CSC121     Introduction to Computing and the Web       Spring 2008

Links:   Schedule and Assignments         Downloading JES           How to install JES on your computer
              Kim's Office Hours                    Computer Science Department       

Meeting times and place:  Tues., Thurs. 9:30-10:45, Hawkins 053B

Instructor: Lonnie Fairchild

These office hours may not be convenient for everyone. Students are welcome (and encouraged!) to make appointments for other times.  

Course Content and Objectives
This course introduces some of the core concepts of computer science -- algorithms and symbolic representations -- in the context of media computation and web-based projects.  We will explore digital representations of pictures and sound and how these can be transformed and manipulated by computer programs.   We will cover the basics of the Python programming language and show how it can be used to describe algorithms that create and transform media.   We will look at how the internet and world wide web are used for media communication. We will discuss the social transformations resulting from the development and growth of modern computing and their social and ethical implications.  

In summary, through projects involving media computation and the web, this course aims at the following objectives::
   -- To understand the concept of algorithm as the foundation of modern computing;
   -- To gain experience expressing algorithms in programming languages;
   -- To develop the ability to read, understand, modify, and use (through combining provided fragments), programs that work on visual, sound, and text media;
   -- To understand better the role of the Internet and the Web in communication and the impact this is having on society. 

This is a hands-on course.  Students will be charged with combining and transforming programs presented in class to create their own media projects.  No programming experience is assumed.  A willingness to explore and be playful will prove useful.

Prerequisites: none

Required Text    
Mark Guzdial, Introduction to Computing and Programming in Python: A Multimedia Approach,  Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2005

Useful Reference
J. Elkner, A. B. Downey and C. Meyers, How to Think Like a Computer Scientist: Learning with Python, (free and on-line)

Grading  The final course grade will be computed as follows:
                   Quizzes (6, 25 minutes each)                        40 %
                   Homework assignments/class exercises        20 %
                   Media projects                                            35 %
                   Class and lab participation                             5 %

Quizzes  There will be six 25-minute quizzes on Feb. 14, Feb. 28, Mar. 13, Apr. 3, Apr. 17,
and May 1. Details on what will be covered will be given before each quiz.

Homework assignments and in-class exercises:  A selection of homework exercises will be assigned to hand in on a regular basis.  A portion of class time will sometimes be devoted to in-class exercises which will be collected.  These exercises will be graded for completeness and seriousness of effort.

Media projects  These will be programming projects and will receive a numeric grade.  Typically these will be started during class, but you will have to complete them on your own time.  

Class and lab participation (Attendance Policy)   Attendance in class is required.   Students should also show respect for fellow students and the instructor by arriving on time.  In addition to quizzes, there will be regular in-class activities that count in the "class and lab participation" grade.   Students who miss a class or lab are expected to make up the work by the next class. The instructor is glad to help anyone who needs to make up work due to unavoidable emergencies (illness, etc.).  As with quizzes, if an unavoidable emergency comes up and you must miss a class or lab, you must let me know (phone or email) as soon as possible and (unless the emergency is terribly) before the class or lab.  Final grades will be reduced for students with more than two unexcused absences.

Academic Honesty (Cheating) Policy (rules on acceptable and unacceptable collaboration):

It is expected that all students enrolled in this class support the letter and the spirit of the Academic Honesty Policy as stated in the college catalog.  All work submitted on tests and assignments is to be your own. Cooperative study and mutual aid are healthy learning methods and are strongly recommended. Copying someone's work,  allowing someone else to copy or use your work, or presenting shared or copied work as your own, are all regarded as plagiarism and are not permitted.   In this course, collaborating is encouraged on assignments and media projects, but all collaborators must be given credit in writing.  Remember: To avoid being accused of plagiarism through accidentally getting or giving too much help, always credit those you worked with when you submit assignments and programs.

If you have questions on how to interpret the above rules in a particular situation you should consult the instructor.  Any suspected cheating will be investigated.  Penalties can range from a lowered grade to failure in the course or dismissal from the college.

Other  Remember that the course is supposed to be both fun and challenging.  It will be important to keep up with the work and to ask lots of questions so that you spend your  time effectively (and not confused because of small details).

This page last modified on 03/05/2008 .