Course Information

Course Description:

An introduction to computer science software concepts using C++. Algorithms, problem solving methods, systems development and implementation methodologies are addressed. Standard programming constructs such as simple data types, assignment statements, use of subprograms, loops, conditional statements, arrays, records, classes, abstract data types, and object oriented programming concepts are emphasized. The student will write short segments of C++ code that demonstrates command and understanding of the above concepts.

Course Objectives:

An understanding and appreciation of basic terminology and programming concepts using C++.

A development of problem solving skills and techniques and their use in C++ programming.

Development of good programming practices.

A good working knowledge of the C++ language. This includes programming constructs such as expressions, selection statements, loops, functions, arrays, objects, and classes.

Ability to use the Visual C++ development environment in satisfying course requirements.

To obtain a foundation that will allow the student to pursue more advanced programming topics.

Prerequisites and Corequisites:

The student should have some background and understanding of computing and the use of information systems in society. A prior course in a programming language such as Visual Basic or Java is useful, but not required.

Course Topics:

Overview of Programming and Problem Solving (Chapter 1)

C++ Syntax and Semantics, and the Program Development Process (Chapter 2)

Numeric Types, Expressions, and Output (Chapter 3)

Program Input and the Software Design Process (Chapter 4)

Conditions, Logical Expressions, and Selection Control Structures (Chapter 5)

Looping (Chapter 6)

Functions (Chapter 7)

Scope, Lifetime, and More on Functions (Chapter 8)

Additional Control Structures (Chapter 9)

Simple Data Types: Build-In and User-Defined (Chapter 10)

Structured Types, Data Abstractions, and Classes (Chapter 11)

Arrays (Chapter 12)

Array-Based Lists (Chapter 13)

Object-Oriented Software Development (Chapter 14)

Specific Course Requirements

You should be comfortable with basic computing concepts. Although not required, some experience in another computer language such as Visual Basic or Java is very helpful. You should be competent in the use of Internet browsers, search engines, and Microsoft Office products.

Textbooks, Supplementary Materials, Hardware and Software Requirements

Required Textbooks:

Please visit the Virtual Bookstore to obtain current textbook information for this course:

 http://rodp.bkstr.com

Supplementary Materials:

None

Hardware Requirements:

Software Requirements:

Microsoft Visual C++ 6, Introductory Edition is supplied with the textbook. All programming assignments are to be completed using Visual C++.

You should also have available Real Player, Media Player, Acrobat Reader, and Microsoft Office (particularly PowerPoint and Word.) Your local college or university lab and/or public library will probably have this software available.

Instructor Information

Assessment and Grading

Testing Procedures:

The midterm and final exams will be taken online. You are expected to do your own work on these exams. The midterm and final exams must be taken within a set time frame. You should review the course calendar for specific due dates for these exams. Exams submitted after the due date will be penalized.

Grading Procedure:

You are expected to submit all assignments in a timely fashion. Your programs should reflect a professional approach and contain sufficient comment statements to describe your work. The components of your work will consist of the following.

Individual unit assignments	40%
Midterm exam.	20%
Final exam.	40%

Grading Scale:

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

Assignments and Participation

Assignments

Check the Assignments component in the course Home Page or the vertical navigation bar for specific instructions.

Class Participation:

Students are expected to communicate using email and the course bulletin board with other students in the course. Students are expected to communicate with the instructor as a learning resource and you are expected to check the course discussion board frequently for announcements and other pertinent material..

Punctuality:

Your expected to submit your work in a timely fashion. Refer to the course calendar for assignment milestones.

Course Ground Rules

In the majority of the cases you should do individual work. However, programming in the "real world" is often a team effort. Chapter assignments may require the use of supplemental reference materials as well as assistance from computing professionals and cooperative efforts from you classmates. However, this does not mean that you are to copy your classmates' code nor plagiarize the work of others.  The midterm and final exam solutions are to be entirely your work.

The course material contains some links to C++ sites. Your are encouraged to explore beyond these links and to communicate to your instructor and to the class-members your findings. Contributing in this manner will definitely have a positive contribution to your final scores.

Guidelines for Communications

Email:

Always include a subject line.

Remember without facial expressions some comments may be taken the wrong way. Be careful in wording your emails. Use of emoticons might be helpful in some cases.

Use standard fonts.

Do not send large attachments without permission.

Special formatting such as centering, audio messages, tables, html, etc. should be avoided unless necessary to complete an assignment or other communication.

Respect the privacy of other class members.

Discussion Groups:

Review the discussion threads thoroughly before entering the discussion. Be a lurker then a discussant.

Try to maintain threads by using the "Reply" button rather starting a new topic.

Do not make insulting or inflammatory statements to other members of the discussion group. Be respectful of other's ideas.

Be patient and read the comments of other group members thoroughly before entering your remarks.

Be cooperative with group leaders in completing assigned tasks.

Be positive and constructive in group discussions.

Respond in a thoughtful and timely manner.

Chat:

We do not expect to use Chat to any great extent in this course. If it is used then the following rules should be observed:

Introduce yourself to the other learners in the chat session.

Be polite. Choose your words carefully. Do not use derogatory statements.

Be concise in responding to others in the chat session.

Be prepared to open the chat session at the scheduled time.

Be constructive in your comments and suggestions.

Web Resources:

Examples:

Columbia Guide to Online Styleby Janice R. Walker and Todd Taylor

Citation Styles Online http://www.bedfordstmartins.com/online/cite6.html

Students With Disabilities

A statement of accommodation for students with special needs such as voice recognition software or special hardware.

Technical Support

For HELP with:

• TECHNICAL PROBLEMS please visit the AskRODP Customer Support web page at http://help.rodp.org or call the AskRODP Help Desk at 1-866-550-RODP (1-866-550-7637)

• REGISTRATION PROBLEMS contact your home school RODP Campus Contact

• TBR-RODP RELATED ISSUES contact RODP Central Office at 1-888-223-0023

Email Support

Support addresses for problems with course and student difficulties

Syllabus Changes

A statement that any necessary changes to the course syllabus will be sent to you by e-mail and posted on the course bulletin board.