Course Outcomes

- An understanding of basic object-oriented (OO) programming concepts and principles.

- An ability to apply basic object-oriented principles and techniques in the development of software systems using a specific programming language.

- An ability to effectively develop software systems using both basic command line tools and sophisticated integrated development environments, and to understand the advantages and limitations of each.

- An ability to successfully perform debugging operations and techniques.

- An ability to perform software development in both individual and team environments.

- An understanding of programming-related references/resources available to software developers and the ability to use them effectively – both in ongoing projects and in the acquisition of new technical skills.

- An understanding of how acquired programming skills facilitate success in upper level CS courses and in various professional environments.

Prerequisite

Grade of C or better in CS 112

Professor Contact Information

Dr. Mark Snyder

Office: Engineering Rm. 5346

Email: msnyde14@gmu.edu
Phone: 703-993-5624

Office Hours: Wed (1 - 4 PM) or by appt.

Textbook

Java Software Solutions: Foundations of Program Design (7^th ed.)

by John Lewis & William Loftus, © 2012 Pearson Education

Course Materials

BlackBoard (http://mymason.gmu.edu) – All assignments must be submitted (per published deadlines) via BlackBoard.  GTA/UTA contact information, class schedule, slides, materials, assignments, grades and other relevant documents are available on BB.

Email

Students must use GMU email system for all correspondence with professor; no sensitive information may be shared with non-GMU email addresses. Use the following email subject format: CS211_XXX_NAME, where: x is your lab section number, such as 203, & NAME is your name - failure to adhere to this policy may result in unanswered emails.

Grading

500 points total:

   25 pts: (  5%)  Class Participation

   50 pts: (10%)  Quizzes (6, drop 1)

 200 pts: (40%)  Programming Assignments (various weightings)

 100 pts: (20%)  Two Tests

 125 pts: (25%)  Final Exam.

Final course grades are calculated as follows:

     A+ (>= 490 pts.)    A (>= 460 pts.)    A- (>= 450 pts.)

     B+ (>= 440 pts.)    B (>= 410 pts.)   B- (>= 400 pts.)

     C+ (>= 390 pts.)    C (>= 360 pts.)   C- (>= 350 pts.)

     D   (>= 300 pts.)    F (< 300 pts.) 

Class Participation

Students are expected to attend and actively engage in both lecture and lab sessions. Three absences (total, lectures and labs combined) are excused without question. Additional excused absences require acceptable documentation. Students must arrive on time to log participation for a lecture or lab session.  Lab exercises must also be submitted, during lab time, in order to get credit for the day—even if you are not finished. Take notes – a significant portion of the information disseminated during classroom sessions are not delineated on slides.

Class Policies

Students are expected to arrive at lecture and lab sessions on time. On rare occasions when tardiness is unavoidable, enter the classroom quietly and sit near the entrance to avoid disruption of class proceedings. Show courtesy to your fellow students and to the lecturer conducting the session.

Lecture

Students are responsible for reading and understanding material referenced in the class schedule, which may or may not be explicitly covered during lecture. Readings must be completed prior to lecture. Questions and clarifications regarding material should be presented in class, during professor/GTA/UTA office hours or via Blackboard discussions. All electronic devices must be turned off or silenced during lecture.

Lab

Students must attend and participate in the lab section for which they are registered, without exceptions. Quizzes will be administered during lab sessions. Missed labs result in zero credit for quizzes administered during that session (no make-ups except for excused absences—traffic is an example of an unexcused absence!). The lowest of the quiz grades will be dropped from the overall class grade calculation.

Programming Assignments

Assignments are normally due one week from the date they are assigned (the specific due date will always be prominently listed on the specification). Late lab programming assignments will not be accepted—do not wait until the last moment to submit your work!  Turning in the wrong file also amounts to not turning in your work. Be careful. Programming assignment specifications (e.g., algorithms, techniques, syntax, etc.) may be discussed verbally with other students, but code may not be shared, including digitally and orally. All resources used in the assignment must be properly cited. Sharing of code or use of code from any unapproved resource constitutes an Honor Code Violation. When in doubt – ask.  We will follow up on any perceived instances of improper assistance.  Projects may not be discussed with anyone other than the instructor, GTAs, UTAs and Peer Advisers. Acceptable references are restricted to those expressly listed in the project specification. Use of any unapproved resource constitutes an Honor Code Violation. Review the CS Honor Code Policies and the CS Statement on Academic Integrity. Again, when in doubt – ask.

Contested Grades

Contesting of grades on any/all submissions must be requested within one week of the item's return. No grade changes will be considered subsequent to that deadline, or after the final exam meeting. The first contact should be made with your lab section's GTA for all quizzes and projects, and with the professor for tests. If you go to the wrong person first, you will just be asked to go to the correct contact first.

Exams

Exams are closed book/notes, and must be taken in pencil. Appropriate documentation (as determined by instructor) and requisite permissions are required for make-up exam requests. Picture IDs are required to take all exams. Note: A failing grade on the final exam (<60%) will result in a failing grade (F) for the entire course, regardless of performance on other assignments.

Honor Code

All students are expected to abide by the GMU Honor Code. We take this policy very seriously and it is rigorously enforced. All class-related assignments are considered individual efforts. Students should also review and understand the CS Honor Code Policies and the CS Statement on Academic Integrity. Any questions regarding these policies should be discussed with the professor.

Learning Disabilities

Students with a learning disability or other condition (documented with GMU Office of Disability Services) that may impact academic performance should speak with the professor ASAP to discuss accommodations.