CSC 215

Fall '98

Section 701

Specifics

Brief description

This is a beginning course in programming. It assumes no previous programming experience. However, it helps if you're familiar with the Windows '95 environment. The language used is C++ and the preferred package is Microsoft Visual C++, version 5.0. More about this package will be explained in class.

Textbook

The text will be Problem Solving with C++: The Object of Programmming, by Walter Savitch (Addison-Wesley, 1996).

Topics

The following list indicates the order in which to read various sections of the textbook. We will probably spend one class (i.e., three hours) on each. Note that this sequence is not carved in stone. Depending on how the quarter goes, we may add or omit material.

C++ assignments

Most of the assignments will involve writing C++ programs. You may use any C++ compiler available to you. If you use one in the lab, I recommend Visual C++, version 5.0. A brief tutorial on using Visual C++ to create and run programs is available.

Grading

The course grade will be based 50% on weekly homework problem sets, 20% on the midterm, and 30% on the final exam.

Office hours

My office hours will be:

My office hour rant

I hold office hours specifically so that students have a time when they know I'll be in and available to answer questions. Please make use of my office hours! One of the resources you get when registering for a course is a chance to talk to the instructor one on one. Students often discover that even a brief chat about an assignment they're having trouble with will often clear up that (and other) problems, allowing them to proceed and complete the assignment.

In fact, you should stop by whenever you have a question. My teaching is not limited to the classroom. I have found that some the best teaching (and learning) happens when a student comes in to see me.

My office hours are posted above but I want to make it clear that I'm also available outside of those hours. The best way to see me then is to send me e-mail (rogers@cs.depaul.edu) or call me (312-362-8334) and arrange for meeting time. You can also try dropping by. If I'm in and not busily preparing for a class, I will be more than happy to see you.

Policy on plagiarism and cheating

Students may discuss assignments with one another in general terms. For example, you may discuss general strategies for attacking a problem. But you may not work together when writing the solution. I know it may sometimes not be clear what is considered permissible cooperation and what is considered cheating. If you are not certain, please discuss it with me.

A corollary is that if you are having trouble getting started on an assignment, please come in and see me or send me e-mail (see my discussion about office hours above). Students often find that even a brief chat will clear up quite a few problems.

Students may not collaborate in any way on exams.

Activities that are clearly cheating include (but are not limited to): copying another person's work on a programming project, homework assignment, or exam; using any reference not authorized by the instructor on a programming project, homework assignment, or exam.

The penalty for cheating is an F in the course. Also, the appropriate dean will be informed in writing of cheating incidents and will be advised that students assigned an F for cheating should not be permitted to receive a W for the course.