Syllabus

Java Programming for IS, CS203

Fall, 2004

Calvin College

Instructor: Patrick Bailey

Book: Sam’s Teach Yourself Java 2, 4th Edition, Rogers Cadenhead and Laura Lemay

Lecture Time: Tuesday, 12:30 PM – 1:20 PM

Lab Time: Thursday 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Course Description: This is a gentle introduction to object-oriented programming using the Java programming language. Coverage includes types and expressions, loops, I/O, classes, parameter passing, and standard Java libraries. Standalone graphical applications and web-based applets will be produced. Prerequisite: 141 and two years of high school algebra or permission of the instructor.

Environment and Assumptions: Lectures and demonstrations will be done in a MS Windows environment. Using any other operating system for homework is certainly acceptable as long as you submit assignments in the format requested. It is assumed that students understand the basic operating features of their work station environment (i.e. how to change folders or directories, use of a text editor etc).

Course Approach: The course is a combination of scheduled lectures and exams along with self paced modules and projects. Lectures will follow the organization of the text book. There are four exams, 15 Lab modules, and three projects to complete. The exams cover fundamental theory and concepts and are to be taken per the schedule below.

Lecture time will focus on specific chapters of the text book to provide clarification or additional background information. Students are encouraged to engage in a discussion about the topics through questions or sharing of experiences and observations.

The Lab modules and projects, though, are self-paced. This is done to ensure that each student masters fundamental hands-on concepts before moving to the next level of understanding. The Lab schedule provides a recommended pace of module starts students should follow to ensure completion of the course. Students who wish to proceed at a faster pace may do so. However, students who may need extra time on certain modules will not be penalized. You may only start on a new module after you have completed its predecessor. Projects are problems that reflect the cumulative learning points from a set of Lab Modules. Students can not begin working on a project until the required Lab modules have been completed.

Module and project completion must be based on individual efforts. To understand the concepts, you should try to do each module individually and then compare notes with a partner.

Grading: Grading is based on the following guidelines:

Evaluated	Points Available
Tests (4 @ 50 points each)	200
Lab Modules ( 14 @ 10 points each) (Mod 10 dropped)	140
Projects 1	100
Project 2	150
Project 3	200
Final Exam	200
Total	990

Grade assignments are based on the scale below. Plus and minus grades are up to my discretion and will generally be awarded to promote a grade based on observed participation, effort and willingness to participate in class discussions.

A – 93% and above

B – 80% and above

C – 70% and above

D – 55% and above

Week

Topic

Lab Modules

Sept 7

Overview of Java

Day 1 App C

Half of the lab will be lecture.

Module 1a and 1b

Sept 13

Programming Basics

Day 2,

Module 2

Sept 20

Working with objects

Day 3

Module 3

Sept 27

Lists, Logic and Loops

Day 4

Module 4 and 5

Oct 4

Creating Classes and Methods

Day 5

Project 1

Module 6

Oct 11

Test 1 – Covers information up through Day 4 of the text

Module 7 and 8

Oct 18

Packages, Interfaces

Day 6

Module 9

Oct 25

Recess

Module 11

Nov 1

Test 2 – Covers information for Day 5

Module 11 and 12

Nov 8

Exceptions

Day 7

Module 13

Project 2

Nov 15

Threads (7 cont) Swing

Day 9 and 10

Module 14

Nov 22 (Tues Only)

Test 3

Nov 29

Working with Swing

Day 11 and 12

Project 3

Dec 6

Test 4

Last day to accept projects.

Finals Week

Final - Comprehensive

General Administrative Notes:

Exam and Assignment Policy: Each student is required to take all tests at the scheduled times. All exceptions must be cleared with the instructor prior to the test time. Tests missed for insufficient reason will be assigned a score of zero. Assignments and projects: Assignments are due by the beginning of class on the date they are due. Attendance: Students are responsible for any material covered, tests, or announcements made in class. There is a direct relationship between attendance and your grade.

Special Needs: Calvin College will make reasonable academic accommodations for persons with disabilities. Students should notify Student Academic Services if they have a documented disability. Students with disabilities should meet with their instructors during the first two weeks of class to discuss academic accommodations.