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Computer Science Department cs.salemstate.edu |
SYLLABUS Fall 2008
CSC 200A Survey of Computer Science I 3 credits
DII
Prerequisite(s): Fulfillment
of the Basic Mathematics Competency Based Skills requirement and ability to use
standard computer software (e.g., operating system features, word processing,
email, and web browsers).
Instructor: Beifang Yi Office: MH 208D Phone: (978) 542-7426
email: byi@salemstate.edu Hours: TWRF
1:00-2:30 Web Site: http://cs.salemstate.edu/~b_yi/
Section |
Time |
Room |
Final Exam |
|
02 |
WF 11:00 – 12:15 |
MH 206 |
Dec 22nd , Monday 8:00am—10:00pm |
Catalog description:
This course provides an overview of
several fundamental areas within the field of Computer Science, introducing
basic vocabulary, central concepts, and typical applications. The areas
surveyed include computer hardware, computer arithmetic, operating systems, programming
constructs, programming languages, information storage and retrieval,
databases, artificial intelligence, and the social context of computing. Three
lecture hours per week. This course satisfies the Computer Literacy
Competency-Based Skills requirement. Not open to students who have
received credit for CSC 200.
Course Goals:
The aims of this course are to help the student gain an appreciation for the breadth and variety within the computer science field and to be better prepared for the technical treatments presented in later courses. Specifically, the goals are:
Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course the student will have demonstrated the ability to:
Course
Topics:
The
department-standard list of topics and a general course bibliography can be
found on the Computer Science Department website at http://cs.salemstate.edu/csc200A.htm.
The topics include:
Text(s): (required)
Computer Science: An Overview, 10th Edition, by J. Glenn Brookshear.
Addison-Wesley.,2008. (ISBN:
0-321-52403-9)
Additional references:
·
Concepts in Computing, by Kenneth Hoganson
(2008). Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
Cell phones:
Turn the
ringer off, or, better yet, turn the phone off.
Class Attendance:
Class attendance is highly
recommended. You are responsible for all
materials presented in class, quizzes, examinations, and other announcements. No
excuses of any nature will be construed as relieving you from the
responsibility for completion of the work assigned. Each student is responsible
for completing all course requirements and for keeping up with all that goes on
in the course (whether or not the student is present).
Final Grade:
Final grade will be determined using the
following grading weights:
homework assignments |
50% |
quizzes |
20% |
midterm examination |
12% |
final examination |
18% |
Attendance is not used to calculate the final grade: however, note that
you are at all times responsible for
assignments and materials presented in class.
Submission
Deadlines/Late Penalties:
There are
specific due dates/times for any assignments and these assignments should be
completed by the deadlines. A penalty of 10% will be applied for late
submission for each day (including weekends and holidays). All the assignments will be announced/given in
class and through course website.
Exams/Quizzes:
There will
be periodic quizzes (20% total), one midterm (12% total), and one final
(comprehensive) exam (18% total). The lowest quiz grade will be dropped. The
midterm will be held in week 8 depending on class progress. The final exam will
be on December 22nd, Monday, 8:00am—10:00am. Note: Make-ups are given for missed quizzes or examinations
only under exceptional and documented circumstances.
Missed Tests:
Missed
tests will be made up only under extreme conditions/emergency with the proper
documentation. Students who know in advance that they must be absent on an
exam day for an excusable reason should notify the instructor prior to the exam day. Students who
are absent on the day of the exam for an excusable reason should contact the
instructor immediately following
their absence. Makeup work will be permitted only when the instructor is presented with acceptable documentation
for acceptable absences. It is your responsibility to notify your instructor of
any excused absence as far in advance as possible.
Homework Assignments:
There will
be a series of assignments from the textbooks and other sources. Reading assignments will be a part of the
assignments. All assignments are due at
the beginning of class on the dates to be set by the instructor. A 10% penalty
will be imposed for each day (including weekends and holidays) an assignment
submission is late.
One assignment with the lowest grade will be dropped from the
final grading.
Please note that
these assignments constitute 50% of the final grade.
Study
Groups:
While I strongly encourage study groups, I require that
each student hand in his/her answers in her/his own words ‑ if two
answers come out exactly the same, neither will receive credit. Given the nature of most of the homework and
essay questions, it will be almost impossible for two people to come up with
the exact same answer UNLESS copying occurs.
"Salem State College is committed to providing
equal access to the educational experience for all students in compliance with
Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act and The Americans with Disabilities Act
and to providing all reasonable academic accommodations, aids and adjustments. Any
student who has a documented disability requiring an accommodation, aid or
adjustment should speak with the instructor immediately. Students with
Disabilities who have not previously done so should provide documentation to
and schedule an appointment with the Office for Students with Disabilities and
obtain appropriate services."
Please remember that if, for any reason, you decide to
drop this course, you MUST do so officially through the Registrar's
office. The last day to withdraw from a course this semester is November 21st.
Note: This syllabus represents the intended structure of
the course for the semester. If changes are necessary, students will be
notified in writing and via emails sent by the
instructor. |