The other reason to focus on a programming language in the introductory computer science curriculum is to use it as a means to develop problem solving skills.  At its core, computer science is about the algorithms used to solve problems.  And learning to translate a real-world problem into a precise, specific, realizable set of steps (or algorithm) is exactly the type of skill that extensive practice with a programming language will allow us to develop.

The following textbooks are required for the course.  While neither are yet published, bound copies of both are available through the Denison bookstore. 

Joan Krone and Thomas C. Bressoud and R. Mathew Kretchmar.   Fundamentals of the Java Programming Language.  Denison University.  Not yet published.

Mark Guzdial and Barbara Ericson.  Introduction to Programming in Java: A Multimedia Approach.  Prentice Hall Publishing.  Not yet published.

In addition to the textbooks, we will be utilizing a web site that provides practice exercises that have been organized in a manner consistent with our primary textbook. You will use a web browser to register for our section of the course. Registration costs $25 and is accomplished through the TuringsCraft link given below. The access code for registering for our class section is: DENISO-9322-1773

TuringsCraft CodeLab registration TuringsCraft CodeLab login

http://www.denison.edu/~bressoud/cs171-f05/

Midterm Tests:

In order to provide frequent feedback on how well you are progressing and mastering the material in this course, we will hold tests every two to three weeks, starting Friday, September 9th.  These are explicitly intended to not be high-pressure exams, but to serve to keep everyone on track with frequent assessment opportunities. 

Programming Assignments:

For each of the 2-3 week learning units, there will be an associated programming assignment with a media computation focus.  It is very important that you allocate sufficient time for working on these programming assignments.  It is through these programs that you will gain the practice and deeper understanding of the Java programming language.

 

The final programming assignment may include more self-definition as a final project, and will entail a project definition, design steps, and a demonstration.

You may discuss programming assignments with other students in the class in terms of how to approach the problem, but the program must be your own. You may not get help on programs from students outside the class. You may, however, seek out the help of the Computer Science fellows, who will hold regular hours at Olin Hall.  In addition, you are always welcome to come see me for help.

Practice Exercises :

 

 

In learning to program, you are learning a new language. An extremely important aspect of learning a language is sufficient practice of the lexicon, syntax, and semantics of the language. It is through the mastery of these elements that the ability to write larger programs is born. Thus, an important component of the couse is the set of practice exercises that you will be assigned through the TuringsCraft CodeLab system. These will be due every week, with due dates/times and recording of submission managed by the TuringsCraft system.

 

Final Exam:

There will be a final exam for the course.  The final will be cumulative and cover material from the entire semester.  All exams will be closed book, closed notes.

 

Class Participation:

In general, we would like everyone to do their part to make this an enjoyable interactive experience. Hence in addition to attending class, we would like you to actively participate by asking questions, joining in our discussions, etc. Note that there is a significant portion of your grade attributed to class participation.  Any day that you do not attend class, you (by definition) do not participate, and so be very careful about missing class, as it will affect your grade.