Computer Programming Sylabus
by John Riley
August 11, 2008
Computer Programming
2008-2009
Course Description: The purpose of this course is to teach you the fundamentals of structured programming using the language C++. This is one of the most popular languages taught in college computer courses today. Many of the jobs for programmers today require a working knowledge of this language. I think that you will find that this class is different from any other class you have taken so far. It is a combination of geometry, algebra and a foreign language all in one. You will be asked to take simple tasks and teach a machine to do them. It sounds easy but it can get complicated.
Course Activities: Most of the work in this class will be completed on the computer. We will spend the bulk of the class writing and debugging programs. Some written work will be assigned from the book and tests will be given over the information contained in the book. Each chapter will also have a project that will be used to test the students’ knowledge of the material taught. This is usually are larger project that may take anywhere from two or three day to two or three weeks. We will also take some time to look at how graphics and animation is done. This is not covered in the book.
Course Grading: Grading is divided into the following categories:
Current Event Report 5%
Daily work (lab) 14%
Book Work 9%
Subjective Work Grade 9%
Projects 29%
Tests 34%
The subjective work grade is what I give for the quality of your daily work and your ability to solve problems on your own. This is given at the end of the grading period and is determined by amount of independent work that you do and how much assistance you need from me. I want you to ask questions and get help, but only after you have tried several approaches on your own.
Grading Scale: Your class grade will be determined by the following scale:
A 100% - 90%
B 89% - 80%
C 79% - 70%
D 69% - 60%
F 59% - 0%
Semester grade is calculated using the following weights
1st Semester 90%
Semester Final 10%
Class Materials: You will be given an assignment everyday in this class. This means that you will need a pencil, paper and your book everyday.
Other items: You will turn in all daily work, projects, some quizzes, and book work via electronic format. You will need to go to Yahoo, Hot Mail or some other e-mail provider and obtain an e-mail address. This means you will need to take and pass the Internet test. Those students whose parents request that you do not have access to the Internet can turn in assignments in the traditional way.
No items are to be installed on any of these machines. No items are to be down loaded from the Internet and placed on these machines. They are in good working order now and I would like to keep them that way.
If you are caught copying assignments from someone else then you and the person you are copying from will receive a zero for that assignment. It’s OK to get help from your neighbor but you are to do your own work.
Rules: I have very few rules in this class. I expect to come to class to learn and do the work that is assigned each day. You will be given class time each day to complete your homework. Only one person is allowed out of the class at a time. Respect other people and their belongings. Be in class when the bell rings and we will get along just fine. No food or drink is allowed in the classroom.
