Text and Supplies:| CSC 142 Syllabus |
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Orientation Meeting: Monday, June 29, 6:00 – 6:50 PM in TB1643B
This course is designed to help the student learn the general principles of modern programming, including how to design, implement, document, test, and debug computer programs. The course is based on the Java programming language. Topics include objects, messages, expressions, statements, methods, classes, conditionals, iteration, arrays, and collections. This course is intended for students who have successfully completed CSC 110, and is a prerequisite for CSC 143.
Your goal in this course should be to continue your study of general programming principles, especially with object-oriented concepts and techniques. This course is not designed to make you an expert Java programmer! However, you will develop broad foundational programming skills and gain some knowledge of the Java programming language along the way.
Respect for diversity is a core value of NSCC. Our college community fosters an optimal learning climate and an environment of mutual respect. We, the college community, recognize individual differences. Therefore, we are responsible for the content and tone of our statements and are empathetic speakers and listeners.
Students with disabilities who believe that they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact Disability Services as soon as possible to ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion. You may make an appointment with Disability Services by calling 527-3697 or stopping by the DS office on the 2nd floor of the Campus Center.
Text and Supplies:This course is Internet Based.
A detailed class schedule will be posted on the web site and updated throughout the quarter. (In the login-required section)
Students can use computers in NSCC open lab, IB3303. Hours of operation are posted for the lab. There are also computers that are often available for student use in the Library first-floor Electronic Classroom. Moreover, there are computers available in the Math Learning Center in ED1845B. Tutors are also scheduled to be available in the lab. All of these machines have required software and full Internet access.
Access to a computer with Internet access at home or at work would be valuable. All the software used in this course is freeware and can be installed on any appropriate computer, allowing you to work on assignments away from campus. Click here for installation instructions.
Participate! Ask questions using the discussion forum or email. Respond to questions on the discussion forum. Work with your colleagues in the open labs.
Practice each new technique as soon as possible, and practice often!
Complete all assignments, quizzes, tests, and the final.
Hand in only your own work.
Each graded task you perform is worth a certain number of points. These point will be converted to normalized points. All normalized points are equal. There will be bonus points for participation.
Grade awarded will be mapped to the total number of normalized points earned as follows (instructor reserves the right to adjust this scale):
Assignments: 45% Labs: 15% Midterm Exam: 20% Final Final: 20%
Homework assignments have fixed due dates. All homework is due by 9:00 pm on the specified date.
Homework will be graded on two scales: functionality and style.
Functionality scores will range from 0 – 4.
Style scored will range from 0 – 1.
At the end of the quarter there will be one additional (extra credit) assignment available to you.
In general, planning before you start coding will decrease the amount of time the homework takes.
Late assignments will be accepted. However, there is a one point penalty for late submission. No extra credit is awarded on late assignments.
Throughout the quarter, there will be small programming assignments that will demonstrate one or more of the techniques that we have studied.
Labs will have a fixed due date. Typically 9 pm on the assigned date.
Late labs will not be accepted. The "solutions" for the labs will be posted shortly after the due date.
“Midterm” exam: Monday, July 27th, 6:00 - 8:30 PM, IB3413
“Final” exam: Monday, August 17th, 6:00 - 8:30 PM, IB3413
The names "midterm" and "final" are descriptive only in a temporal sense. So, it's more first half / second half, rather than half and whole, as far as coverage is concerned, as is reflected in the relative weight.
The previous point not withstanding, the material in the exams is somewhat cumulative. That is, it would be unwise to 'dump truck' material after the first exam. Getting that material wrong on the final will count against you.
You will be responsible for the material in the notes, as well as the material needed to complete the assignments and labs.
Typically, the score distribution for an exam has the bulk of the scores in a somewhat normal distribution often with some outlying scores at the high and low ends. The exam scores will be “normalized” such that the median score (disregarding outlying scores) for any one of the exams will not be less than 90% of the available points.
If you need to request a grade of NC (no credit) or I (Incomplete), this must be done in writing before the final. An email sent to the instructor is sufficient.
Accommodation can be made for students. However, this generally must be done in advance and in writing. When unforeseen circumstances intervene, you have 6 hours to contact the instructor; for the exams, you have until 9 AM the following day. Typically I would suggest a phone call to the division office (206-527-3746) or email sent directly to the instructor.
We can tailor this course to address your needs and interests. If there is a special programming problem you would like to tackle, let me know and I will see if it can be worked into the class or a project. Likewise, if you have any special educational needs, please let me know. Finally, if you have any questions about topics we cover, ask them right away or see me in my office. Each week’s new material builds on the subjects already covered, so it is best to make sure you do what it takes to understand it right away.
Students from all classes are encouraged to seek help with any kind of writing and reading assignments at the Loft located upstairs in the library. The Loft also offers online tutoring in writing through their website: http://www.northseattle.edu/services/loft/.