Welcome to the Spring 2004 session of Grinnell College's CSC 153,
Computer Science Fundamentals, which is described relatively
briefly in the official blurb. My own
take on this course is that we'll be starting to develop your knowledge
of Computer Science and Algorithmic Problem Solving. We will be
using Scheme and Java as our development languages. As in all Grinnell
classes, we'll also be working on general thinking and work skills.
In an attempt to provide up-to-date information, and to spare a few
trees, I am making this as much of a paperless
course as I can.
Hence, materials will be in a course web. You may want to read the
basic instructions for using
this course web.
Warning! Computers are sentient, stupid, and malicious.
When things go wrong, don't blame yourself. Ask me for help.
Meets: MWThF 10:00-10:50, Science 2417 (The MathLAN)
Instructor:
Samuel A. Rebelsky
(rebelsky@grinnell.edu),
Science 2427. Office hours: MWF 11:00-11:50, MWThF 2:15-3:05.
I also tend to follow an open door policy: Feel
free to stop by when my door is open or to make an appointment for
another time. Check my
schedule
for more details.
Grading (subject to change):
Class participation: 10%;
Homework and Lab write-ups: 30% (3-5 graded out of 6-10 total);
Exams: 60% (4 graded exams).
The final examination for this course is optional. It can be used
as a makeup for one examination. It is likely that I will give at least
one make-up homework assignment.
Late Assignments:
My experience shows that students who turn in work late learn
significantly less than students who turn material in on time.
(I'm not sure about cause and effect.) Hence, I strongly discourage
late assignments. Unless prior arrangements have been made, assignments
are due within five minutes of the start of class. After that they are
considered late. Late assignments are penalized one letter grade per
day late (or fraction thereof).
Because I am concerned about your health and well being, I will waive
the late penalty if (1) you start the assignment at least three days
in advance of the due date; (2) you get to sleep by midnight the night
before the assignment is due; (3) you expend a reasonable amount of
effort to complete the assignment by midnight; (4) you turn in a form
attesting to facts (1), (2), and 3 when the assignment is due; and (5)
you talk to me ASAP about any problems you've had on the assignment.
Labs:
The first half of Computer science 153 is taught in a collaborative
workshop style. Each day, you'll work on laboratory problems
with other students in the class. We may start each day with a short
lecture/discussion and end with a reflective discussion. The second
half is still somewhat up in the air.
Extra Credit:
Throughout the term, I may suggest forms of extra credit.
Tutoring:
The Math Lab makes tutors for 153 available at regularly scheduled times.
As soon as tutors have been scheduled, I'll let you know what those times
are (and post them on this page).
Rebelsky, Samuel (2004).
The CS153 2004S Course Web. The hypertext that
you are currently reading. Many of these materials (particularly those
under Readings and Labs
are required. You should make it a point to load the page of the day
at the beginning of each class to check announcements and such.
Kelsey, Richard,
Clinger, William, and Rees, Jonathan, eds. (1998).
Revised5
Report on the Algorithmic Language Scheme. February 20, 1998.
The concise and complete definition of the Scheme programming language.
You won't need to understand all of it, but you'll find it helpful
to keep it by your side.
Rice University Programming
Languages Team (1999). PLT
DrScheme: Programming Environment Manual. The guide to the
Scheme development environment we'll be using.
Springer, George and Friedman, Daniel P. (1989).
Scheme and the Art of Programming. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.
The textbook that we formerly used to use in the class.
Eckel, Bruce (2003). Thinking in Java, 3rd Edition. An excellent
supplementary Java text for those of you for whom the class notes and
the Bailey book are not enough. If you can do without a printed copy,
it's also available for free online at
http://www.bruceeckel.com/.
Tuesday, 13 January 2004 [Samuel A. Rebelsky]
- Created, based primarily on the outline from last year.
;
Check with Bobby