Computer Science 171
Introduction to Computer Science

Instructor:	Jessen Havill
Office:	Olin 208
Phone:	587-6582
E-mail:	havill@denison.edu
Web site:	http://www.denison.edu/~havill
Office Hours:	Please see the schedule outside my office or here.

Description

This course is an introduction to computer science, with an emphasis on programming in the high level programming language Java. Throughout the semester, we will stress problem solving skills and discuss how these skills can be use to solve computing problems. We will also touch on a sampling of broader issues in computer science to expose you to some of the many facets of this diverse field.

Required Texts

programming.java: An Introduction to Programming Using Java, Second Edition
by Rick Decker and Stuart Hirshfield

The New Turing Omnibus: 66 Excursions in Computer Science by A. K. Dewdney

Web Resources

I will maintain a class web page containing reading assignments, homework assignments, answer keys, sample programs, and other useful resources. Refer to this page daily for updated information. The class home page can be found at:

http://www.denison.edu/~havill/171/

Attendance and Other Responsibilities

In order to do well in this class, it is imperative that you take an active role in the learning process. I cannot simply transfer knowledge to you. Rather, learning must be an active process in which the instructor is but an important resource. This is especially true with programming; proficiency requires loads of hands-on practice.

Your attendance is expected at each class meeting. It is in your own best interest to attend class, as your grade will almost certainly suffer indirectly if you choose not to attend. In addition, I reserve the right to consider attendance in instances of borderline grade assignments. Of course, excused absences (sickness, family emergencies, varsity athletic participation) will not be held against you. Scheduled absences should be communicated to me well in advance.

You are responsible for the content of reading assignments, lectures and handouts, as well as announcements and schedule changes made in class whether or not you are present. If you must miss a class, be sure to check with me or another student to get what you missed. Exams will be given in class on the day scheduled and may not be made up.

It is very important that you keep up with the assigned reading. Read your book on a daily basis. Be especially sure to read the material in the appropriate chapter before coming to class so you will be ready to ask questions. All reading assignments are listed on the class web page. The material in the course is, by necessity, cumulative. Be warned that if you fall behind, you will not be able to catch up easily.

Homework Policies

There will be a number of programming assignments given during the semester which will be due in class on the date specified. No late homework assignments will be accepted, unless arrangements have been made with me well in advance. Since it will most likely not be obvious how long an assignment might take, you are well advised to start early. Like other classes at Denison, it is expected that you devote at least 2-3 hours to these assignments for each hour of class time.

You may generally discuss programming problems with other students in the class, but the programs themselves must be your own. You may have general conversations about problem strategies, but you must leave these conversations without having written anything down. When it comes time to write your programs, you are on your own. Sitting next to someone in the lab while you discuss each line of code is unacceptable. Keep in mind that it is quite easy for me to tell when two students have been working too closely. In such cases, I am obliged to report the instance to the Associate Provost.

You may not get help from students outside the class, with the exception of the student tutors, whose hours will be posted shortly. If you have questions, ask the tutors, or come see me and I will be happy to help. You are also quite welcome to send me e-mail or call if you would like to discuss an assignment.

Class Presentations

Each student will make 2 short (15-20 minutes) presentations to the class on some topic in Computer Science during the semester. The topics for these presentations will come out of The New Turing Omnibus. A few days before your presentation, you will hand in a 2-3 page written summary of your topic, which will then be distributed to the class. We will talk about these presentations in more detail during the first week of class.

Grade Determination

The following relative weights will be used to determine your final grade:

Programming Assignments	40%
2 Presentations	10%
3 Mid Term Exams	10% each	(tentatively Feb 13, Mar 12, Apr 16)
Final Exam	20%	(May 5 at 2 pm)

Have a great semester! If you need anything, please let me know.