Text:
Pascal: Understanding Programming and Problems Solving, Ed. 4, by Douglas W. Nance

Other materials:
Students must have at least five 3.5" HD diskettes formatted. Students should also have two large manilla envelops to turn in assignments. It is suggested that students have a three ring notebook with pockets for this class to save assignments, handouts, and returned tests.  Study materials on Delphi will be furnished by the instructor.

The Course
Catalog Description:
An introduction to the fundamental concepts of computer science. The social implications of computers and computer applications will be discussed. The concepts of structured programming, the representation of numbers in a computer, arrays, user interfaces, database files and abstract data types will be included. A strong emphasis will be given to the concepts of problem-solving. This course, along with CSC170, is the basis for the rest of the computer science curriculum. A programming language will be introduced.

As indicated by the catalog description this course is the basis for all other computer science courses at Illinois College.  In this course you, the student, will learn the basics of problem solving using a computer. The primary tool for this course will be the Delphi programming environment. Delphi is a visual programming system based on object Pascal. As a visual programming language you will be able to use Delphi to quickly develop meaningful programs. By being based on Pascal you will be able to learn the principles of object oriented structured programming.

Tests
There will be two major lecture examinations and three lab tests throughout the semester. The lecture examinations will be weighted at 100 points each. The lab test will be weighted at 50 points each.  In addition, a comprehensive final will be given. It will be weighted at 150 points. Except in very rare cases, there will be no make-up exams given. If you have a problem with attending the scheduled exams, you must let your instructor know as soon as possible, and before the exam is scheduled to take place.

Labs
There will be 120 to 150 points given for lab assignments. See "Lab Policies" for details.

Program Assignments
There will be a number of programming assignments that are to be completed outside of the lab times. These assignments will allow you to develop programs that demonstrate your full abilities. It also allows you to have the time to perfect your programs so that they are truely excellent programs. These will be robust, well documented, and user friendly. They will be weighted from 10 to 25 points each.

Programming assignments are extremely important. Students not completing the programming assignments are not qualified to continue with computer science. Therefore it is a requirement that all assignments be completed prior to the end of the semester. All programming assignments will be due at the beginning of a class period. Any late assignments will give a 30% penalty if one class period late and a 60% penalty if two class periods late. Any programming assignment more than two class periods late will be given a grade of zero (0%). Any programming not turned in at all will be given a grade of -100% (a negative grade).

Quizzes
There will be 0 to 10 in class quizzes given throughout the semester. These will be weighted from 10 to 20 points each. These may be either announced or unannounced. No makeup's will be given for quizzes.

Attendance
Students are expected to attend all regularly scheduled class sessions. Some of the material covered in the course is only available from the class lectures. If you miss a class, you are responsible for getting copies of notes, etc. from another student. The instructor will not provide this material for you. If you have a scheduled absence you must turn in all assignments on time, i.e. ahead of time if necessary. Students with excessive absences (total number of absences being more than one week of classes) may be dropped from the class with a grade of F.

It is also important for you to be in class on time. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of class.  Anyone late will be considered absent for that class.  In addition no student may start a quiz late. Thus student late when a quiz is given will receive a grade of zero for that quiz.

Grades
Each test, lab, etc. will have a weight attached to them.  Your weighted score will normally be calculated by taking your raw score, dividing by the maximum score then multiplying by the weight.  Your grade average is your total weighted scores divided by the total weights.  This will be the percentage on which grades will be based.

All grades will be based on a 90, 80, 70, 60 percentage of all points for grades of A, B, C, and D. Any "curves" that will be placed on the grades will be made on the individual tests and not at the end of the semester.