Computer Science I

Course Details

Course Number: 1044  Section Number: 201

Spring 2013

Location: Bolin Hall

Classroom Number: 320

Days & Times:

MWF ~~ 10:00 - 10:50 a.m. ~~ Bolin 320

Course Attachments

Textbooks
MSU Faculty Member
Dr. Ranette Hudson Halverson PhD   
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Course Objectives

Introduction to methods of problem solving and algorithm development.  A high-level language is taught with an emphasis on program design, coding, debugging, testing, and documentation.  Discussion of ethical, social, and legal issues related to computing is also included.


Course Expectations

3 Major Exams
Final Exam
5 - 8 Programming assignments
Various homework assignments
Weekly Quizzes

Students are required to attend a 1-hour lab each week.  Schedule will be provided.


Grading Standards

Major Exams (3)                45%
Final Exam                          20%
Programs (6-10)                25%
Daily (hw, quizzes, lab)     10%

100 - 90      A
89 - 80        B
79 - 70        C
69 - 60        D
Below 60    F

A grade of C or better is required to advance to the next course CMPS 1053.

Students are required to attend a 1-hour lab each week.  Schedule will be provided.


Final Exam5/8/2013  8:00 a.m.

Submission Format Policy

Some assignments will be turned in hard copy, others electronically.  See each assignment for details.



Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

PROGRAMMING ASSIGNMENTS: A number of programming assignments will be made to code and execute.  Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 is recommended. Software is available for download. All programs turned in late will be penalized 5 points per 24 hours late. Programs containing syntax errors are unacceptable and will be returned without grading.

MISSED PROGRAMS:If a student fails to turn in an executing program for any project, a zero will be assigned and it will be counted as TWO grades.  If a student fails to turn in a second project, he/she will receive an F in the course.

HOMEWORK & Quizzes:Periodically homework assignments will be taken up and graded.  It is the student’s responsibility to keep up with assignments and to ask questions over the assigned work, even if absent.  All homework assignments are due at the beginning of class. NO late homework assignments are accepted.  Quizzes over the homework will be given on a regular basis.  These may be announced or not. Make-up quizzes will not be given.


Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

ATTENDANCE:Attending class is one of the primary keys to doing well in this class.  Students with excessive absences will be reported to the dean of students and may receive a grade of F in the class. There is no distinction made between excused and unexcused.  Make-up exams will be given only if the student has a reasonable excuse and if the instructor is contacted within 24 hours of the exam and arrangements are made for the make-up prior to the next class meeting.  Students are expected to be in the classroom when class begins and to stay the entire period. 

LAB ATTENDANCE:  A one-hour weekly lab will be held in Bolin 103.  Each student is required to attend one of the scheduled sessions each week.  The lab will consist of hands-on exercises to reinforce the material being covered in the lecture portion of the class.  Attendance and completion of the assignment is required and will be part of the course grade.  Students need to attend ONLY ONE of the scheduled sessions each week, though you are allowed to attend more than once. Labs begin week 2 of classes.  A complete schedule will be provided.

Lab Schedule:  Monday 1-2; Tuesday 1-2; Thursday 2-3; Friday 12-1; All in Bolin 103


Other Policies

CHEATING:Each student is expected to design, code, enter, test, and validate his/her own work.  To submit another’s work (even partial) as your own is called plagiarism and is subject to severe action as stated in the MSU Student Handbook.   Two students working together to complete an assignment is also considered cheating.  Students are expected to see the instructor or the instructor’s designated assistant for help on assignments.

Cheating in any form will not be tolerated.  This includes, but is not limited to, cheating on exams, turning in another’s work as your own, and plagiarism on written work.  Punishment may include an F in the course or expulsion from the university.  (Refer to Student Handbook and Activities Calendar, Code of Student Conduct, Standards of Conduct, No. 11.)  A discussion of plagiarism will be given early in the semester.  The slides will be posted on the course website.

ASSISTANCE: Free Tutoring is available in Bolin 119 M-F, 8:00 to 5:00 and in Bolin 103 (see posted schedule).  Students are highly encouraged to attend.  The Tutors are advanced CS students.  They are there to ASSIST you; they will not do your work for you.  Dr. Halverson will hold regular office hours.  Students are encouraged to take advantage of these times, also.

OPEN LABS:Students may complete program assignments on their personal computers or in one of the campus labs.  Currently, C++ is available in all campus labs.  Students are encouraged to use Bolin 119 which is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M-F when possible because this is where the CS tutor will be.  The lab in Clark Student Center is open 24-7.  The lab in Moffett Library is open during Library hours.

ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY:  ALL electronic devices must be turned off when entering class and must be stored in a bag or pocket, etc. and may not be on the desk or out during class.  This includes cell phones, laptop computers, iPods, and any other device that might be a distraction to your, your classmates, or the instructor.  If you wish to use your laptop for taking notes during class, please discuss this with Dr. Halverson.  Failure to adhere to this policy may result in your being removed from the class.


Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.