CS130: Computing Concepts -- Spring 2011


Instructor: Jim Levenick -- 206 Ford (6486)

Office Hours (Spring 2011):

Materials

A USB memory stick (thumb drive); any size.

Overview:

Successful students in this course will:
  1. Become familiar with various fundamental computing concepts
  2. Strengthen problem solving and analytic skills
  3. Learn to program a tiny bit, first Ruby, then Java
  4. Create a personal web page written in HTML and put a Java Applet on it
Topics will include: Problem solving and programming in Ruby and Java, HTML, files and directories, operating systems basics, evolution of the web, emerging issues in computing (both technical and cultural), and areas of interest to class members.

Learning objectives

Approach:

Class will be mostly lecture based. We will start by programming a simple, simulated robot, Ruby; then move on to HTML and Java. Programming will mostly be done in pairs.

Evaluation:

Your grade will be determined by your performance on exams and quizzes, and labs. Labs will count 30%, exams and quizzes 70%. There will be numerous Friday quizzes (every week for a while) two mid-terms and a final. The final will count as much as the mid-terms and quizzes combined.

Plagiarism:

You are invited to use any and all code that you find in the class account, books, or the Internet, so long as you credit your source. All work you hand in as your own must be your own. The penalty of plagiarism is failure in the course.