Course Syllabus

Meeting Times and Locations

• Lecture: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. in NAH 165.

Instructor

• John Paxton: Office Hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11:00 a.m. - 11:50 a.m. in Barnard Hall 353 and by appointment.
• John is also available by appointment via WebEx.

Course Assistants

• Nick Harrington (MWF). Office hour: Friday at 11:00 a.m. in Barnard 259.
• Jack Hayward (MF). Office hour: Thursday at 6:00 p.m. in Barnard 259.
• Justin Smith (MW). Office hour: Friday at 1:10 p.m. in Barnard 259.
• Billy Wood(WF). Office hour: Monday at 4:10 p.m. in Barnard 259.

CSCI 495 Helpers

• Mark Braun Wednesdays and Fridays
• Sam Pierce: Mondays and Fridays
• Brendan Verbrugge: Mondays and Wednesdays

Textbook and Resources

• The online textbook is free.
• Python 3.11 and IDLE editor - download site.
• Computer Science Help Center.
• Private tutors can be arranged through SmartyCats for $2/hour.

Catalog Description

• Credits: 3
• Description: Examines the computing field and how it impacts the human condition. Introduces exciting ideas and influential people. Provides a gentle introduction to computational thinking using the Python programming language.

Course Outcomes

By the end of this course, students should be be able to:

• Appreciate the variety of ways in which computing can improve the human condition.
• Appreciate how computational skills can benefit one's career and life.
• Design and implement short programs in an interpreted language such as Python.
• Understand some of the significant ideas and people that underlie computing's past, present and future.

Graded Items

Note: Practicums must be taken at the regularly scheduled time.

• Practicum 1 - 15%
• Practicum 2 - 15%
• Practicum 3 - 25%
• Programming Assignments - 45% (all weighted equally)

Grading Policy

To pass the course, you must average at least 50% on the practicums. Assuming that this is the case, grades will be determined (after any curving takes place) based on your class average as follows:

• 93+: A
• 90+: A-
• 87+: B+
• 83+: B
• 80+: B-
• 77+: C+
• 73+: C
• 70+: C-
• 67+: D+
• 63: D
• 60: D-

If you fall within one percentage point of the next grade higher, your grade on the final exam will be examined. If it justifies you being in the next higher grade category, you will receive that higher grade.

Collaboration Policy

All students should read the MSU Student Conduct Code.

When it comes to Python assignments, you may

• Work with the other people on your team if teams are allowed. Each assignment will specify the maximum number of people per team.
• Share ideas with people in other teams.
• Help other teams troubleshoot problems.

You may NOT

• Share code you write with other teams.
• Submit code that someone on your team did not write.
• Modify another team's solution and claim it as your own.

Failure to abide by these rules will result in an "F" for the course and being reported to the Dean of Students.

Diversity Statement

Respect for Diversity: It is my intent that students from all diverse backgrounds and perspectives be well-served by this course, that students' learning needs be addressed both in and out of class, and that the diversity that students bring to this class be viewed as a resource, strength and benefit. It is my intent to present materials and activities that are respectful of diversity: gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, religion, culture, perspective, and other background characteristics. Your suggestions about how to improve the value of diversity in this course are encouraged and appreciated. Please let me know ways to improve the effectiveness of the course for you personally or for other students or student groups.

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Last modified: January 30, 2023.