls will receive a response as soon as reasonably possible; however, at certain times, particularly weekends, it may be as much as 48 hours before I can get back to you. There is a contact form here on the website for sending emails. Most contact information is posted online; additional contact information will be given out in class at the first meeting.
- The GPC Computer Science Forum is an excellent resource for finding answers to your questions as well as asking questions of other students who have taken or are taking your class. It additionally is a growing source of information for general computing concerns that are not specifically related to class content. All students in this class are expected to register for the forum and make use of it. I do monitor the forum and answer questions of general interest there, so don't be surprised when one of your emailed questions ends up there for everyone's benefit.
- Additionally, limited free tutoring in computer science may be available (pending funding) in the ISS lab on the top floor of the Learning Resources Center. The times when the computer science tutor is available are posted in the ISS lab and in the classroom. This is the only additional tutorial help in computer science provided by the college. The college does not provide referrals to or references for paid outside tutoring; if you need to find such an individual you will need to do so on your own.
Grading
Summary of Grading
| Item | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Assignments | 40% |
| Tests | 30% |
| Final exam | 30% |
Assignments
Assignments consist of homework exercises and programming assignments. An overall grade will be assigned for each chapter, based on your successful completion of the work for the chapter. All work for a chapter is due no later than one week after the last day the chapter is covered in class.
Homework Assignments
Homework problems are assigned from the end-of-chapter exercises for certain chapters. See your course schedule for details. Problems thus assigned are worth 10 points each.
Programming Assignments
For programming assignments, you will need to submit a printout of your source code (the .java file) and screenshots of the program's execution. Before programs are accepted for grading, they must compile using the standard Java compiler with no errors, and must execute normally with multiple sets of test data. Guidelines and standards for assignments are provided in your textbook and will be discussed in class. Programming assignments are expected to conform to these rules for style, documentation, and content.
Policies for late work
All work is due by the beginning of class on the date indicated on the course schedule. Work submitted by the beginning of the next class meeting will be assessed a 10% penalty off the top; work submitted by the beginning of the second class meeting after the due date will be assessed a 20% penalty off the top. It is the student's responsibility to plan ahead and keep up with the schedule of work for the course, just as it is a professional worker's responsibility to meet deadlines in the workplace.
Tests
There will be two tests during the semester, given at the times stated on the class schedule and announced in class. These tests accounts for 15% of your course grade each. They are not optional, nor can these grades be dropped.
Final
There will be a comprehensive final examination at our scheduled final examination period in our regular classroom. This final examination accounts for 30% of your course grade. The final examination is not optional, nor can this grade be dropped.
Missed tests
Alternative testing arrangements must be made in advance for tests or the final examination. Normally, makeup tests will be given only in the cases of illness, a death or serious illness in the immediate family, a court summons or other legal proceeding, or an unexpected and unchangeable work conflict. Students may be asked to produce written documentation in support of their request (e.g. a note from the doctor or supervisor, a copy of the court summons, etc.).
Note that there is NO GUARANTEE that computers will be available for use on makeup tests.
Extra Credit Policies
This course already involves a substantial workload. Therefore, no optional assignments for extra credit are ever made under any circumstances. Limited extra credit opportunities are available as follows:
- Extra credit may be available on selected regular assignments for work above and beyond the minimum requirements.
- Extra credit questions may be included on major tests or on the final exam.
- Students with no more than one absence will receive two points added to their final class average. Students with no more than three absences will receive one point added to their final class average. For this purpose, being late to class or leaving class early twice will count as one absence.
- Students who are active participants on the GPC Computer Science Forum will receive one point extra credit added to their final average.
- Students who actively participate in classroom activities and discussion will receive one point extra credit added to their final average, at the instructor's discretion.
- Friending me on Facebook/following me on Twitter does NOT give you any extra credit, by the way. It's just a rather effective way to communicate with me.
Grading Scale
Letter grades for the course are based on a standard 100-point grading scale, with 90-100 = A, 80-89 = B, 70-79 = C, 60-69 = D, below 60 = F.
Absence Policy
Regular attendance is the most critical factor in your success in this class. You are expected to attend all classes and examinations as scheduled, and to remain in attendance for the full class period. Attendance is taken at the beginning of each class. Absences do not count against your grade; however, exceptional attendance will result in extra credit awarded as described above.
Students who have attended at least one class meeting will NOTbe withdrawn from class by the instructor for lack of attendance. Students wishing to withdraw from the course are responsible for submitting the appropriate withdrawal form to the Registrar's office by the published deadline. Students withdrawing themselves before the midpoint of the semester will receive a grade of "W". Students withdrawing themselves after midpoint will receive a grade of "WF" unless hardship withdrawal status is granted by the department head or academic dean. If a student stops attending class and does not submit a withdrawal form, they will receive a grade of "F".
