CS210, Introduction to Programming


Course Description:
Provides preparation for the first-term programming students and gives overview of computer systems. Course includes flow-charting, logic, data processing concepts and introductory programming concepts using Just BASIC.
 
Course Goals and Course Objectives:
Introduction to Programming provides the beginning programmer with a guide to developing structured program logic. The course assumes no programming experience and does not focus on any one particular language but introduces Just BASIC. It introduces programming concepts and enforces good style and logical thinking.
 
Course relationship to Major Program and Department:
This course will prepare the student for advanced programming courses that follow in C++, and Assembly.
 
Course Relationship to Content Area Knowledge and Skills:
This course will enable the student to have a good understanding of program construction.  The student will be able to use basic problem solving skills such as identifying, defining, postulating, and evaluating, planning and acting, and assessing computer programs.  The student will understand one’s own and others’ ethics and values.  The student will be aware of contemporary scientific and technological trends and implications for the future.  The student will be able to send, receive, and interpret information which is presented graphically and numerically.  The student will understand the power and limitations of science and technology in a changing world.  The student will be aware of how societies, institution, and individuals are responsible to see technology is used ethically and appropriately.
 
Text:
Programming for the absolute beginner, Jerry Lee Ford, Jr., Thomson Course TechnologyISBN 159863740 2007
 
 
 
Topics or Units of Instruction:
An Overview of Computers and Logic
Understanding Structure
Modules, Hierarchy Charts, and Documentation
Designing and Writing A Complete Program
Making Decisions
Looping
Control Breaks
Arrays
 
Additional Readings (Suggested):None
 
Methods of Instruction and Learning:
Reading the chapters before the lecture will prepare you to ask questions during the lecture and help you to understand the material better.  There will be several individual and team projects.  All tests will be comprehensive.  Tests will cover everything from the lecture, reading assignments, projects, and quizzes.  Sometime class will meet in the computer lab which will be announced in advanced.
 
Course Requirements and Means of Evaluation:
40% of the grade is based on a midterm and a final examination. Both examinations are cumulative and given in a varied format. An in-class review will be held prior to each examination.
 
20% of the grade is based on quizzes. Quizzes are announced one day in advance and may vary from three to five questions that may be in any format.
 
40% of the grade is based on keeping a project notebook. Students are asked to obtain a small notebook to enter the answers to the various homework exercises at the end of each chapter in the text.
 
            Letter Grades:
                        90% - 100% A
                        80% - 89%   B
                        70% - 79%   C
                        60% -.69%   D
                        0%   -.59%   F
 
Clinical Laboratory:  None
 
Addendum:
Student Conduct in Class Policy
Any acts of classroom disruption that go beyond the normal rights of students to question and discuss with instructors the educational process relative to subject content will not be tolerated, in accordance with the Academic Code of Conduct described in the Student Handbook.
Children in Class Policy
Only in extreme cases are children allowed in classroom or laboratory facilities, and then only with approval of the instructor prior to class.
Electronic Devices in Class Policy
Cellular telephones (if a cell phone is activated during class or test points will be deducted from your grade, no exceptions); pagers, CD players, radios, and similar devices are prohibited in the classroom and laboratory facilities. Calculators and computers are prohibited during examinations and quizzes, unless specified. Reasonable laptop-size computers may be used in lecture for the purpose of taking notes.
It is the responsibility of the student to take the examinations at the scheduled times, except in very unusual circumstances.  Some unacceptable reasons for missing an examination include:
No time to study for the examination
Another examination on the same day
Going on vacation that day
Oversleeping
 
If you must miss an examination you must inform the instructor in advance; if the instructor requests, you must present proof of the reasons for your absence.  Make sure that the instructor is aware of any memorandum showing that you will be participating in a college sponsored trip.  If your excuse is accepted for missing a test, the final exam grade will be substituted for the test grade that you missed.
You are expected to complete all assignments by the due date and take all tests and quizzes at the scheduled times.  A 20% penalty will be assessed daily on any late assignment including weekends and holidays.  No credit will be given for any answers submitted after the assignment has been discussed in class.
All assignments must be your OWN WORK done individually.  Any excessive collaboration on assignments is considered cheating and will result in the failure of the course.
All quizzes are unannounced, and there will be no make-up for quizzes.  If you miss a quiz, you will receive a zero for that quiz.
Attendance is required.  Failure to attend regularly will result in a lower grade.
       Date of Preparation/Revision:  Fall 07