An Introduction to Java

Course Syllabus: CIS 3931

Fall 1998

 

Section 01: #11192

CIS-3931 -01

0800-0850 (MW) 101 LOV (Lecture)

1010-1100 (W) 103 LOV (Recitation)

Section 02: #11200

CIS-3931 -02

0800-0850 (MW) 101 LOV (Lecture)

1115-1205 (W) 103 LOV (Recitation)

Section 03: #11218

CIS-3931 -03

0800-0850 (MW) 101 LOV (Lecture)

1220-0110 (F) 103 LOV (Recitation)

Instructor: Mr. Jeff Bauer, 120 MCH, 644-4290 (office), jtbauer@cs.fsu.edu

Office Hours: 1 PM – 2 PM on Monday & Wednesdays, or by appointment.

Grader: Mr. Andrew Dennard, 101A MCH, 644-1685 (office), dennard@cs.fsu.edu

Textbooks:

Required: The Java tutorial: object-oriented programming for the Internet / Mary Campione, Kathy Walrath, 2nd Edition (ISBN 0-201-31007-4). Note that the on-line tutorial will be referenced as well (found at http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial.html). The tutorial is also available on the CD-ROM included in the book (look in the folder entitled "Java Tutorial"). Note that in theory you could get by with just the on-line text, but you may find an old-fashioned book format easier for referencing when it comes time to program.

Optional: Java Developers Almanac, Addison-Wesley Pub Co; (ISBN 0-201-37967-8). This book is the most up-to-date quick reference for all the Java class libraries up to JDK 1.2 (beta 3). More information can be found at http://java.sun.com/docs/books/almanac/index.html.

Class Home Page: http://www.cs.fsu.edu/~jtbauer/cis3931

Course Objectives and Prerequisites:

You are expected to have familiarity with an object-oriented programming language, such as C++. Emphasis will be on learning how Java implements basic and advanced programming language constructs. It is expected that you already know basic and advanced programming constructs by having learned another language.

The objectives of the course are as follows:

Assignments and Grading:

There will be several programming assignments, using the Java language and various Internet tools (Java compiler, browsers). You will probably learn the most through the process of doing the programming assignments.

All assignments must be sent by electronic mail to cis3931@cs.fsu.edu by 4 PM on the due date. For your insurance against e-mail problems, it is strongly recommended that you keep an email copy.

Programs will be graded according to the following guidelines:

Within these bands, matters such as style and documentation will be reflected. Programs that go beyond the assignment in some respect may occasionally be forgiven a few errors without lowering of grade, but students are cautioned against writing overly ambitious programs, since this grading scheme is harsh on non-working programs.

Programming assignments are to be done individually, unless the assignment specifies otherwise. It is a violation of the Academic Honor Code to take credit for code written by another person. It is also a violation to assist another person in violating the Code. (See the FSU Student Handbook for penalties for violations of the Honor Code.)

Turn in assignments on time. There will be a 20% per day (or part thereof) deduction for late submissions (all days, including weekends, "count" as days).

Short quizzes may be used to check up on reading and programming assignments. Missed quizzes may not be made up, but may be dropped from the final grade for verifiable excused absences.

There will be one midterm (E1) and one final exam (E2). Make-up exams will not be given without prior consent of the instructor.

The final grade will be computed as follows (using pseudo-Java code):

P = (P1 + ... + Pn) / n; // Program average

Q = (Q1 + Q2 + ... + Qk) / k; // Quiz average

E = max ((Q+E1+2*E2)/4, (E1+2*E2)/3, E2); // Exam average

if ((P < 70) or (E < 70)) {

G = min(P,E); // Final grade

}

else {

G =(E+P)/2; // Final grade

}

This policy rewards those who do well with both programming assignments and traditional classroom testing situations.

The final grade may be raised for exceptional class participation or marked improvement over the term, or in cases where the formula above appears skewed by a few exceptionally low grades or work missed for verifiable excusable reasons.

Attendance: Attendance at all class meetings is expected. Although it will not be recorded, attendance and participation will have a strong indirect effect on your grade for the course. Please extend courtesy in class by arriving on time, staying until dismissed and refraining from food & drink. You are responsible for all information explained in class, some of which may not be available in written form. I will not feel obligated to repeat announcements of future quizzes, exams, assignments, schedule changes, or hints on programming assignments. If you are forced to miss a class, it is also your responsibility to get good class notes from a friend and check with me for handouts. I will use email and the class home page extensively to give out assignments and general class information.

Communication: You are required to check your electronic mail frequently for information about this course, as well as the class home page. The class home page will contain a copy of the course grade book, referenced by the last four digits of your Social Security Number. Let me know if you would rather use some other pseudonym for the on-line grade book or if you would prefer that your grades not be posted at all on the web site. You are also encouraged to use email to ask questions and report problems.

Please advise me at your earliest convenience (minimum 1 week) if you have a disability that will require a reasonable accommodation for the successful completion of this course.

If you are experiencing difficulty or are concerned about your progress, please speak with me immediately.