CSC 2310 Syllabus - Fall 2001

Room 317-G 10:00 -10:50 am MWF (#1855)

Instructor: Robert Harrison

752 COE

Tel (404) 651-0668

Email: rharrison@cs.gsu.edu

Web http://www.cs.gsu.edu/~cscrwh

Office Hours: 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM Monday , 2:00 to 3:00 Friday and by appointment

Text:
Java Programming from the Beginning
K. N. King
W. W. Norton (2000)

(Required)

Other References:

I find the following books useful for programming in Java

The Java Programming Language
K. Arnold and J. Gosling
Addison Wesley.

The Java Class Libraries, An Annotated Reference
P. Chan, and R. Lee
Addison Wesley.

Java in a Nutshell.
D. Flanagan
Oreilly & Associates, inc.

Core Java
G. Cornell, C.S. Horstmann
SunSoft Press (Prentice Hall).

The SRC directory of the JDK (It is a good idea to unpack the SRC directory when you set up the Java Development Kit. The sources are generally well written and are the definitive documentation for the tools supplied with the kit.)

Course Content: An introduction to object-oriented programming using the Java language. The course will cover the construction of objects, the Java language and the basics of computer programming.

Pre-requisite: csc2010 (Introduction to Computer Science)

Withdrawals: The last day for regular withdrawals is October 12 2001

Course Requirements: Being an introductory course in computer science, this is not a trivial course. Regular completion of reading, homework, and assignments is necessary for success. If you don't work at this course you will not do well. Computer programming is like playing a musical instrument; practice is necessary for proficiency. The assignments are a minimal set of programs. In order to become proficient, it will be necessary to practice with other examples.

Course Grades: The course grade will be derived from class tests (2), assignments, and a final exam. The weights for the assignments and tests is given by:

Test 1	15.00%
Test 2	15.00%
Assignments	50.00%
Final Exam	20.00%
Total	100.00%

The assignments and tests will cover similar material. The grades will be calculated both including and excluding the assignments and the minimum value will be used. For example, if the grade including the assignments is 90% and the grade on the tests only is 95%, the the class grade will be 90%. Similarly if the grade including the assignments is 95% and the grade on the tests only is 90% then the grade will be 90%.

The assignments and tests will be averaged with a weighted average. With the tests this average will be (0.15*test_1 + 0.15* test_2 + 0.2*final)/( 0.15+0.15 + 0.20).

Assignments will collected when specified. They will be accepted as late (with a 10 point penalty) up until they have been discussed in class. After the answers have been discussed in class no further assignments will be accepted.

ASSIGNMENT REQUIRMENTS: Please turn in a printed copy of the source code, the program input and output (if any) and a 3.5" DOS formatted disk with the sources and class files (compiled sources). The disk must contain everything needed to execute the program, assuming that the JDK is installed on a machine. Assignments will not be accepted without this information. Please put your name on all the sheets and on the disk label.

Approximately half way through the course assignments that use the jbp routines (e.g. SimpleIO class) will not be accepted. These are a useful crutch when beginning the language, but like bicycle training wheels they should be discarded when you are ready. You will be warned at the time of this transition. The source code for these routines is in Dr. King's book so you will be able to see how they work.

Makeup tests and exams will not be given. If there is a disaster, an accident, or an illness a makeup test can be scheduled provided 1) the instructor is notified promptly and in advance if possible of the reason, and 2) you supply an original letter addressed to me on letterhead from a physician, hospital or relevant authority and signed by the physician, hospital administrator, or relevant authority, stating why you could not make it to the test.

Missed tests and assignments will be graded as 0 (zero).

Grades will be rounded to the nearest whole number. Any curve applied to the scores will only improve your grade. (if the grades range from 92-100 then everyone gets an ``A'', but the next test may be harder).

If Georgia State University is closed (for example due to a weather emergency), test dates and assignment due dates will be re-scheduled on the next class day. In this case information will be posted on my web site.

Plagiarism: All work submitted for grading must be the students own. Plagiarism will result in a score of 0 (zero) for the work or dismissal from the course and notification of the Dean of Students. Do not allow others to copy your work as all students will receive 0 (zero). The determination of plagiarism or copying will be done using the professional judgment of the instructor.

Homework: Suggested exercises will be given in class. These will re-enforce the lectures and be similar to test problems. Performing them will help you get a good grade. In general, to succeed in computer science, you will need to ``keep current'' by self-directed study. This is the time to get into that habit.

Assignments: Graded assignments can be thought of as open-book quizzes. If part of the answer is written in a book or paper, the student is responsible for copying out the section and supplying a reference. (i.e. you can copy published work, but you must cite it properly). Students are expected to supply the answers in their own words; a string of citations, however correct, will only receive partial credit.

Absence from Class: Students are responsible for the materials covered in class. Should a student be absent, it is their responsibility to get the notes and handouts from that lecture. Most importantly, if there is an assignment given on a missed class, it still must be handed in on the prescribed date. If there is a disaster, an accident, or an illness a makeup assignment can be scheduled provided 1) the instructor is notified promptly and in advance if possible of the reason, and 2) you supply an original letter addressed to me on letterhead from a physician, hospital or relevant authority and signed by the physician, hospital administrator, or relevant authority, stating why you could not complete the assignment.

Class Manners: You are here to learn computer science. Activities that interfere with learning are prohibited. I request that you turn off radios, cell phones and pagers during the class period and refrain from bringing food and drink to class. Quiet well-behaved visitors can be brought to class with my prior permission which must be obtained at least one day in advance. Don't bring pets. (See me if you have a medical condition that would not allow you to follow this syllabus). If you have to leave the class for some reason, please do so quietly and take all your belongings with you; please do not re-enter the class because that will be highly disturbing to the other students (and you are still responsible for what you missed).

Grading: Assignments and exams will be graded and returned in approximately one week. If it will take longer, I will notify you.

Note: This syllabus is a general plan for the course, and deviations from it may be necessary during the duration of the course.