CSC 221: Introduction to Programming
Fall 2012



2:30 - 4:20 MW
204 Hitchcock
Dr. David Reed
203D Hitchcock      x2583
DaveReed@creighton.edu


Free Online Texts:
Scratch for Budding Computer Scientists, David J. Malan.
Learning with Python: Interactive Edition, Brad Miller and David Ranum (based on material by Jeffrey Elkner, Allen B. Downey, and Chris Meyers).

Optional Text:
Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science (2nd ed.), John Zelle, Franklin, Beedle & Associates, 2010.


Course Description

This course provides an introduction to problem solving and programming using the Python scripting language. The process of programming is much more than just writing code. It involves analyzing the problem at hand, designing a solution, implementing and testing that solution, and critiquing results. The python language is designed to naturally introduce fundamental concepts of programming and make it possible to being solving nontrivial problems quickly. Special emphasis will be placed on developing applications for storing and manipulating multimedia elements, such as images, sounds, and video.

The specific goals of this course are:

This course is intended as a first programming course, so no prior experience with computers is assumed. The problem-solving and programming techniques introduced in this course are further expanded in the follow-up course, CSC 222: Object-Oriented Programming.


Required Work

Learning to program requires a consistent time commitment, as each new concept and programming technique builds on those that came before. To encourage students to keep up with the course content and to provide immediate feedback, each class period will begin with a "random" quiz. A quiz will be handed out to highlight important concepts, but only administered with a 50% likelihood. To allow for unavoidable absences, the two lowest quiz grades will be dropped.

To demonstrate problem solving and programming skills, students will complete 6-8 programs throughout the semester. Each assignment will involve the design and implementation of a Python program, and may also include a written component in which the behavior of the program is analyzed. Late assignments will be accepted up to 7 days after their due date, with a 25% penalty. Beyond 7 days, late submissions will not be accepted. In addition, there will be two 75-minute tests and a cumulative 100-minute final exam.

daily quizzes/exercises 10 %
6-8 programming assignments 40 %
two 75-minute tests 30 %
100-minute final exam 20 %

The final grade for the course will be based on the above weightings. At the minimum, traditional grading cutoffs for the final average will apply. That is, 90% is guaranteed an A, 87% is guaranteed a B+, etc. Depending on class performance, some shifting of grades (in an upward direction only) may occur as final letter grades are assigned.

Regular attendance is expected of all students. If you must miss class for a legitimate reason, it is your responsibility to make up missed work. Quizzes and Assignments will not be rescheduled except in extreme circumstances.

It is expected that all students check their Creighton email accounts regularly. Official announcements, such as assignment revisions or class cancellations, will be distributed through Creighton email.


Policy on Collaboration

Creighton's policy on cheating and plagiarism is spelled out in the Student Handbook, with college procedures available online at www.creighton.edu/fileadmin/user/CCAS/docs/2010_Site/Academic_Honesty_Policy_Revision_January_2012.pdf. Unless the assignment explicitly states otherwise, homework assignments are to be completed by each student independently, with no discussion about program design or assistance in debugging from other students. Violations of the collaboration policy will be dealt with severely, with possible outcomes including failure in the course.


Daily Schedule (check regularly for updates)

Date Topic Readings Assignments
Aug 22
Course overview. (ppt/pdf)    
27
29
Programming in Scratch: (ppt/pdf)
     motion, control, sensing,
reference
tutorial
HW1: due 9/12
 
Sep 3
5
NO CLASS -- LABOR DAY
     costumes, variables, interaction.
 
10
12
Computing history & background. (ppt/pdf)
Python statements & data: (ppt/pdf)
intro
data
 
HW2: due 9/21
17
19
    variables, assignments, input, loops.
Functions & modules: (ppt/pdf)
turtle
modules
 
 
24
26
    import, def, parameters, return.
Control statements: (ppt/pdf)
functions
selection
HW3: due 10/1
 
Oct 1
3
    counters & sums, simulations.
TEST 1
iteration
 
 
8
10
test & hw review
Text processing: (ppt/pdf)
 
strings
HW4: due 10/23
 
15
17
NO CLASS -- FALL BREAK
22
24
    objects, string functions & methods,
    string practice, input files,
 
files
 
HW5: due 11/2
29
31
    output files, file dialogs.
Lists: (ppt/pdf)
 
lists
 
 
Nov 5
7
    list access, methods, list iteration,
    building lists, list comprehensions,
 
HW6: due 11/15
 
12
14
    lists and big data.
review
 
 
 
 
19
21
TEST 2
NO CLASS -- THANKSGIVING BREAK
   
 
26
28
OOP & multimedia: (ppt/pdf)
    objects, classes, cards,
classes
fractions
HW7: due 12/7
 
Dec 3
5
    image manipulation, OO design.
course review (ppt/pdf)
 
 
 
Dec 12
FINAL EXAM     Wed, 1:00-2:40

Access sample code from class



In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an H1N1 flu outbreak or other emergency, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, you will be provided an addendum to this syllabus that will supersede this version.