CSc 2010 - Introduction to Computer Science

Tentative Syllabus
Spring 2011
3 credit hours
Time: MW 12:00 pm-01:15 pm

Classroom: Room 320, General Classroom Building

Instructor: Dr. Michael Weeks
Computer Science Department
Office: 34 Peachtree Street, room 1444
Office Hours: 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays, from January 10 to April 25.

web-page: http://www.cs.gsu.edu/~cscmcw

Put the text: CSC2010
in the subject line to make sure your e-mail
does not get classified as spam.
Phone: (678) 952-8196

Teaching Assistant: Mr. Abinashi Dhungel
TA's office hours: Mondays and Wednesdays 10:00 AM to Noon (starting January 31)
TA's office: 34 Peachtree Street, room 1407
TA's e-mail address: abi [dot] dhungel [at] gmail [dot] com

FINAL EXAM
The Final Exam will be given in the above classroom on Monday, May 2, from 10:45 a.m. to 13:15 p.m.

TEXTS
G.M. Schneider & J.L. Gersting, Invitation to Computer Science, 3rd Edition, Java Version, Thomson Course Technology, 2007.

PREREQUISITES
None.

COURSE DESCRIPTION
"A first introduction to the discipline of computer science. Topics include algorithmic foundations, hardware concepts, virtual machine concepts, software systems, applications, and social issues." [GoSolar]
"A breadth-first introduction to the discipline of computer science. Topics include algorithmic foundations, hardware concepts, virtual machine concepts, software systems, applications, and social issues." [Mr. Bhola]
Assignments will include static HTML and an introductory Java Program. These topics will be covered a little out of sequence from their location in the text [adapted from Mr. Bhola's syllabus]. "Thus, as much as the text will be covered as possible, starting from Chapter 1 and proceeding sequentially. It is expected that students should have the text and they should always try to read ahead of lectures" [Mr. Bhola's syllabus].

GRADING

Three tests (excluding the final exam) will constitute 50% of the course grade.
The final exam will constitute 20% of the course grade.
Any pop-quizzes will count as 10% of a test, and will be factored into the test grades (but not the final exam).
There may be additional, ungraded homework assignments. You are expected to complete all assigned work, regardless of whether or not a grade is attached.
There will be a programming challenge each week, constituting a total of 20% of the course grade. These are short homework assignments meant to give you regular practice.
Class participation will constitute 10% of the course grade. This includes attendance, paying attention, and talking to the class during in-class discussions. Points may be deducted for side conversations with your fellow students, texting during class, using a computer or other device for non-class related activities during class, having your cell phone ring or other noise during class, walking in late, etc.