170
Introduction CS to Computer Science
Spring 2009
Instructor: John Neitzke Office 8:30 10:20 M W F Office: VH 2242 Hours: 12:30 1:20 M W F Phone: x4529 and by appointment E-Mail: [e-mail] Web: http://www2.truman.edu/~jneitzke Course Description: This course serves as an introduction to the discipline of computer science and in particular the field of structured computer programming. It is intended for students who are not computer science majors. Texts: Mark Guzdial, Introduction to Computing and Programming in Python: A Multimedia Approach. Prentice Hall 2005, ISBN 0-13-117655-2. Prerequisites: Basic competence at using a computer running the Windows operating system and using a web browser. Class web site: http://www2.truman.edu/~jneitzke/cs170s09 Course Content: This course serves as an introduction to the key ideas of computing and programming that the educated nonprofessional should understand. The course material is divided into two categories that we shall cover in parallel: An introduction to computer programming, using the Python programming language, and an introduction to the field of computing. We will use Python to explore image manipulation, sound synthesis and editing, text (e.g., HTML) creation and manipulation, and digital video effects. We will cover the following topics: Python Programming o Compilation and interpretation o Variables and data types o Selection and looping o Functions o Simple algorithms o Modifying and making pictures, sounds, and text o Data collections The Field of Computing o History of computers o Data representation o Hardware: Gates, circuits, electronic memory, the CPU, von Neumann architecture. o Software: Algorithms, top-down design, abstraction, programming language classes, aso sembly language, compilers and interpreters, ADTs Other topics, which may include: Information systems and databases Ethics and computing Artificial Intelligence
Attendance: You are expected to attend all class sessions. However, I expect you to take your own education seriously, so I do not keep formal attendance records. If you miss a class, you are responsible for catching up with the material that was covered and any announcements that were made. Any assignments due in class are due at the beginning of that class. Grading: There will be two examinations (100 points each) and a final (200 points). I will give a 10-point quiz each week that we do not have a test (~ 120 points). Each week there will be a lab assignment (~120 points in aggregate), and another programming assignment due in about a week (~200 points). Later in the semester
I may give more time on larger programs. All assignments will be graded on a 90-80-70-60% scale. Any deviations will be in the direction of leniency, at the sole discretion of the instructor. Programs will be graded using the following criteria: 1) correctness of results 2) program 3) quality adherence to specifications Assignments and programs are subject to a late penalty of 1 point per class day, not counting weekends or holidays. There will be no makeups on quizzes, but I will drop one. At the instructor's discretion, assignments and programs may be returned to you for revision without a grade. Your corrections are due the next class period. The course grade is determined by the sum of the points earned during the semester on a 90-80-70-60% scale. Additional Comments: If you have your own computer, Python is available for free. We will be using a version called Jython it's more suited for the media manipulations we will be doing. The text has a CD in the back, but if you get a used copy without the CD, you can download what you need. Check the class web site. I use Windows machines, but Jython should run on Mac and Linux systems. Do not submit assignments or programs by e-mail unless requested. They will not be accepted. Keep all graded assignments until a check is made at the end of the semester to insure that you have received credit for all your work. The final will be given during the scheduled time. I am teaching two sections of CS 170, so if you want to take the final with the other class, you may do so, as long as I know that you intend to do so, subject to the space limitations of the classroom. Grades will not be posted. I will reply to e-mail requests for grades. Academic integrity is the cornerstone of the academic community. I expect academic honor and integrity from my students. Violations of academic integrity are antithetical to the mission of the university and are deeply offensive to faculty and to other students. To put it bluntly, I will not tolerate chea...