J. Hotz

Department of Computer Science, Grossmont College

CSIS 296

Programming with C++

Semester: Fall 2008

Meetings: Other than a required orientation meeting (see the class schedule for the date, time and place), this course is offered online.

Special Notice: This course satisfies the requirements of COMPE 160 at SDSU and CSE 5B (?) at UCSD

Pre-Requisites: CSIS 119 (Program Design and Development).

Texts: Starting Out with C++, Early Objects, 6th Edition, by Tony Gaddis, Walters, et al. Buy online.

Supplies: This course will make use of BlackBoard, an Internet content delivery platform (provided by the college). Use the link at the right of this page for access. A User ID and Password will be provided in class. You must have convenient access to the Internet at 56 Kbps or greater, a stable e-mail address which you check daily, a modern Web browser, and a computer running the required software for this course: Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 Professional (see Software links). You may be able to use the free Express edition.

Course Description: COMPUTER SCIENCE INFORMATION SYSTEMS 296 - INTRODUCTION TO C++ PROGRAMMING
4 units, 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory
This is an introductory course in C++ programming. Topics covered include basic language syntax, functions, data types, pointers, strings, structures, software tools, and an introduction to classes. This course is intended for persons with a prior background in any programming language. This will be a self-study, hybrid online/lecture course where students can complete reading and lab assignments on their own schedule, attend lecture for reinforcement and questions, and send the assignments electronically to the instructor for review. Students should plan to spend four hours per week in a CSIS lab where tutorial help is available, in addition to lecture and regular homework assignments.

Expected Outcome: By the end of this course, you will be able to write and debug beginning to intermediate level C++ console (not GUI) programs and functions on an IBM PC. This course is designed as a lead-in to CSIS 297, Intermediate C++ Programming, and together they provide entry-level job skills in computer programming in C++.

Grading: Your grade for this class will be calculated as:
Programming Challenges - 15 sets of programming assignments (Programming Challenges from the text) at 15 points each.
In Class Exercises - 15 programming assignments done in the classroom at 15 points each.
Quizzes - 10 at 10 points each.
Final Exam - 200 points (100 points MC, and 100 points practical).
Please check your calendar before beginning this course, and be sure you can be present for the scheduled final exam. Early or late exams cannot be provided. 

Your total score will be calculated as a percentage, and a letter grade assigned as follows:
PC - 15 x 15 = 225
ICE - 15 x 15 = 225
QUIZ - 10 x 10 = 100
Final - 200
Sum - 225 + 225 + 100 + 200 = 750 points (PLUS extra credit earned)
90% to 100% = A, 80% to 89% = B, 70% to 79% = C, 60% to 69% = D, below 60% = F. I will gladly provide you with a spreadsheet template to help you track your grade throughout the semester.

Instructor Expectations: Students are expected to be self-motivated and independent. Regular participation is required for a passing grade. The assignments for this course can be time-consuming. Please keep this in mind when scheduling your time. Access to the software may be obtained in the CSIS or campus library labs.
Students with disabilities who may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to notify the instructor and contact Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSP&S) early in the semester so that reasonable accommodations may be implemented as soon as possible. Students may contact DSP&S in person in room 110 or by phone at (619) 644-7112 (voice) or (619) 644-7119 (TTY for deaf).
Any student missing the first meeting, the first test or assignment deadline, or any other two deadlines, may be dropped from the course. However, it is always your responsibility to drop any course no longer being attended; failure to drop such a course will result in a grade of "F" on your transcript.
The use of personal electronic devices is not permitted in the classroom with the exception of cell phones and pagers monitoring in silent mode.

Assignment Policy: The due dates for all homework, assignments, tests, quizzes and other course work (including extra-credit, if any) will be announced in class, posted on the course schedule, or posted in BlackBoard. All work must be turned in on time, and in the manner prescribed to receive credit. No credit can be given for late work, incomplete work, or work not turned in using the method required. Missed assignments cannot be "made up".

Academic Integrity: Cheating and plagiarism (using as one's own ideas, writings or materials of someone else without acknowledgment and permission) can result in a variety of sanctions including a failing grade for the assignment or exam, or even for the course. No software may be copied in the CSIS labs except in the cases outlined in the college catalog; sanctions include suspension from the course.