Building 22, Room 118
11:10 am to 12:25 pm TTh
Prerequisites
A math proficiency level equivalent to intermediate Algebra (Math 120) is assumed.
Materials
- Starting Out with Java 5 - Early Objects (3rd Edition) by Gaddis (0-321-49768-6)
Grading
Your grade will be based on:
- Homework and Exercises (50%)
- Exams and Quizzes (50%)
Course Description
CIS 118 is an introduction to computer science and software engineering for student who have not programmed in another language. The course takes a systematic approach to the design, construction and management of computer programs, emphasizing object-oriented design and programming documentation, testing and debugging techniques. The course focuses on designing and implementing robust, well styled, and maintainable computer programs and introduces basic data structures using Java.
Homework
Programming exercises will be done in class and will also be assigned as homework. Student programs will often be reviewed in class. Programs are evaluated according to the following considerations:
- Does the program work (i.e., does it react in a correct or reasonable way to all input, whether that input is reasonable or not)?
- How well does the program handle boundary conditions?
- Was the program written with the tools and within the constraints outlined in the assignment?
- Does it make use of the methods and design guidelines discussed in class?
- Was reasonable judgement used in tackling any "gray areas?"
- Is the source code clear, readable and well-commented?
- Could someone understand the program without having read the assignment?
- Is the code efficient and to the point?
- Is it portable?
- Is it original?
Exams
Frequent quizzes, a midterm exam and a final exam will be given.
Expectations
I can help you succeed in this class, but I can't succeed for you. In this class you're expected to be responsible for your own academic success.
- That means you are expected to attend class and to arrive on time (2 lates equals 1 absence, 5 absences leads to a drop).
- If you're going to miss class, you should notify me ahead of time, either by phone or email.
- You are expected to contribute to class discussions and to ask questions when something is not clear.
- You are expected to do your homework assignments before the class when they are due and to seek help from me or your classmates or Nancy Ward if you are having difficulty completing them.
- You should check WebAccess (http://smccd.mrooms.net/) for assignments, class demonstration programs and exam solutions if you miss class.
- You are expected to see me during office hours for additional help or to take make-up exams.
Software and Tutorials
If you have a Mac, you probably already have Java installed. For Windows and Linux, Sun's Java 2 Platform Standard SDK 1.6.3 is available for free download at: http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/index.jsp
Click on "Download" JDK 6 Update 3 for Windows or Linux.
Sun also has a useful free Java Tutorial available at: http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/index.html
BlueJ provides a terrific integrated development environment (IDE, version 2.2.1) for Java atMy class schedule, below, shows when and where I'm on campus. The best way to contact me if I'm not on campus is via email. I check my email several times a day. I have my email automatically sorted by the first 4 characters in the subject field. For this class, the subject line of the email should begin with C118.
Tentative Topic Schedule
| Tuesday | Thursday |
|---|---|
| 1/22 - Chapter 1 - Introduction to Computers and Java | 1/24 - Chapter 2 - Java Fundamentals |
| 1/29 - Chapter 2 - Java Fundamentals |
1/31 - Chapter 2 - Java Fundamentals |
| 2/5 - Chapter 3 - A First Look at Classes and Objects | 2/7 - Chapter 3 - A First Look at Classes and Objects |
| 2/12 - Chapter 3 - A First Look at Classes and Objects | 2/14 - Chapter 4 - Decision Structures |
| 2/19 - Chapter 4 - Decision Structures | 2/21 - Chapter 4 - Decision Structures |
| 2/26 - Chapter 4 - Decision Structures | 2/28 - Chapter 5 - Loops and Files |
| 3/4 - Chapter 5 - Loops and Files | 3/6 - Chapter 5 - Loops and Files |
| 3/11 - Chapter 5 - Loops and Files | 3/13 - Chapter 1-5 Exam |
| 3/18 - Spring Break | 3/20 - Spring Break |
| 3/25 - Chapter 6 - A Second Look at Classes and Objects | 3/27 - Chapter 6 - A Second Look at Classes and Objects |
| 4/1 - Chapter 6 - A Second Look at Classes and Objects | 4/3 - Chapter 7 - Arrays and the ArrayList Class |
| 4/8 - Chapter 7 - Arrays and the ArrayList Class | 4/10 - Chapter 7 - Arrays and the ArrayList Class |
| 4/15 - Chapter 8 - Text Processing and Wrapper Classes | 4/17 - Chapter 9 - Inheritance Chapter 10 - Exceptions |
| 4/22 - Chapter 11 - GUI Applications - Part 1 | 4/24 - Chapter 11 - GUI Applications - Part 1 |
| 4/29 - Chapter 11 - GUI Applications - Part 1 | 5/1 - Chapter 12 - GUI Applications - Part 2 |
| 5/6 - Chapter 12 - GUI Applications - Part 2 | 5/8 - Chapter 12 - GUI Applications - Part 2 |
| 5/13 - Chapter 13 - Applets and More | 5/15 - Chapter 13 - Applets and More |
| 5/20 - Chapter 13 - Applets and More |
5/22 - Chapter 13 - Applets and More |
| 5/27 - Final Week | 5/29 - 11:10-1:40 Final Exam |