CIS111 - CS1: Programming and Concepts (3 credits)
Instructor: Marie Hartlein, CNE/CNI

Note: This syllabus is being posted for general information purposes only and may not reflect the current textbook ISBN numbers. Please refer to the syllabus posted in Blackboard for the textbook and schedule information directly related to your course section. Last Update: October 2013

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course introduces students to fundamental techniques, concepts and vocabulary of programming and computer science. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving and programming in a high-level computer language such as Java or C++. This is the first course for computer majors.

PREREQUISITE: MAT 100 or MAT 115 with a "C" or better or equivalent, or

placing above (ABV) MAT100 on the mathematics placement test.

LEARNING GOALS

1. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the programming language Java including basic input/output (I/O), decisions, variables, loops, methods, parameter passing, arrays, and strings.

2. Demonstrate effective problem-solving strategies and algorithms in the problem solving process.

3. Produce well designed and documented programs that are organized in a logical and efficient fashion.

4. Apply the basic vocabulary and fundamental concepts of computer science including:

a. History of computing and computers

b. Evolution of ideas and machines

c. Binary numbers and data representation

c. Social impact of computers and the Internet

d. Codes of ethics and responsible conduct

e. Computer science professions and the roles of individuals in computer science

TEXTBOOK
There are two textbooks required for this course. The first textbook covers computer concepts and the second one covers Java programming The Java textbook includes a MyProgramming Lab access code.

Ø  Computer Concepts - Computer Science Illuminated, 4e, Dale, Lewis (ISBN: 978-07637-7646-6 (ISBN from other sources) or 978-14496-2603-7 (MCCC – ISBN)) Jones & Bartlett Publishing (to save money, it is permissible to use the 3rd Edition of this textbook…there may be some minor content and page number differences, but you will save money.

Ø  Java Programming - Starting Out w/ Java: From Control Structures thru Objects plus MyProgramming Lab (9780132990004). These two items have been combined into a single bundle and sold in the MCCC bookstore Pearson Publishing. The bundle in the MCCC bookstore will provide binder ready pages with the access code to MyProgramming Lab online support.

Before purchasing the textbook, be sure to review my separate posting in the ‘Read Me First’ section on textbook binding and pricing options.


SOFTWARE:
For work from home, Java development software can be downloaded for free via the Internet. All data files used in the course are available on the Pearson web site. There are several free flowcharting tools available such as Visio (which is available for free under the MSDN Alliance program) and other tools available via the Internet. When you take the final exam, the jGrasp development environment will be used for the programming component.

You can work on course material from the Learning Assistance Lab on either campus any time the labs are open. jGrasp software and data files for the course are stored on the MCCC network in the folder S:\Courses\CIS111 if you are working on campus.

OFFICE HOURS & COMMUNICATIONS
Office Location: ATC 208
Telephone: 215-641-6315
e-mail: mhartlein@mc3edu

Office Hours on campus: Refer to web page

GRADING:

% of Total Grade
Final Exam (comprehensive – taken on Central campus)
Lab Exercises / Homework / Programs
Quizzes – 7 (No make-up, will count best 6) Quizzes are taken online
Discussion Forum Participation / 20%
50%
20%
10%

Final grades are calculated as follows:
94-100 = A90-93 = A- 87-89 = B+ 84-86 = B 80-83 = B- 77-79 = C+ 70-76 = C 60-69=D Under 60=F

WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS:
Expect several lab/homework assignments each week which must be submitted for a lab grade. Most labs will be due within one week unless specified. Each lab will be assigned a maximum number of points based upon the work involved. No late assignments will be accepted! After the due date, the link to submit assignments will go away. If you review my grading scale above, submitting all required homework assignments on time is a key to success in this course!


DISCUSSION GROUP/FORUMS:
Every student must participate in our online discussion forums. This will be a place to share discoveries, ask questions, answer questions, clarify ideas and post required assignments. Classroom discussions are accessed by selecting the Discussion Board tab.

The discussion forum is worth 10% of your grade.To get full credit for this portion of the grade, you must respond to all required discussions and have at least 5 significant postings in the Help Forum. You can either be 'requesting help' or 'answering' another student's question to get credit. If you know everything but never participate in the discussion forum, your grade for the discussion group will be zero. This could reduce a final grade an A to a B!

WITHDRAWAL POLICY:
Students can withdraw without signature up until the middle of the course. I will continue to grant withdrawal requests up until date specified in course syllabus. This will give you plenty of time to evaluate your course status and decide if you want to stay in the course. If you do not withdraw by this date, you will receive a final grade for the course.

OTHER COLLEGE POLICIES:
Student Academic Code of Ethics– “In the pursuit of knowledge and scholarship, all members of the academic community at MCCC must maintain a constant commitment to academic integrity. The College provides an environment that fosters critical thinking and judgment, and in order to safeguard the integrity of the institution, students are expected to follow the policies of the College and the faculty. To fulfill their part of that commitment, students must adhere to an academic code of ethics by refraining from participation in acts of academic dishonesty. By attending MCCC, students accept this Student Academic Code of Ethics and agree to the following:

• Students must do all of their own work.

• Students must not cheat.

• Students must not help others to cheat.

Students who are unclear about the validity of an academic procedure they are about to undertake should ask their instructor for guidance beforehand. Violations of this code of ethics will result in sanctions, including possible dismissal from the College.” (See complete Code of Ethics in catalog, Student handbook or online at http://www.mc3.edu/policy/aa/ethics.htm If you submit work which is not your own or give your work to someone else to submit, you will receive a 0 for the assignment. If the offense occurs more than one time, you will receive an XF for the course.

Students with Disabilities Policy – “Students with disabilities may be eligible for accommodations in this course. Contact the Director of Services for Students with Disabilities in the Counseling Center, College Hall 131, at (215) 641-6575/6577 for more information. At West Campus, contact the Director of Student Affairs, (610) 718-1839.”

Student Code of Conduct/Civility - “Montgomery County Community College is committed to providing a campus environment in which all students have an equal opportunity to learn, study, and grow as scholars and as citizens of the larger community. Students are expected to treat all members of the college community with dignity, respect, fairness, and civility and to behave in a responsible manner at all times both in and outside of the classroom.” (See complete Code of Conduct in Student Handbook or online at http://www.mc3.edu/policy/sa/conduct.htm

Early Alert System - As part of our commitment to promote the academic success of all of our students, the College utilizes an Early Alert system. Faculty may alert Academic Advisors about issues related to student absence and /or academic difficulty, if they are not resolved through discussion between the faculty and student. Please respond promptly to any Early Alert notification you receive through email, phone or mail, as your Academic Advisor hopes to offer you assistance in resolving these issues.


CIS 111 - CS1: Programming and Concepts

SAMPLE SEQUENCE OF TOPICS (subject to modification)

Week / Date / Topic / Reading Assignment
1
1/19 / Course Overview / Blackboard Orientation / Let’s Get Acquainted Discussion
CSI: Chapter 1 – The Big Picture
2
1/24 / Java: Chapter 1 – Introduction
CSI: Chapter 2 – Binary Values and Expressions
3
1/31 / Quiz 1
Java: Chapter 2 – Fundamental Data Types
4
2/7 / Java: Chapter 3 – Decisions
Introduction to Flowcharting
Quiz 2
5
2/14 / Java: Continue with Chapter 3
CSI: Chapter 3 – Data Representation
6
2/21 / Java: Chapter 4 –Loops
7
2/28 / Java: Continue with Chapter 4
CSI: Chapter 4 – Gates and Circuits
Quiz 3
8
3/7 / Java: Chapter 5 – Methods
CSI: Chapter 5 – Computing Components
PC Purchase Project
9 / 3/14 – 3/20 - Spring Break…Enjoy!
10
3/21 / Java: Continue with Chapter 5
CSI: Chapter 15 – Networks
Quiz 4
11
3/28 / Java: Chapter 8 – Input/Output and Exception Handling
CSI: Chapter 16 – The World Wide Web
12
4/4 / Java – Chapter 6 – Arrays and Array Lists
13
4/11 / Continue with Chapter 6
Quiz 5
Alice Overview
14
4/18 / Java – Chapter 7 – Objects and Classes
Quiz 6
15
4/25 / Java: Chapter 11 – Graphical User Interface and Event Handling
CSI: Chapter 12 – Information Systems
16
5/2-5/3 / CSI: Chapter 9 – High-Level Languages pp. 295-324 (Chapter 8 - 3rd Edition)
Computing Careers
Quiz 7
Final Exam / During the Week of 5/4 – 5/10

Note: CSI – Computer Science Illuminated Java – Java textbook