[Dedicated to the memory of Professor Phil Dorin, teacher, mentor and friend.]
Apprenticeship-styled workshop in Java or JavaScript programming, loosely structured around the notion of algorithm paradigms, treating one medium-sized application every two weeks in a laboratory setting. Typical projects include discrete simulation, randomized estimation, maze solving, dynamic programming, large-number arithmetic, and numerical methods.
Prerequisite: A grade of C [2.0] or better in CMSI 185 or consent of instructor.
Note that we'll be using the Java programming language, but the course will also provide some general information about, and some examples from, many other programming languages.
The prerequisite course is CMSI 185 — Introduction to Computer Programming, or some equivalent. Students who have not taken [specifically] CMSI 185 must have prior approval of the instructor. If you do have some Java programming experience, it may be helpful, but you might find that you need to be willing to un-learn some potentially bad habits.
This course will be online
, with a combination of synchronous and
asynchronous content. Lessons given during synchronous sessions will be recorded to support students in
different time zones. Some of the content will be distributed asynchronously via videos and readings
outside of classroom hours.
You will also need to have access to
LMU's BrightSpace Course Management site
for this course. On those pages you will find the link to the Zoom room for the online class, as well as
some video information of course content and how-to
demonstrations. Your access to that site should
be automatic; if you have problems accessing it contact me or the LMU IT department for assistance.
Note that the course description above is not very specific.... there is MUCH more detail below!
Programming, like anything else, takes practice. You should be willing to make mistakes, to learn how to fix them, and to learn not to be afraid of them. Humans [and now even computers!] learn by making mistakes, and this is the place to do so without fear.
The goal of this course is to learn to apply algorithmic thinking to problem solving with
computation, as well as to learn the basics of Java computer programming and software application
construction. Students will learn how to create working computer programs, how to think critically about
deconstructing problems, and how to appreciate the difference between well-crafted programs and what is
known [in the software industry] as schlock
. Students learn to view computer programming as an art
form as well as a lucrative profession. The topics covered include [but are not limited to]:
|
When you finish the course, you will be able to:
Some things we will study and do during this class:
In a nutshell, here's what you'll need to do to be successful in this course:
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In addition to the time spent in two class meetings per week, you will be responsible for about 3-5 hours per week of academic work outside of the classroom consisting of programming homework, watching some videos about programming and related computer science topics, reading/study of textbook material, and use of [and experimentation with] the Java programming language and topics discussed in class. Homework/labwork assignments are performed individually in this class.
Course content will be delivered using a combination of lecture, discussion, problem-based learning, group work, projects, presentations, critiques, community-based learning, portfolios, etc. All work will be submitted using an individual GitHub repository. Use of GitHub and all other tools required for the course will be explained during class sessions.
There are two textbooks for this course. Since they are considered recommended
and are not
treated as required
, they are probably not on the shelf in the LMU bookstore.
Since this is an introductory course, there will be much of the latest and
greatest Java
that will not be required for our purposes, so just about any version of the
books will do. Note that the use of the links to Amazon does not imply any endorsement, official or
otherwise, of that institution. Here are the books:
There is also a VERY large number of other resources which can be used to mine the gold
for all
sorts of related information about Java programming. There are ample Java resources on the Web;
Oracle's Java website is definitive, and
you'll want to refer to the Java
API's often. [You should bookmark these links in your browser so you can have them available while
programming.]
A list of topics covered, and the approximate order and time frame in which they will be discussed, is available on the class notes page for this site.
The specific reading assignments for this course are from the
Nutshell
book. The readings will also be covered in class, during the first 2 – 4 weeks of the course, but
it will be in your best interest to read not only what is covered from the book, but also whatever you can
find about the Java programming language, and about each of the computing paradigms that will be
introduced during the course.
Note that there will be videos accessible from the BrightSpace site for the course that cover some, but not all, of the textbook material. You should expect to view those videos in addition to doing the readings.
During the first month, the main objective is to become broadly familiar with the Java programming language and its development environment, and you should expect a new programming assignment nearly every class, typically consisting of several small programs and methods. In addition, one assignment will be given that is intended to familiarize you with the command line. To this end, you will be responsible for making sure the code you submit will compile and run from the command line, without use of Eclipse or any other Integrated Development Environment [IDE]. There will be time enough for that stuff later in your career.
After that, a new problem will be assigned [roughly] bi-weekly.
Remember that the assignments are to be completed individually! While some collaboration is allowed/encouraged, it should be kept to a bare minimum. You MAY NOT copy code from the internet or from fellow students! Doing so will be considered cheating/plagiarism [see the screed on this situation that appears below].
Unless otherwise stated, all written homework/labwork assignments are due at the beginning of the class on the date they are due. Deviation from this process requires prior consent of the instructor. Every effort is made to ensure assignments, required deliverables, and due dates are prominently posted on these pages; it is your responsibility to make sure you know what is due when
You may certainly turn assignments in late; I will happily accept them, but they will be reduced in grade by one letter for each day they are late.
Where assignments involve programming, the quality of your code, not just its correctness, will play a large part in determining your grade. Please see these resources and notes on clean code for information on expectations of code quality.
All assignments will be submitted through the GitHub
open-source configuration management tool. Use of this tool will be discussed and demonstrated
during class the first week.
Programming Project Homework/Labwork descriptions and their due dates are listed on the Assignments web page of this site.
There will be no tests, no midterm exam, and no planned final exam for this course. There may be one [or
more] quickie quiz[es]
during the semester.
You will need access to a computer of some variety. You'll need this computer so as to participate in the in-class exercises, live-code sessions, and to do the homework/labwork. Also, since all classes this semester will be online, you will need to be able to use thezoomconference application, which will require a camera, speakers/earbuds/headphones, and microphone. If you are unable to attend class at the regular online class hour, there will be videos posted in the course link on LMU's BrightSpace course management tool so that you can view them at another time. |
You should download and install the Java Software Development Kit [JDK] from the Oracle Java website. For purposes of this class, just about any version later than Java 1.8 will work fine. Downloads of the latest version [Java 14] are available for all platforms here.
You will also need to install and use some sort of text editor into which you can type your code in ASCII/Unicode text-only form. You cannot use a word processor such as Microsoft Word or Mac's TextEdit [unless you configure it properly] or other word-processing software which puts in special characters that the Java compiler won't recognize. Several possible free tools are available, such as the following:
Another helpful tool is a testing framework. While test code, or at least skeletons for
test code, will be provided to you for some projects, there is a very nice free test framework called
J-Unit
that can help you a lot. It is available for free download from
this site, which also has complete instructions for setup and use,
and some sample code to help you make sure it works.
Although attendance is not mandatory, it is in your own best interest to attend every class. Much of the material will be discussed in class, so counting on the book for all information which appears on tests will not provide you with complete information. In addition, there will be coding done during class time, and in-class exercises in small groups which you will miss out on if you are not there.
Obviously, if you skip too many classes, you will likely fail the class, since you will miss important parts of the material; this is a simple and self-fulfilling prophecy.
I want to emphasize that I care about your learning. As part of your learning process
in this class, I would like to invite you to evaluate yourself and participate
in your own assessment for the class. It is important to me to know how you are doing — for
example, are you understanding the concepts, are you able to put them into
real-life situations and examples, are you connecting and engaging with the
material, are the explanations clear to you. To that end you will be
periodically filling out a form called a mud card
[because there are some concepts in each
learning unit that might be muddy
]. We'll be working together to design them during a class
meeting early in the semester, and will then be using them several times during the remainder of the term
to help both you and me understand your progress and process.
Mud cards are available through the BrightSpace course page for this class. The version that is currently posted is simply a placeholder, but feel free to take a look at it to get some ideas of things that you might want to contribute when we make the official version.
The class participation rubric appears with the grading stuff in the tables below.
There will be some extra credit given in this course. Extra credit only applies to specific assignments for which there are logical additions to the work that will merit you extra points if you do them. In those cases, the extra credit points will be in addition to the normal credit for those assignments, such that it will NOT affect a potential score of 100% if you do NOT do the extra credit portion. In other words, for certain assignments, it will be possible to get more than 100% if the extra credit portion of the assignment is completed successfully.
If this policy changes during the semester, you will be notified and the details will be provided so that you understand things clearly.
Grades for the course are assigned according to the weighting factors shown in the tables below.
Final letter grades will be assigned based on the following scale:
Percent | Letter | Rating and Achievement |
---|---|---|
91 - 100% | A / A- | Professional work; outstanding |
81 - 90% | B+ / B / B- | Entry level work; above average, shows extra effort and interest |
71 - 80% | C+ / C / C- | Satisfactory work; expected with reasonable effort |
61 - 70% | D | Substandard work; minimal effort shown |
60 or less | F | Thank you for playing; see you next semester |
Individual homework/labwork assignments are assigned the following weights:
Evaluation Item | Weight |
---|---|
Homework/Labwork #00 | 5% |
Homework/Labwork #01 | 5% |
Homework/Labwork #02 | 5% |
Homework/Labwork #03 | 10% |
Homework/Labwork #04 | 10% |
Homework/Labwork #05 | 15% |
Homework/Labwork #06 | 15% |
Homework/Labwork #07 | 15% |
Homework/Labwork #08 | 10% |
Class Participation | 10% |
Total Contribution | 100% |
Class participation is assigned for each class meeting based on the following rubric:
Class Participation Criteria | Value |
---|---|
Absent *without* prior notification/agreement of professor | 0 |
Absent *with* prior consent/agreement of instructor | 2 |
Present in class, and hopefully: Demonstrates excellent preparation from readings and other material. Offers analysis, synthesis, and evaluation; puts together pieces of the discussion to develop new approaches that take the class further. | 5 |
Also of note…
An incomplete will be granted only when the requesting student has done at least 80% of the coursework, and has at least a B average in the course work completed. This policy is standard LMU policy.
Leave of Absence/Withdrawal Policy:
Please read the policy in the University Bulletin.
All work is evaluated for both technical merit and quality of written and/or oral presentation.
Find yourself a good spelling and grammar checker, or a trusted human editor, if you
are having any difficulty with the rules of standard English language usage. Another excellent resource
is the Academic Resource Center, located
on the south side of Daum Hall. The center takes appointments, and also allows drop-in consultation
sessions, and they have a number of good benefits. Call (310) 338-2847 to schedule an appointment.
(For those that don't know, Daum Hall is the building where the LMU Security and Parking office used to
be. ARC is on the second floor.)
Another thing to remember is, your coding style is an important part of your assignment evaluations. I WILL NOT HESITATE to take points off for code that has hard-coded number
FAIR WARNING!!! DANGER WILL ROBINSON!!! FAIR WARNING!!!
In this class, documentation which is not of professional quality is no longer acceptable. Spelling, grammar, and internal document consistency all count and will cost you big-time if not correct! I will not hesitate to knock off a full letter grade on an otherwise perfectly correct assignment if there are egregious and/or numerous spelling/grammar errors. In addition, coding style will play a large part in determining the grade on the code for the homework/labwork. It is the job of each student to properly structure, comment, and indent, to select the proper names for variables, and to nothard-codevalues. NO MAGIC NUMBERS!
FAIR WARNING!!! DANGER WILL ROBINSON!!! FAIR WARNING!!!
Student feedback on this course provides valuable information for continued improvement. All students are expected to fairly and thoughtfully complete a course evaluation for this course. All course evaluations for the Seaver College of Science and Engineering are administered online through the Blue™ evaluation system. You will receive an e-mail notification at your Lion e-mail address when the evaluation form is available. You may also access the evaluation form on Brightspace during the evaluation period. A few minutes of class time will be reserved for you to complete a course evaluation near the end of the semester. Please bring a laptop, smart phone, tablet or other mobile device to class on this date so that you can access the online evaluation platform.
Loyola Marymount University is a community dedicated to academic excellence, student-centered education, and the Jesuit and Marymount traditions. As such, the University expects all members of its community to act with honesty and integrity at all times, especially in their academic work. Academic honesty respects the intellectual and creative work of others, flows from dedication and pride in performing one's own best work, and is essential if true learning is to take place. As an LMU Lion, by the Lion's Code, you are pledged to join the discourse of the academy with honesty of voice and integrity of scholarship.
Academic dishonesty will be treated as an extremely serious matter, with severe consequences that can range from receiving no credit for an assignment or test to failing the class, to expulsion.
LMU Honor Code and Process.The LMU Academic Honor Code and Process can be found at: https://academics.lmu.edu/honesty/.
unauthorized useand, therefore, prohibited
Students with special needs who require reasonable modifications, special assistance, or accommodations in this course should promptly direct their request to the Disability Support Services [DSS] Office. Any student who currently has a documented disability [ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Learning, Physical, or Psychiatric] needing academic accommodations should contact the DSS Office [Daum Hall 2nd floor, 310-338-4216] as early in the semester as possible. All discussions will remain confidential. Please visit http://www.lmu.edu/dss for additional information.
Students should also keep in mind that resources are available through the Library [https://library.lmu.edu] and Information Technology Services [https://its.lmu.edu]. The DSS Office can help students connect with the appropriate person at the Library and ITS.
As an LMU Lion, by the Lion's code, you are pledged to join the discourse of the academy with honesty of voice and integrity of scholarship and to show respect for staff, professors, and other students.
The following LMU documents are available to reference:
For more information on this or any other conduct issues, please refer to the Student Codes and Policies section in the Community Standards. You can find any and all other related data from the Office of Student Conduct & Community Responsibility web page. Also check the main Student Affairs Department Website.
Electronic Devices: Pretty easy — please turn off your cell phone ringer during class time. That's it for me, but there's more from LMU at this link.
The official LMU language for this is:
Please turn off and put out of sight all electronic devices (other than those and when allowed) during class-time. The interruptions and/or distractions they cause disrupt class and interfere with the learning process. Even if you are not on video, it's distracting to you.
Netiquette. Your instructor and fellow students need a safe, online learning environment. All opinions and experiences shared, no matter how controversial they may be perceived to be, must be respected in the spirit of academic discourse. You are encouraged to critique an idea but should not attack an individual. Working as a community of learners, we can build a respectful space for discourse. Below are some tips for good netiquette:
Sendbutton.
Students and faculty have a reasonable expectation for privacy in all learning spaces. Bimodal and remote learning can involve the use of synchronous video conferencing, asynchronous recorded lectures, live and online discussions, as well as online forums. In these venues, privacy is a priority for a safe learning environment. See Lion's code.
As a member of our online community, please follow these privacy guidelines:
Because of the nature of the class delivery method
during remote zoom times
we will
also take a look at a document which will serve as a guide for everyone in the class. This
Netiquette Document
is published here
and on the Brightspace
site for this class. We will take a look at it during the first week of class and will work to make
it agreeable to everyone involved.
Public Safety can be reached 24/7/365 at 310.338.2893 [or x222 from a campus phone]. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911 first and then call Public Safety if possible. To report an incident, call Public Safety, submit an e-report on the Public Safety website or via the Rave Guardian mobile app, or visit Public Safety in Foley Annex. Review evacuation information and other safety tips posted in each learning space. Make sure you're registered to receive emergency alerts – confirm your contact information at lmu.edu/alert, and download Rave Guardian in the Apple or Google Play store. For more information and emergency preparedness tips, visit https://publicsafety.lmu.edu.
To report an emergency or suspicious activity, contact the LMU Department of Public Safety by phone (x222 or 310-338-2893) or at the nearest emergency call box. In the event of an evacuation, follow the evacuation signage throughout the building to the designated safe refuge area where you will receive further instruction from Public Safety or a Building Captain.For purposes of evacuating the building, our safe area
is the sunken gardens. There will be people
to guide you.
For more safety information and preparedness tips, visit http://www.lmu.edu/emergency.
Office hours are listed at the top of this syllabus page. I will make every effort to be available during
those hours, and if I cannot for some emergency reason, I'll make sure you all know about it in advance if
possible. Office hours, [due to the pandemic] will be held on zoom in my personal meeting room. A link to
the office hours z'room
is provided on the
BrightSpace course page.
I am also always available by e-mail at: my LMU mail address
There is a class slack channel on the LMUCS workspace, named cmsi-286_fall2020
. I post to that
channel with information at times, and it's a good place to ask/answer questions. It won't hurt you to
join! You can also DM me in that workspace.
Beginning in Fall 2020, the LMU CS department is trying a new communication method using Discord for our
virtual office hours, and as a virtual Keck Lab
environment. Feel free to join up there as well,
and post there with your colleagues in the department!
YOU MUST CHECK YOUR LION EMAIL ADDRESS OF RECORD. I will start
by sending all email blasts to everyone's lion.lmu.edu
email address. If you specifically provide
me with a preferred alternative email to use I will be happy to oblige. I create a distribution list
to which I send all general communications in addition to the slack channel, so it is important for me to
have an email address which you will check on a regular basis.
If necessary, this syllabus and its contents are subject to revision. Students are responsible for any changes or modifications announced or distributed in class, emailed to students' LMU Lion accounts or posted on LMU's course management system, Brightspace. If you are absent from an in-person or online class meeting, it is the your responsibility to check Brightspace [and/or the course website] and to check with the professor to see if you missed any important class announcements. Students should not rely on word-of-mouth from classmates.