Course Syllabus
Introduction to Programming -- CO116
Summer 2012
3 credit hours

 

Professor
Katie Vander Meer
Office:  212 ATC
Phone:  234-3991
Fax:  234-3665
E-mail: kvandermeer@grcc.edu
Office Hours: Check my web site.

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Introduction to computer program writing for those who have never programmed, including definitions, problem solving, the programming process, and program design tools. After solid preparation, students begin to write actual programs in a structured pattern of modules. This course emphasizes the importance of design and coordinating procedures to accomplish programming objectives. Using Python, this course readies students for an easy transition to high level languages. All homework assignments, class presentations, student records, and other helpful links can be found at http://www.katievandermeer.com

STUDENT CONTRIBUTION AND MATERIALS
Class time will consist of lecture and lab.  You should plan to spend some time outside of class working on labs and quizzes which will be due weekly.  GRCC's computer lab is available for use.  Lab experience will be incorporated into class periods, as well.

A memory stick or your personal laptop works best to save your programs.  You may use your laptop or lab computer during class for course work only. 

REQUIRED BOOKS
Title:  Starting Out with Python, 2nd edition
Author:  Tony Gaddis
ISBN: 978-0-13-257637-6
Publisher:  Pearson
$106.25 at GRCC Bookstore OR...

You can buy the online version for a significant cost savings at a low price of $36.60 from
http://www.mypearsonstore.com/bookstore/product.asp?isbn=0132576376

Or go to google and put in pp.ua starting out with python 2nd edition, you might be able to find something.

REQUIRED SOFTWARE
Python and Raptor (both free).

Python - Version 3.2.1

Raptor - Version 4.0.4

ABSENCE AND STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY
You are expected to attend all class lectures.  Absences are discouraged because interaction with the class is an integral part of learning computer software applications.  Attendance will be taken daily.  Three un-excused absences may result in being dropped from the course.  If an emergency prevents you from attending class, it is your responsibility to obtain notes from a classmate and study them for understanding.  The responsibility for obtaining and completing all missed work rests solely upon the student.  Make good use of lab time.

STUDENT ETIQUETTE / ACADEMIC HONESTY
Whenever you are in the classroom, please set your phone to silent (vibrate etc.) operation..  If your circumstances warrant special consideration, please let me know.  Unless otherwise specified, do not use class time to surf the web, facebook, youtube, listen to music, reddit, or whatever it is you do on the web that's not class related.  

GRCC holds to high ideals of academic and personal honesty and expects every student to do likewise.  Dishonest acts like cheating, lying, and plagiarism will not be tolerated, (see Grand Rapids Community College catalogue).  There is a big difference between two students working together on a project, and a student simply copying work from another.  In this class no credit will be given for work that has been copied from another source, and students may be removed from class.  Don't Cheat -- that's not being smart.   

AUDIT
If you wish to audit the course (take it for no credit), you must notify me of your intent within the first two weeks of the class.  An audit means you do not get a grade of "V" or receive credit for the classes attended and are exempted from taking tests, examinations, or writing term papers.  You may still participate in all other activities.

WITHDRAWAL
The "withdrawal" process is used to correct enrollment problems or because of unexpected or unusual events of catastrophic impact. The student must initiate all drops.  A student may drop a class and receive a "W" until the date of 70% of class completion.  There is no penalty to a student's GPA when receiving a "W".  If student does not drop before the 70% date and stops attending classes, instructor may assign a WP (Withdraw-Passing), WF (Withdraw-Failing), or NS (No-Show--never came to class at all).  There is no penalty for a WP, WF, or NS -- however instructor has the right to assign a grade based on work completed if attendance stops during the final 30% of the class.

In other words -- if you want to drop, do so before the 70% date through the Registrar's Office.  I cannot give you a W.  However, if you don't, I can give you an A, B, C, D, E, WP, WF, or NS based upon graded and missed work.

I do not assign incomplete grades.  You must finish the course by the end, withdraw, or take a WF.

TUTORS AND LAB HOURS
The College maintains a staff of both professional and student tutors.  These people are available to help at no charge to you.  When utilizing tutors be prepared for appointment, bring books, disks and notes, and read assignment prior to meeting.  You should attend class regularly and pay attention as these tutors are there to assist you with difficulties, not to do your homework for you.  You may contact them in room 215 of the Applied Technology Center.  In general, the labs are open from 8:00 a.m. to 9:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.  On Saturday, they are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.  Summer hours may vary.

DISABLED STUDENTS
I would appreciate hearing from anyone in this class who has a handicap, which may require some special accommodation.  I am reasonably sure we can work out whatever arrangements are necessary, be it special seating, testing, or other accommodations.  See me after class or call me at my office.

CHILDREN IN THE CLASSROOM
The college prohibits children in the classroom, and unattended children on campus.

CAMPUS POLICE
The College maintains a Campus Police staff to help you with any problems.  They are located on the 4th floor of the Main Building near the elevators.  You can call them at 234-4010.  If you are in doubt whether to call, please call.  Campus Police can also help with medical problems, car problems, or escorts.

GRADING AND EVALUATION
Students will be graded on the basis of total points earned for the assigned projects.  A point deduction will take place for all late lab assignments.  Labs will not be accepted if more than 2 weeks past the due date.

Grading within the course will be computed using the following criteria
Based on 700 points

  • 120 points for quizzes
  • 280 points for labs
  • 200 points for tests

**May be subject to change

Course evaluation will be determined 
using the following scale:

Percent

Grade

Percent

Grade

93-100

A

73-76

C

90-92

A-

70-72

C-

87-89

B+

67-69

D+

86-83

B

63-66

D

80-82

B-

60-62

D-

77-79

C+

0-59

E


CLASS SCHEDULE

Class Schedule for Tuesday and Thursday 1 - 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 1
Introduction to class and software download
Lecture 1: Chapter 1

Thursday, May 3
Lab day and finish lecture 1 if need be

Tuesday, May 8
Lecture 2: Chapter 2
Lecture 1: Chapter 1 Lab and Quiz due at end of class

Thursday, May 10
Lab Day

Tuesday, May 15
Lecture 3: Chapter 3
Midterm Exam Announcement
Lecture 2: Chapter 2 Lab and Quiz due at end of class

Thursday, May 17
Lab Day

Tuesday, May 22
Midterm Exam Lab day
Lecture 3: Chapter 3 Lab and Quiz due at end of class

Thursday, May 24
Lecture 4: Chapter 4
Midterm Exam due at end of class

Tuesday, May 29
Off Campus Lab Day - I won't be in class
Lecture 4: Chapter 4 Lab and Quiz due at end of class

Thursday, May 31
Lecture 5: Chapter 5

Tuesday, June 5
Lab Day
Lecture 5: Chapter 5 Lab and Quiz due at end of class

Thursday, June 7
Lecture 6: Chapter 6
Final Exam Announcement

Tuesday, June 12
Lab Day
Lecture 6: Chapter 6 Lab and Quiz due at end of class

Thursday, June 14
Final Exam Day
Final Exam and all other class work due at end of class

Tentative Schedule - subject to change