SI Leader: Rajani Rajbhandari
Hours: M 2:30-3:30, Tu 4:15-5:15, W 4:00-5:00, Th 4:30-5:30,
F 1:00-2:00
Location: Curtis 101
An introduction to computer programming using the C++ programming language. Emphasis is on a complete problem solving approach from problem analysis through implementation as a computer program. Students learn basic programming constructs including sequential program flow, selection, and iteration. Native C++ data types (to represent integer, decimal, and character data) are presented as well as an introduction to strings. Interactive and file input/output processing is used. Modular program development techniques are stressed. Array processing is presented.
Prerequisites: none, but general computer literacy and an understanding of high-school algebra is assumed.
Hennefeld, Baker, and Burchard; Using C++, An Introduction to Programming, 2nd ed., Brooks/Cole, 2003. ISBN: 0-534-39146-X.
Grades are based on the following assessment items:
A final average is calculated according the the weights above and are rounded to the nearest full percent. The final grade is awarded according to the following scale:
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Quizzes will consist of 10 multiple-choice and short-answer questions that are based on the homework material. The first 10 minutes of class on days designated for a quiz will be allocated for taking the quiz.
The lowest quiz grade will be dropped. There will be no makeup arrangements for quizzes. If a student is absent on the day of a quiz, the grade will be recorded as a zero.
Three projects will be assigned throughout the semester. Projects will consist of one or more problems for which you will need to devise a solution and implement that solution as a C++ program. Each project requires you to apply theoretical material presented in class as well as skills acquired through the homework exercises. The projects will involve much of the same activities involved for the homework, but will be much more involved.
Computer programming requires careful planning and much attention to detail. It is very common for projects to take longer than you might originally anticipate. You should aim to complete each project one week prior to its due date. This gives you time to react to problems you might encounter as you finish your project.
Late projects will be accepted up to two weeks past the due date, and will be penalized 20% of the total possible score. Any project not turned in within two weeks of the due date receives a grade of zero.
Exams will include written and computer-based portions. Questions will be similar to exercises assigned for homework. The computer-based portion will involve small problems that you will need to complete using C++. The textbook and notes may be used during exams for reference.
Homework will be assigned on a weekly basis. This will typically involve short exercises intended as practice, development of basic skills, and quiz preparation. Homework will not be collected or graded, however completion of the homework is an essential part of acquiring the skills necessary to succeed in this course.
Regular attendance is an important factor contributing to the student's success in the class. Although much of the material covered in class comes from the textbook, some course content comes from the instructor's notes or other resources, and may be delivered only in lecture form. The student is responsible for all material covered in class, and should arrange to get notes from another student in the event of absence from class. The instructor's notes are not available for perusal by the students.
Your instructor keeps an attendance record for the class, however this record does not directly affect the student's grade. If a student has excessive absence and is not showing responsibility for the course material, a report of concern will be issued to the Advising Center.
If the student is absent on the day of a test, arrangements for a makeup must be made in advance of the test. Failure to do so will result in a grade of zero for the test.
The Cedar Crest College Student Guide includes the following under Honor Philosophy, Community Standards for Academic Conduct, Academic Integrity:
Academic integrity and ethics remain steadfast, withstanding technological change. Cedar Crest College academic standards therefore apply to all academic work, including, but not limited to, handwritten or computer-generated documents, video or audio recordings, and telecommunications.
All Cedar Crest students shall:
- Only submit work which is his/her own.
- Adhere to the rules of acknowledging outside sources, as defined by the instructor, never plagiarizing or misrepresenting intellectual property.
- Neither seek nor receive aid from another student, converse with one another when inappropriate, nor use materials not authorized by the instructor.
- Follow the instructions of the professor in any academic situation or environment, including taking of examinations, the following of laboratory procedures, the preparation of papers, and the proper and respectful use of sharing of College facilities and resources, including library and computing resources.
- Abide by the Cedar Crest Computer Use Policy.
- If a student perceives a violation of the Academic Standards, he/she will go to their instructor.
- If you are unable to resolve the problem with the instructor, you should go to the chair of the department. If you need further assistance after consultation with the instructor and the chair, you should see the Provost.
Unless specifically designated by the instructor, assignments for this course are individual assignments, not group projects. It is reasonable and appropriate for students to discuss an assignment outside of class, but the actual assignment work is to be one's own. It is not appropriate to collaborate on assignments, nor is it appropriate to copy another student's assignment, alter its appearance, and present it as one's own individual work. Such behavior is plajarism and a violation of the Honor Philosophy, and will result in a grade of zero for the assignment. A second offense will result in a grade of F for the course.
The Cedar Crest College Student Guide includes the following under Honor Philosophy, Community Standards for Academic Conduct, Classroom Protocol:
Appropriate classroom behavior is implicit in the Cedar Crest Honor Code. Such behavior is defined and guided by complete protection for the rights of all students and faculty to a courteous, respectful classroom environment. That environment is free from distractions such as late arrivals, early departures, inappropriate conversations, and any other behavior that might disrupt instruction and/or compromise students' access to their Cedar Crest College education.
When classes are held in a computer classroom, the computers are to be used only for organized class-related activities. Computers are to remain turned off or idle (with monitor turned off) during class time that does not require the use of the computer. Students should attend to e-mail, Instant Messaging, and related activities before and after class - not during class.
Anyone not registered for the course who wishes to sit in as a visitor must obtain permission from the instructor in advance. Class visitors are to adhere to the same classroom protocol as is expected from registered members of the class. For classes held in a computer classroom, visitors will not be permitted to use the computers in the classroom.
Students with documented disabilities who may need academic accommodations should discuss these needs with their professors during the first two weeks of class. Students with disabilities who wish to request accommodations should contact the Advising Center.
In order to remain in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the following policies will be in effect with regard to the release of information related to the student's academic record (i.e. grades):
Your instructor may, at his option, offer the class an extra credit assignment, based on the overall need of the class. How such an assignment affects the grade will be determined if and when the extra credit assignment is offered. Individual requests for extra credit will not be granted.
| Date | Topic | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| 1/21 1/26 |
Overview of Computers and Problem
Solving Introduction to C++ |
Chapter 1, 2 |
| 1/29 2/2 |
More on Elements of C++ | Chapter 3 |
| 2/5 2/9 |
Selection Using if and
if...else |
Chapter 4 |
| 2/12 2/16 |
Functions and Program Design | Chapter 5 |
| 2/19 2/23 |
The string Data Type and More Output
Formatting |
Chapter 6 |
| 2/26 3/1 |
The Three C++ Looping Constructs | Chapter 7 |
| 3/4 | Mid-term Exam | |
| 3/15 3/18 |
More General Task-Controlled Loops | Chapter 8 |
| 3/22 3/25 |
Functions with Reference Parameters | Chapter 9 |
| 3/29 4/1 |
More on Functions | Chapter 10 |
| 4/5 4/8 |
Text Files and Streams | Chapter 11 |
| 4/13* 4/15 |
The switch and enum
Statements |
Chapter 12 |
| 4/19 4/22 4/26 |
Arrays and the vector Class |
Chapter 13 |
| 4/29 5/3 |
Searching and Sorting | Chapter 14 |
| TBA | Final Exam |
* Tuesday April 13 follows a Monday schedule.
Quiz Dates: 2/2, 2/12, 2/26, 3/25, 4/8, and 4/22.
Here are the anticipated due dates for the course projects. All projects are due at 1:00 PM on the due date.