CS 117: Introduction to Computer Science
Syllabus

An Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming with Java, 2nd edition, by C. Thomas Wu. Published by McGraw Hill, 2001.

We will be programming in Java, using the BlueJ programming environment, under the Linux operating system. This will be set up for use in the Computer Science labs. You may install Java, BlueJ, and other tools that we use on your own machine. PCs running Windows or Linux, and Macs should all work. I'm glad to informally provide whatever advice I can to help you get the software running on your own machine, but home use is technically "unsupported."

Each assignment will have a specific time for which it will be due. An assignment turned in late within one day of the due time will be docked 25%. A program turned in later than one day of the due date but within two days will be docked 50%. A programming assignment turned in any time after this until the last day of classes will be docked 75%. Non-programming assignments can not be turned in any later than two days following the due date since we may be discussing answers in class.

If you need help with a project, you can consult with other students, talk to the prefector, ask a lab assistant, or come to me. I am happy to answer your questions either in person or via email. If you come to my office for help with a program, please bring a printout of what you have so far.

There are two different kinds of working together: collaborating and plagiarism.

Collaborating is good.
You are encouraged to collaborate on ideas and program design.
Programming is often a social effort, and there is much you can learn by talking out the ideas in this class with each other.
You can by all means talk to each other, look at each others' programs to help fix problems, and share ideas.

Plagiarism is bad. DON'T DO IT!
Any programs that you turn in should be your work.
Even if you work with someone else and share ideas, you must still write your own program.
If a piece of your program utilizes someone else's idea, you must make sure to give that person credit in program comments.

The following are examples of plagiarism.

Taking someone else's program, changing the variables and comments around, putting your name at the top, and turning it in.
Finding a similar program on the internet, changing the variables and comments around, putting your name at the top, and turning it in.
Finding a similar program in a book, changing the variables and comments around, putting your name at the top, and turning it in.

I will be using software to discover plagiarism if it occurs, and will not hesitate to notify the College if it does.