Syllabus

Course Information
Course: CS 1301 - Principles of Programming I, Section B, 4 hrs. credit, Department of Math & CS, College of Arts & Sciences, Valdosta State University
Class: 2-2:50 MTWR; 2108 Nevins Hall
Final Exam: 12:30-2:30pm, Wednesday, December 10, 2008.
Prerequisites: MATH 1101 or 1111 with a C or better.
Description: Programming-language syntax and semantics; problem solving; algorithm design and implementation using modern programming paradigms and techniques; data types and elementary data structures. This course involves extensive programming activities.
Topics: Introduction to computers, programming, and Java; Primitive data types; Selection; Loops; Methods; Arrays; Objects and Classes; Strings; Text I/O.
Course Objective: Learn how to do basic object-oriented programming.
Learning Outcomes:

After successful completion of this course, a student will be able to

  • List the steps of the typical software development cycle.
  • Explain the basic concepts of object-oriented programming.
  • Design needed classes, objects, arrays, strings and other data structures.
  • Write programs with a combination of mathematical and logic operations, selection statements, loops, methods, input and output in correct syntax to solve simple problems.
  • Follow good programming style guidelines to enhance readability and promote correctness in programs.
  • Create, edit, compile, debug, and run programs in a Java Integrated Development Environment.
  • Search online Java APIs for library classes and program according to the API specifications.
Course Website: The course website is found by going to my homepage: mypages.valdosa.edu/dgibson, and choosing the CS 1301 link. It is your responsibility to check the Schedule regularly. I recommend checking it once a day. The Schedule provides a list of exactly what we do in class other assignments, and due dates.
Textbook: Introduction to Java Programming-Comprehensive Version, Y. Daniel Yang, 7th edition, Prentice Hall, 2009, ISBN: 0136012671 
Instructor Information
Instructor:
Course Policies Information
General Policies:
Attendance:
Academic Honesty:
Special Services:
Course Activities Information
Homework: There are 10-13 graded homework assignments. Each homework assignment will consist of several (3-5) programs. I will only grade 1 to 2 of the assigned problems for each homework, chosen randomly. Homework will typically be due on Thursdays, by midnight on WebCT. In order to receive a passing grade for the class (C or better), all homework assignments must be submitted.
Tests: There are 7 tests, essentially, one for each chapter.
Final Exam: Comprehensive. 12:30-2:30pm, Wednesday, December 10, 2008. Your final exam score must be 60 or better in order to pass the class.
Grading Information
Course Average:

Your course average is computed from the following weights:

Test Average Final Exam Homework
65% 15% 20%
Final Grades: Necessary, but not sufficient criteria to pass the class is that your homework average must be 70 or better.