CPSC 140 Introduction to Programming Principles: C++
Fall 2004
Instructor: Dr. Whitfield Voice Mail/ Phone: (724) 738-2935
Office Hours: MWF 9:00 – 10:40 E-Mail: deborah.whitfield@sru.edu
Office: Maltby 106A http://granite.sru.edu/~whit

Text: Absolute C++ by Walter Savitch

Course Objectives: From this course, you will learn the art of programming using C++. C++ is an object-oriented language based upon the modular programming language C. Modular programming is emphasized in this course, and object-oriented terminology and usage is introduced. Throughout this course structured programming, problem solving, debugging techniques, syntax and programming techniques will be stressed.

The departmental learning outcomes that a student will acquire from this course are Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, and Ethics.

    By the end of the semester, the student will be able to:
  1. list the scalar data types supported by the core language, identifying the domain of and the operations defined for each type
  2. identify the constructs of the chosen programming language that are used for sequential, conditional, and iterative and recursive programming as well as modular constructs and file input and output.
  3. write structured, modular, documented programs that run to normal termination and that meet specific specification requirements

Course Grade
The course grade will be based upon the grades from 3 exams, many programming assignments, a few pencil-paper assignments, and weekly quizzes. The following is a tentative point assignment for the course.
Exam 1: 100
Exam 2: 100
Exam 3: 100
Assignments 200
Quizzes 100

The final grade is calculated by adding the number of points that the student earned divided by the total number of possible points. The final grade will be based on the scale:
100 to 90% -- A
89 to 80% -- B
79 to 70% -- C
69 to 60% -- D
59% and below – F
The instructor may change this scale to benefit the students.

Academic Integrity: All work in this class will be the sole effort of the individual student. Cheating in any form will automatically result in a 0 and may result in failure of the course.

Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the due day. Printer problems, lost data, lost programs, etc., are not excuses for late work. Late work will be accepted up to 1 class day and will be assessed a 20% penalty.
In programming, there is a fine line between cheating and "helping out". In my course, you may discuss the programming assignment and methods of solving the problem with others. However, you may not write code together. You may seek assistance in finding errors in the program, but you must correct those errors on your own. You must document any source that you use for an assignment. If the source is not documented, then it is plaguarism! If you have a question about what is permissable, please do not hesitate to ask.

Attendance: You are expected to attend every minute of every class session. If you miss a class or portion of a class it is your responsibility to determine what was missed.
There are no makeups given for exams or quizzes unless a valid documented absence is provided. Please note that the health center will not provide excuses. If you are seen at the health center, they will tell you if your illness necessitates missing class. With your permission, the health center will report their recommendation to me when I call.

Quizzes: Quizzes are tentatively scheduled for the first 10 minutes of class on Fridays. 11 quizzes will be given, 10 of these will count towards your grade. You must inform me which quiz grade is to be dropped. If I am not informed, I will drop the last quiz of the semester.

Exam 3: The third exam is scheduled during finals week.
Wednesday, December 15th from 2:00-4:00 pm.

Office hours are on a first come first serve basis. If you have problems getting in to see me, you may make an appointment with me. I prefer not to make appointments during office hours with the exception of during registration.
If at anytime through the semester you need to make an appointment with me, please call me or send me e-mail (with your available times).