This study guide provides the objectives, requirements, and timetable for this course.

Contact Information.

Introduction

This course is designed to teach students the fundamentals of Java programming. You must already know a high level language like C++ and be comfortable writing programs. We will explore basic Java syntax and how it is similar to/differs from C++ programming. We will also explore graphics, user interface building, exception handling, event handling, as well as classical topics like classes, objects, and inheritance.

Required Textbooks.

Java in a Nutshell, 4th ed. David Flannagan, O'Reilly, 2002. This book provides the primary material for the course. It's a great reference book, espeically if you already know C++.

Java Examples in a Nutshell, 2nd ed. David Flannagan. O'Reilly, 2000. We will explore the examples from this book. Much of our class time will be spent examining code, especially code from this book.

Other Expenses/Actions

• You must activate your Nova account. This is free, but must be done in the first week of class. You can go to the ACCS office in Friends to do this.

• You may find it helpful to have a zip disk.

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Communication

• Class lectures will not exactly follow the texts. You are expected to attend all classes and attendence will be taken.

• You are accountable for all material covered, all announcements made, and all handouts given out during class.

• Ways to reach me:

  • . Come during office hours!!!

  • Send electronic mail to barr@ithaca.edu
    

  • . Leave a note (including your name, schedule, phone number and userid) either under my door or in the Math/Computer Science Department Office 2nd floor Williams.

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Grading

Grading will be based on the following events.

Assignments (all kinds)	45%.
Project	45%.
Class Attendence and Participation	10%.

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Assignments

1. Class attendance is mandatory. You are responsible for all material and announcements given in class. If you miss a class you are responsible for obtaining the missed material/announcements.
   

2. I will take 2 points off of your final point total for every class missed. The first two misses are free.
   

3. All assignments must be turned in within 2 days of the due date. Your assignment will be docked 25% if it is a day late and 50% if it is two days late. You may not turn in an assignment any later that 2 days late. Always turn in whatever work is done at the due time. You should have something FINISHED (i.e., functioning and commented), even if the entire assignment isn't completed. Individual exceptions should be discussed with me in advance.
   

4. I will take one-half letter grade off your final grade for every assignment that is not turned in within the required time period. You may miss one assignment without penalty. If you must miss an assignment or turn it in late, you must talk to me 24 hours before the assignment is due.
   

5. Assignments will be checked in class. You will be required to turn in hard copies of all html, javaScript, Perl, CSS, etc. Every copy must have your name and the assignment number at the top of the page in a comment.
   

6. No make-up work is available. If you miss assignments there is no way to make up the work.
   

7. All assignments are expected to be INDIVIDUAL work. All work handed in must be original. Duplicate or very similar assignments receive negative grades. Flagrant cheating (on a project, or assignment) will result in (at minimum) a FAILING GRADE for the course. General discussion is allowed, but not sharing of answers, algorithms, or work.
   

8. The term project is the exception to the above rule. This assignment will be completed in teams.
   

9. SAVE your intermediate work until an assignment has been graded, returned, and recorded. KEEP backup copies of the final versions of your assignments and projects. KEEP copies of returned work (I may make a mistake in recording the grade).
   

10. Graded assignments will be returned in class. Work unclaimed in class may be picked up later from outside my office. If you have a question on a grade, bring it to my attention within one week of the assignment's return.
    

11. Periodically, I will post grades as we have them recorded. It is your responsibility to check these listings to ensure their correctness, within one week of the posting.
    

12. Handwritten assignments should be neat and easy to read (Or else type them!). Include your name and section number on every page and in every stack. Your term project design statements must be typed.
    

13. It is more productive to use the computer for entering, editing, and running scripts, and then spend time AWAY from the machine debugging a script.
    

14. Don't get behind in this class! Start each assignment as soon as it is handed out, so that you have time to ask questions and can use your time wisely.
    

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Last updated on May 22, 2002 by John Barr