CISY 103 – Computer Concepts and Programming – Fall 2008

Course Information CRN: 10673

Instructor: Sunela Thomas

Phone: 908-526-1200 ext. 8969 (CIS Department, leave message)

Room #: West Building 306

Class Time: Mondays 5:30 pm – 10:15 pm (9/3/08 – 12/13/08)

Books: (1) Understanding Computers: Today and Tomorrow 12^th Edition, Comprehensive by Deborah Morley and Charles S. Parker, Course Technology

[ISBN 13: 978-1-4239-2521-7, ISBN 10: 1-4239-2521-1]

(2) Starting out with Java from Control Structures through Objects, 3^rd Edition by Tony Gaddis, Addison Wesley

[ISBN 10: 0-321-47927-0]

Software/Computer Requirements:

Although there is lab time incorporated into the class, there may not be enough time to work on the projects during class time. You may need to access a computer with Java outside of class. If you do not own a computer, you can use the Open Lab in the West Building (W 212) which is open 6 days a week. See the hours posted outside the Open Lab. If you own a computer, you can download the Java SDK and TextPad which will replicate the setup we have on campus. For details ask the instructor.

Course Routine:

Each week, the class is broken into 3 segments – Computer Concepts Lecture, Java Programming Lecture, and Lab.

§ Computer Concepts Lecture: Lecture on the Computer Concepts covered in the Understanding Computers book. Usually one chapter a week is covered but some weeks we will cover two chapters. There is not enough time to go over every topic and every keyword in each chapter. Therefore, lecture will emphasize on the more challenging parts of the chapters. Unless otherwise indicated, you will be responsible for all material in the chapter. During lecture you cannot be logged into the computer. It would be beneficial if you read the chapter to be covered prior to class.

§ Java Programming Lecture: Lecture on programming in Java from the Java book. Each week we will take the next step in learning how to program. Some chapters will take more than a week to cover and will require more than one class. Occasionally the instructor will cover material that is not in the book. Therefore, pay attention!!!. During lecture, you cannot be logged into the computer. I have to caution here that the knowledge is cumulative. So if you skip a Java lecture one week, the following week will be more difficult. As mentioned above, it would be beneficial if you read the chapter before coming to class.

§ Lab: This is hands on lab time. Lab work is individual using the computer. We will incorporate Word, Excel, Access, Unix and HTML. Labs must be completed during lab time. However, if there is a need for additional time, ask the instructor. Leaving early from class and asking to finish at home is not acceptable. The time set aside for programming in-class labs is enough for the novice programmer to finish in class. However, novice programmer will require additional time outside of class to complete projects assignments. Some weeks, the lab assignments may be multiple parts. It will also get progressively harder as the semester progresses. If you finish your lab early, use the time to explore additional features of Java that are in the book but skipped.

Grading:

Overall, the weight of the course is 50% concepts and 50% programming.

Item	Percentage
Homework	20%
In-Class Labs/Assignments	15%
Computer Projects	15%
Programming Portfolio	5%
Participation	5%
Quizzes	5%
Exam 1 (Concepts only)	10%
Exam 2 (Java only)	10%
Final Exam (mainly Concepts some programming)	15%

Grades	% Range
A	91 - 100
B+	85 - 90
B	80 - 84
C+	75 - 79
C	70 - 74
D	60 - 69
F	0 - 59

Homework:

The homework from the concepts book is the 5 exercises from the Exercises section at the end of each chapter. Make sure you do the proper section. The homework based on Java will be assigned in class by the instructor. There may not be Java homework every week since some chapters may be covered in the course of two weeks.

How to Submit Homework:

§ It can be hand written or typed and submitted in class before the class starts at 5:30 pm.

§ It can be emailed as a Microsoft Word or scanner attachment prior to class start (i.e., before 5:30 pm on Mondays)

§ Homework will not be accepted more than a week late.

In-Class Labs:

As mentioned earlier, in-class labs get progressively harder. These should be emailed to the instructor as an attachment.

Computer Projects:

These will be listed on the instructor’s web site and announced in class. It is your responsibility to check the web site if you are late to class. Projects are due on the date indicated.

Programming Portfolio:

You will be expected to maintain a portfolio of all of your programming (in-class labs and projects), Java Notes, Java Homework, and Java Quizzes. For the labs and projects, you should include the paper assignment from the instructor and the graded lab/project that the instructor gives back. A portfolio can be as simple as a manila folder with the papers in a logical order or a 3 ring binder with tabs. The idea behind a portfolio is that if you are referring to the portfolio when you write a program, you can quickly find a sample program you previously did on the topic. The portfolio should be brought to all classes. The instructor will do spot inspections. Failure to produce the portfolio will result in a “zero” grade. For some of the Java quizzes and exams, only approved portfolios may be used.

To be able to us the Portfolio for Exam 2, the portfolio must be evaluated the week before the exam.

Quizzes:

These are closed notebook/ closed textbook/ closed computer. Some of them are pop quizzes which mean “they are un-announced”. Therefore, there are no make-ups.

Exams:

Note the dates on the exams. If you are late for the exam, you will only have the time until the end of the exam. Exam 1 will be only on Concepts and will be closed note / closed text / closed computer. Exam 2 will be only on Java and may be open portfolio (if approved) / open computer. Exams must be taken on days assigned. Should you have a conflict, notify the instructor prior to the date to arrange for alternate time. Final exam is based mainly on concepts and limited programming. It will be closed note / closed text / closed computer.

Attendance Policy:

Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class. If you are late, it is your responsibility to see the instructor and ask to be marked as present. If the instructor is lecturing, wait until the lab time. Too many classes missed (>= 5) may result in you being dropped or receiving an “F”. Since there is no guarantee that the instructor will drop you, if it is your desire to drop the class, you must do that yourself.

Cheating Policy:

You must work alone on the Computer Projects, In-Class Assignments, and Homework. Working with someone is considered cheating. Taking a file that someone else has created is considered cheating. Cheating is not allowed and is taken very seriously. If you have a question, ASK the instructor.

Extra-Credit:

At this time, there is no-extra credit.