Computer Programming - Introduction

To dowload the syllabus - coming soon!

The purpose of this course is to provide the theoretical and practical foundation for the creation and understanding of high level programming languages. This year the programming language we will be working with is C++.

!!! WARNING !!!

This is NOT "Advanced Video Game Playing", rather you will receive insight and instruction on how to start programming games, word processors, etc. so that a person can use them efficiently and effectively.  This requires that we break our time down into two categories:

• Time without the computers (for lectures, going over exams)
• Time with the computers (for labs, review classes)

Class Materials

You will be required to bring the following items to EVERY class.  Failure to do so WILL result in detention.

• Your textbook
• Your notebook or looseleaf (you decide which you want, if you decide notebook - dedicate it to this class)
• A blue or black pen
• 2 CD-RWs OR Memory Stick (Minimum Size: 1GB) -- Look for rebates from Staples, Best Buy, etc.
• Scientific calculator

Grade Breakdown

I hold no secrets and do not take out my crystal ball to conjure up grades. Your grade is not determined by me, but rather your performance in this class. Your grade is an average that can be calculated as follows.

• Exams and Quizzes (40%): Two quizzes will equal one exam. If you are absent for a quiz or exam, it MUST be made up. Dependent on schedules, we will figure out a good time for you to make-up the quiz/exam.
• Homework (15%): Programming requires practice - hence you will have homework. Homework is to be done on 8.5x11 looseleaf paper in blue or black ink. Failure to do so will result in me not accepting your work. If you are absent the day an assignment is due, be prepared to turn it in on the day you return.
• Programming Assignments (15%): These are in class projects that will help evaluate your understanding of C++. Each will be based on a scale of 0 (lowest) through 10 (highest).
• Midterm Exam (15%): Given in January, this will cover the first half of the course.
• Final Exam (15%): Given in May, this will explicity cover the material we cover from February on. Realize that you will need the information from the first half of the year to get you through the second half of the year.

If You Are Absent

If you are absent for any reason it is YOUR responsibility to get the notes, assignments, etc. that you missed. This is a college course and I will teach and treat you like college students. If you have any questions due to your absence, by all means come and talk to me.  This is not the class to take a nap in.  If you do - it will negatively impact on your grade.