Purpose
The purpose of this course is to provide you with an introduction to a few of the major areas of study within the field of computer science. The World Wide Web, selected software applications, HTML, and the JavaScript programming language are used as the primary instructional tools for this introduction.
Goals
- Provide students with the intellectual tools to solve problems using an algorithmic solution.
- Introduce students to problem-solving methods using existing software applications.
- Extend the student's problem-solving capability through the use of HTML and JavaScript programming tools to create interactive web pages.
- Survey selected areas of computer science from algorithms and hardware design to cryptography.
- Make students aware of important developments in the history of computing and the influence of packaged applications such as word processors and spreadsheets.
- Investigate the social impacts of the Internet.
- Develop an awareness of the risks and liabilities associated with computer-based systems.
- Explore areas related to computer crime such as data security, identity theft and invasion of privacy.
Facilities
All of the software for this course is available through the machines in Glatfelter 201, 203 and 204. Your instructor will explain how to use the software. The classrooms are available whenever the building is open. NOTE: Labs are used for instructional purposes some evenings. A schedule showing when the rooms are used for instruction is posted outside the doors. Please check the schedule before entering the room.
It is not required that you complete your assignments in these rooms. For many of the assignments, all that is required is a computer that can connect to the campus network and a Web browser (i.e., Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari). You are welcome to use other facilities when it is more convenient for you to do so.
Class Attendance
It is your responsibility to attend all classes. Since most of the classes will include demonstrations and hands-on laboratory work, it is vital that you be present. If you miss a class and your absence is excused, it is your responsibility, not the instructor's, to ensure that all work is made up in a timely fashion. Missing class is never a valid excuse for not completing assignments and laboratory work. Late assignments are not accepted. If there is a genuine emergency, it is your responsibility to contact your instructor during office hours or via e-mail and make appropriate arrangements to make up work. You are advised to read the Attendance Policy in the college Student Handbook. Attendance is taken at every class.
At the end of the semester, your final score will be reduced by 10 points (1 letter grade) for each time the number of unexcused absences exceeds a multiple of 3 classes (or 150 class minutes).
If you miss class due to illness, it is your responsibility 1) to e-mail your instructor and 2) to give permission to the Health Services office to verify treatment dates when the professor calls. If you do not give this permission, your absence will be listed as unexcused. Any other absence needs to be approved in advance by your instructor to be considered excused. You must e-mail your instructor stating the reason for absence (athletics, family problem, etc.) and the dates you expect to miss class. In case of emergency, e-mail your instructor as soon as possible and give the same information as outlined above.
Assignments
All announcements and assignments are posted on the Course Text home page - http://cs.gettysburg.edu/CompSci103/. It is your responsibility to check these pages often. Labs are in-class assignments; homework and project assignments must be submitted before 11:59 on the due date. Your instructor will explain how to submit assignments.
For all paper assignments, use the following formatting guidelines:
- margins should be 1 inch for all sides
- font size should be 10-point
- line spacing should be 1.5
As noted above, late assignments are not accepted.
At some point in the course you will be required to view two video presentations via the college's On-Line Reserve System. They will only be available during the last two weeks of class. Your instructor will provide more information at the appropriate time.
All quizzes and examinations are administered on-line via the college's ANGEL website - http://learning.gettysburg.edu/
Electronic Mail
Many homework and laboratory assignments in this class will involve electronic mail. In addition, you may receive general course announcements as well as grades and comments via this medium.
Use of Machines during Class
Frequently we will ask you to use your computer to follow along with a demonstration or to complete a laboratory exercise. It is expected that this will be the only use of the machines during class. For example, the computers may not be used for e-mail, "surfing", music CDs, or games during class time.
Honor Code
All Gettysburg College students are expected to abide by the Honor Code. All work in this course is to be done individually unless the instructor specifically states otherwise. This includes assigned projects as well as regular class work. The use of the computer may make it more tempting and easier to pass off another person's work as your own. This is UNACCEPTABLE. The CS department is always very aggressive about enforcement of the Honor Code. More information about the Honor Code is available at:
http://www.gettysburg.edu/about/offices/provost/advising/honor_code/ Special accommodation
Students needing special accommodation are encouraged to contact the Academic Advising Office as soon as possible so that all required documentation can be processed and all necessary arrangements can be made on time. For more information on the services available at Gettysburg College seehttp://www.gettysburg.edu/about/offices/provost/advising/disabilities/ Evaluation of Work
You will be evaluated based on your performance on a number of tasks: homework, quizzes, laboratory exercises, a project, attendance, three examinations and a comprehensive final examination. The exams will be given on-line at the dates and times listed below. The course website will be disabled during the times examinations are being given. Be sure to schedule your last-minute study times accordingly. The use of cell phones or video phones during the examination period will be considered a violation of the Honor Code.
Grades are determined using a weighted system as follows:
Homework Assignments 10% Laboratory Assignments 5% Quizzes 10% Project 15% 3 Examinations (15% each) 45% Final Examination 15% *Attendance will also influence your final grade. See "Class Attendance" above.
Note: The final examinations are scheduled for each individual section at the time specified by the registrar with modifications announced by the instructor. Final exam times will not be changed.
[93, 100] A [90, 93) A-
[87, 90) B+ [83, 87) B [80, 83) B-
[77, 80) C+ [73, 77) C [70, 73) C-
[67, 70) D+ [63, 67) D [60, 63) D-
[0, 60) F Course Outline
Chapter 1: Lessons 1-5 Introduction/Historical Issues 1 class Chapter 5: Lessons 1-4 Applications (Spreadsheets) 3 classes Chapter 2: Lessons 1-6 Webpage Design (HTML) 7 classes Chapter 3: Lessons 1-5 Programming (JavaScript) 10 classes Chapter 4: Lessons 1-6 Programming (Advanced JavaScript) 6 classes Chapter 6: Lessons 1-4 Selected Topics 4 classes Chapter 7: Lessons 1-4 Selected Topics (time permitting) 3 classes Chapter 8: Lessons 1-2 Cryptography 5 classes
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