Prerequisites: None
Material
and skills covered:
This
course is designed for students unfamiliar with computers and computer
programming. The concepts, history, and
vocabulary of the field are explored through the textbook and popular
non-technical writers. You will learn
simple programming using: 1) RSC (the
Really Simple Compiler), 2) a simple Robot simulator, and 3) the high-level
language C++. Students will also gain some exposure to the
language of web pages -- HTML. You will
encounter the inexorable logic and discipline of computer-assisted problem
solving and gain presentation skills by speaking to the class about a subject
of your choosing in this field.
q
To understand
something of the concept and expression of computer science from an interesting
and challenging diversity of aspects.
These aspects include the representation of information, the
architecture of computers, computer languages, and the social, economic,
ethical, and political implications of computer technology.
q
To learn useful
and transferable skills in problem solving.
q
To achieve a
measure of the discipline and persistence needed to bring a computer program to
completion.
q
To gain
confidence in this kind of thinking and recognize its naturalness in every
thinker.
To
appreciate many of the ethical issues surrounding computers, purchasing
computer software, and the Internet.
Methods used:
q
The course will
consist of lectures, group discussions, programming projects, and individual
15-minute presentations. You will be
given reading assignments, research assignments, written assignments,
programming problems, and other projects.
Grade determined by:
Homework
Assignments 20%
Tests 20%
Final 20%
Quizzes 20%
Presentation 20%
Attendance policy:
Class discussions require you to be
punctual and prepared. You are expected
to be in class everyday. You will be allowed
3 unexcused absences after which each absence can affect your grade. If you are not present at the start of class,
you will be considered absent. If you
are not prepared for class, you may be asked to leave and will be marked absent
for the day. Unless there are unique
extenuating circumstances, you will be dropped from the class with a grade of
‘F’ after your sixth unexcused absence.