CS 211: Object Oriented Programming

1. An understanding of basic object-oriented (OO) programming concepts and principles.
2. An ability to apply basic object-oriented principles and techniques in the development of software systems using a specific programming language.
3. 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.
4. An ability to successfully perform debugging operations and techniques.
5. An ability to perform software development in both individual and team environments.
6. 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.
7. An understanding of how acquired programming skills facilitate success in upper level CS courses and in various professional environments.

During lectures we will discuss programming concepts and instructors will provide demos of programming relevant to assignments. Programming labs will be for students to work on additional exercises and get immediate help from teaching assistants. In addition to attending the regular meeting times, you are strongly encouraged to visit the professor and teaching assistant(s) during office hours to further your understanding of the material: we are here to help you learn.

Readings from the textbook relevant to each lecture are listed in schedule. You will increase your understanding of lectures by reading associated textbook sections ahead of time, though this is not assumed. We may provide additional reading material to supplement the textbook which will be posted on the course web page.

Students will receive a number of programming assignments during the semester. Each assignment will involve writing programs and answering questions about them to illustrate an understanding of course material.

There will be two midterm exams during the course during the regularly scheduled lecture time. There will also be a comprehensive final exam at the end semster. Refer to the schedule for dates of the exams. During labs there will also be short quizzes on some meetings to ensure you stay up-to-date on course topics.

Final grades will be determined by scores obtained on homeworks, quizzes, projects, the two midterm exams, and final exams. If circumstances require it, the grading scale may be adjusted, generally in the students' favor.

• A "ceiling penalty" of 25% is assessed each 24-hour period entered after the deadline. For example, if you turn in work half a day late and score 87%, you will receive min(87,75) = 75% (and not 87-25=62%). Note that work turned in more than three 24-hours periods late will earn zero points, and will only be graded as time permits.
• You can submit work to BlackBoard as many times as desired. Only the last submission will be graded. If you anticipate being rushed around the submission deadline, be sure to submit a version before the deadline as a backup, in case you find yourself only moments late in meeting a deadline.
• On-time submissions will generally be graded and available a week from submission. Late submissions will be graded in as timely a fashion as schedules allow.

Any attempts at cheating will not be tolerated, and will be turned in to the Honor Court with significant penalties recommended. You should be familiar with both the honor code at GMU and the further details of the CS Honor Code Policies, but in short you should never see, share, or discuss any part of the solution to any graded work - from algorithm development to implementation to debugging to test cases. When in doubt, ask your instructor instead of another student.

• Your Mason ID is required for both the tests and final exam.
• Missing an exam or quiz results in a zero score and make-up exams will be considered only in situations involving death and near death. Proof of such circumstances will be required for a make-up to be considered.
• Failing the final exam will result in an F in the entire course.

Students are expected to maintain a high level of civility for all participants in and out of class meetings. This includes respecting the beliefs of participants of all genders, ethnicities, and social backgrounds. Harassment of any type will not be tolerated and failure to behave in a respectful manner will result in referrals to University Counseling or the Office of Student Judicial Affairs. Any instances of sexual harassment will be reported to the Office of Equal Opportunity according the following policy: http://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/1202gen.html

Observance of religious events will be accommodated for students of any faith.

All possible accommodations will be made for students with disabilities. Please contact Disability Services (\url{http://ods.gmu.edu/}) and the instructor for further information.