Metropolitan Community College
Class Syllabus – 2015-16/Spring
CLASS IDENTIFICATION
TITLE:
PREFIX/SECTION:
CREDIT HOURS:
CLASS BEGINS/ENDS:
MEETING DAY(S)/TIMES:
NO CLASS DAYS:
CENSUS DATE:
WITHDRAWAL DATE:
CLASS LOCATION:
LAB LOCATION:
Introduction to Computer Programming
INFO 1003/7A & DA
5.0
14 Mar 2016/25 May 2016
Monday & Wednesday/2:00 p.m.-4:15 p.m.
n/a
23 Mar 2016
11 May 2016
SOC MHY 210 & ATC 108CC
SOC CON 217 (2nd floor: Learning & Tutoring Center) & ATC 120
CONTACT INFORMATION
Instructor Name:
Alan R. Reinarz
METRO OFFICES
HOURS*
LOCATION
PHONE
FAX
M, T, W 11:00a-12:00p
M, W
1:00p-2:00p
T
3:30p-4:30p
SOC MHY 110
402-738-4089
(voice-mail)
402-738-4535
*Stated office hours may need to be changed due to special circumstances or events. If the student wishes to meet with the
instructor at a time other than scheduled office hours, the student should make an appointment with the instructor.
Home phone:
Email Address:
Faculty Web Site(s):
Academic Program Area:
(402) 556-3071
areinarz@mccneb.edu
http://faculty.mccneb.edu/AReinarz/ (also see
https://mccadc.mccinfo.net/infodept/areinarz/Course%20Resources/)
Dr. Tom C. Pensabene, Dean of Information Technology & eLearning (tpensabene@mccneb.edu)
COURSE INFORMATION
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course provides the beginning programmer with a firm foundation in concepts used in structured
and object-oriented computer programming. The course emphasizes the use of mathematical problem
solving and logic needed to understand a problem. Students use printer spacing charts, flowcharts,
pseudo code, and algorithms to document logic as a solution to a programming problem. Students use
current programming software to implement the logic as a computer program.
COURSE PREREQUISITES: High School Algebra recommended; Co-requisite: INFO 1001
COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the computer programming process.
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2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Demonstrate skill using various design tools to design and code a computer program
Describe the concepts of decision making utilized in programming.
Describe the concepts of looping structures utilized in programming.
Understand how modularization is used in designing a computer program.
Define and manipulate single-dimensional and multiple-dimensional arrays.
Describe how to develop and utilize a menu-driven program.
Define and describe recursion.
Define basic concepts used in object-oriented programming.
Describe the use of Classes and Object in an object-oriented program.
Describe the concepts of an Event-driven program and the object-oriented concept of
Inheritance.
REQUIRED & SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS:
Textbook:
Starting out with Python
Edition:
3rd
Author:
Tony Gaddis
Publisher:
Pearson (ISBN: 978-0-13-358273-4)
Materials:
removable, submittable media
See textbook and handouts for a discussion of software needed for this course. MCC is currently
using Python 3, Microsoft Visio 2013 and Visual Studio (VS) 2012. Students enrolled in this
course may obtain a licensed copy of VS and Microsoft Visio at no charge, for use on their own
computers. See the following link for details on using MSDNAA/DreamSpark:
https://mccadc.mccinfo.net/msdnaa/SitePages/Home.aspx. This software is yours to keep. Earlier
versions of VS are generally acceptable. Students may also find the “Raptor” and “Structured
Flowchart (SFC)” programs helpful. Links to these may be found on the instructor’s web site.
CLASS STRUCTURE:
In each lecture during this course, the instructor will cover material the student needs to learn and
accomplish. In addition, written handouts may be provided from time to time. These will be used
to supplement the text material and expand the course.
Instruction will consist mainly of lecture material presented by the instructor. In some classes,
group discussion and demonstration may be used. In all meetings, discussion opportunities will be
provided and the student is encouraged to ask questions and clarify information as the instructor is
lecturing and/or presenting material.
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT WORK
TYPES OF ASSESSMENTS/ASSIGNMENTS:
Assignments and tests will be used to assess your understanding of the material.
The majority of programming assignments require the student to take a basic set of program
requirements and, based on knowledge gained from reading and class participation, develop a
program using the typical program development process. Work will be evaluated on the adequacy
of problem analysis and planning; usage of comments to describe and clarify
input/processing/output requirements, data variables and constants, and program logic; correctness
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of coding generated; adequacy of program testing procedures; and adequacy of program
documentation. Of course, the program should also run correctly. Full points are awarded for the
inclusion of the specified item(s), with points being deducted for notable problems or omissions. A
typical point assignment for Gaddis chapters is 20 points. Full points are awarded for the inclusion
of the specified item(s), with points being deducted for notable problems. All programs must
adhere to programming style guidelines and will be graded based on the programming
requirements. Examples of each will be handed out in class or may be found in the textbook.
Assignments are announced verbally in class, with a recap on the instructor’s web site for this
course. Students are responsible for completing all assignments outside of the classroom.
While you may choose to do this work at a place other than the College, Metro provides
Academic Resource Centers and computer labs for students who do not have the required
resources or facilities available to them. Assignments should be submitted in printed form to
facilitate the mark-up and assessment process. Assignment computer files should also be submitted
to the instructor via removable media (or e-mail).
On very rare occasion, the instructor has been unable to find any record of work that a student
claims to have submitted. There may be several reasons this has occurred, including loss or theft of
the work before it gets to the instructor, or oversight on the part of the student or instructor. The
student should understand that grades are based upon achievement of learning objectives and
successful completion of assignments. If work is missing, for whatever reason, it becomes
impossible for the instructor to evaluate it and assign a grade. It is highly recommended that
students keep backup copies of all work submitted toward the unlikely event that it might need to
be resubmitted.
Grades will be reflected on the returned items. All grades are kept by the instructor in a grade book
and on computer, which students may see at any time by asking the instructor.
Both exams will be a combination of closed-book true/false, multiple choice, etc. and open-book
short essay and performance type problems: write flowcharts, solve problems, write code,
programs, algorithms, etc.
Test will be returned after grading for review in class and then recollected and retained for record
keeping purposes. All other work is graded and returned as soon as possible, usually by the
following week.
Other Assignments
The student will have specific assignments to read and master. These assignments are indicated in
the course schedule and/or outlined by the instructor. The student should have read the material
prior to class meeting date.
Make-Up Test Procedures:
Students MUST be present on the day of an announced test. If the instructor is informed BEFORE
THE TEST concerning a valid absence, other arrangements MAY be made. There will be no
retakes of tests. Test dates are not firm and are therefore subject to change.
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Late Assignments:
Assignments turned in late MAY lose 10% per week. Late assignments MAY not be accepted after
two weeks overdue. Please contact instructor regarding the circumstances of any late work.
GRADING POLICY:
Letter grades will be determined using a standard 10% spread, where the percent is determined by
adding up the total number of points achieved for assignments and tests and dividing by the total
number of points possible.
Grading Scale
Letter Grade
A
B
C
D
F
Percent
Range
90-100
80-89
70-79
60-69
Below 60
Course Requirements
Activity
Assignments
Exam
Frequency
Weight of
Grade
15
2
321 points
300 points
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING PROGRAM:
Metropolitan Community College is committed to continuous improvement of teaching and
learning. You may be asked to help us to accomplish this objective. For example, you may be
asked to respond to surveys or questionnaires. In other cases, tests or assignments you are required
to do for this course may be shared with faculty and used for assessment purposes.
USE OF STUDENT WORK:
By enrolling in classes offered by Metropolitan Community College, the student gives the College
license to mark on, modify, and retain the work as may be required by the process of instruction, as
described in the course syllabus. The institution shall not have the right to use the work in any
other manner without the written consent of the student(s).
Instructor Policy:
Nothing in this section shall be construed as superseding the College and program area policies
and procedures described and referenced in the Academic Honesty Statement. (CT)
INSTRUCTOR’S EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS
ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION POLICY:
The course will be covered partially by assigned portions of the text and may be presented in a
sequence different from the text and some material will be covered that is not in the text.
Therefore, attendance is necessary to understand the course material. Each student is expected to
recognize the importance of class attendance and promptness. Chronic tardiness or lack of
attendance will contribute to non-achievement of course objectives. CHRONIC TARDINESS
AND ABSENCES MAY RESULT IN A REDUCTION IN THE FINAL GRADE BY 10%. If a
student should miss a class for any reason, he/she is expected to cover the material he/she missed
on his/her own. All work must be made up to the satisfaction of the instructor.
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Students are not permitted to browse the Internet, read email, or otherwise use the computer or
mobile technology during lecture time, unless the instructor so directs. Using the computer or
mobile technology during lecture may be distracting to both the instructor and students who are
actively listening. Ignoring this policy will result in lowering your attendance and participation
grade. (CT)
Attendance/Participation Reporting: To confirm each student’s eligibility to remain registered for
the class, the instructor will officially report attendance/participation on or before the Census Date.
Students in this section of INFO 1003 must attend a class meeting by 23 Mar 2016.
COMMUNICATION EXPECTATIONS:
When you communicate with others in this course, you must follow the Student Conduct Code
(http://mccneb.smartcatalogiq.com/en/current/Course-Catalog/Student-Services/Student-Conduct),
which calls for responsible and cooperative behavior. Please think critically, ask questions, and
challenge ideas, but also show respect for the opinions of others, respond to them politely, and
maintain the confidentiality of thoughts expressed in the class. You may also wish to review
information at http://www.albion.com/netiquette/.
RECORDING IN THE CLASSROOM:
Students may not video or audio record class sessions without the instructor’s knowledge and
permission. If recording of class sessions is authorized as a reasonable accommodation under
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the instructor must have the appropriate documentation
from College Disability Support Services. Permitted recordings are to be used only for the
individual student’s educational review of the class session and may not be reproduced, posted,
sold or distributed to others. Students who violate this policy are subject to disciplinary procedures
as outlined in the Student Conduct Code.
ACADEMIC HONESTY STATEMENT:
Students are reminded that materials they use as sources for classwork may be subject to copyright
protection. Additional information about copyright is provided on the library website at
https://www.mccneb.edu/Current-Students/Student-Tools/Library.aspx or by your instructor.
In response to incidents of student dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, illegal peer-to-peer file
sharing, etc.), the College imposes specific actions that may include receiving a failing grade on a
test, failure in the course, suspension from the College, or dismissal from the College. Disciplinary
procedures are available in the Advising/Counseling Centers or at https://www.mccneb.edu/AboutMCC-Nebraska/About-MCC/Board-of-Governors/Procedures.aspx.
Instructor Policy:
Please note: ANY sharing or transfer of assigned work, solutions, test contents, or answers,
between a student and any other person or party; in part or in whole; whether by Internet
search or browsing, file exchange, E-mail, manual transcription, co-development of an
assignment, or any other means; unless authorized by the instructor in advance in
accordance with the guidelines in the following paragraphs; will be considered academic
misconduct and be sanctioned with disciplinary action in accordance with the preceding
paragraph. The instructor considers this statement to be a first warning. All detected or
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reported instances of academic misconduct will receive a 0 grade for the entire work
submitted and will be reported to the Academic Dean. Any student who participates in
more than one detected or reported incident of academic misconduct will receive a course
grade of F. Stronger penalties may apply based on the student’s history of academic
misconduct. Both originating and receiving parties will be liable to such sanction.
Sharing of class notes and handouts is authorized. Obtaining assistance from others (including
tutors or lab techs) for specific programming issues or debugging is authorized. However, no
further collaboration is authorized for any standard assignment. Students wishing to collaborate
further must contact the instructor for special assignments. Such special assignments must
clearly identify in advance which portions are the responsibilities of each individual student
wishing to collaborate. The learning objectives, level of difficulty, and typical work involved for
each portion must be comparable to that for a single student working alone on the corresponding
standard assignment. Each portion will be graded individually. Each portion must clearly
represent the competency of the individual responsible for it, and only that individual. The
instructor reserves the right to refuse any request for special assignments.
Indications of unauthorized collaboration and/or intent to defraud include, but are not restricted
to, assignments, submitted by students (not necessarily from the same course section)
individually under each of their respective names; but which are essentially identical; are
essentially identical except for mechanical changes such as differing variable or module names;
are essentially identical except for differing comments; or exhibit essentially identical
idiosyncratic features such as errors in syntax, style, logic, output formatting, or spelling. The
same criteria apply to submissions, by one or more students, where those submissions bear
indications of copying from any other unauthorized source.
Authorized sources, excepting for “closed book” assessments, are the student textbook for the
class, lecture notes, class handouts, and technology documentation and help materials.
Unauthorized sources are any materials that provide or purport to provide an answer or solution
to any assessment (assignment, exam, etc.), or portion thereof, or allow the student to present
material for assessment prepared with less intellectual or creative engagement than he or she
would have had to invest if said unauthorized material were unavailable. Permission to use
general resources, such as the Internet, does not constitute permission to use unauthorized
sources that may be found on or in such general resources.
In summary, grades and degrees are awarded to an individual for his or her demonstrated
competencies and abilities. Therefore, the work you submit must be your work and only your
work.
STUDENT WITHDRAWAL:
If you cannot participate in and complete this course, you should officially withdraw through My
Services on the MCC My Way portal at http://myway.mccneb.edu or by calling Central
Registration at 402-457-5231 or 1-800-228-9553. Failure to officially withdraw will result in a
failing (F) grade. The last date to withdraw is noted in the CLASS IDENTIFICATION section of
this syllabus.
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LEARNING SUPPORT
MCC's Learning and Tutoring Centers, Math Centers, and Writing Centers offer friendly,
supportive learning environments that can help students achieve educational success. Staff
members in these centers provide free drop-in assistance with basic computing, reading, math, and
writing skills. Self-paced, computer-assisted instructional support in reading, vocabulary, typing,
English as a Second Language, and online course orientation is also available.
Detailed information about the Learning and Tutoring, Math, and Writing Centers is in the My
Way portal, the College Catalog, and online at https://www.mccneb.edu/Current-Students/StudentTools.aspx.
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:
Metropolitan Community College will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with
documented qualifying disabilities. It is the student’s responsibility to request accommodations
from Disability Support Services (DSS) located in each Student Services Office. After students
have arranged for accommodations with DSS, the student and instructor should privately discuss
these accommodations. For further information, please contact DSS or visit
https://www.mccneb.edu/Current-Students/Student-Tools/Disability-Support-Services.aspx.
NONDISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT:
Metropolitan Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin,
religion, sex, marital status, age, disability or sexual orientation in admission or access to its
programs and activities or in its treatment or hiring of employees.
TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT

If you have difficulty connecting to the Internet, call your Internet provider.

If you need help connecting to the course from the Blackboard login page, refer to
“Getting Started Online” at https://www.mccneb.edu/Online.

If you are unable to solve the problem, email BlackboardSupport@mccneb.edu or call
402-457-2834.
For assistance with student email, passwords, and most other MCC technology, contact the Help
Desk at 402-457-2900 or mcchelpdesk@mccneb.edu.
TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES:
By using the information technology systems at MCC (including the computer systems and
phones), you acknowledge and consent to the conditions of use as set forth in the Metropolitan
Community College Procedures Memorandum on Acceptable Use of Information Technology and
Resources. It is your responsibility as a student to be familiar with these procedures. The full text
of the Procedures Memorandum may be found at the following website:
https://www.mccneb.edu/About-MCC-Nebraska/About-MCC/Board-ofGovernors/Procedures.aspx.
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Departmental Policy:
USE OF COLLEGE COMPUTERS
When you use computers in College academic resource centers, learning centers, libraries and
many classrooms, you will need to login using your student username and password. Your
username is the same as your MCC My Way username and your initial password is your student
ID with leading zeroes to make it seven digits. If you need assistance, please contact staff at any of
the LTCs and libraries. Your instructor may also be able to help.
It is recommended that students save their files to removable media often as they work. The
College reserves the right to take steps necessary to maintain the confidentiality of student identity
information through the use of automatic logouts and screensavers.
PROCEDURE FOR GRADE APPEALS AND OTHER COURSE CONCERNS:
A student who wishes to appeal a grade or other course matters should follow the appeal procedure
listed below. The appeal process for course grades or other course matters must be initiated no
later than the end of the quarter (last class day) following the quarter in which the course was
completed. The appeal process begins when a student writes a letter to the instructor (1st level of
appeal). If dissatisfied with the appeal at any level, the student may appeal in writing to the next
level:
•
1st Level: Instructor
•
2nd Level: Appropriate Academic Dean
•
3rd Level: Vice President for Learning and Academic Affairs
Course concerns are best resolved with the course instructor. If you feel you have an on-going
issue, you must first e-mail the instructor with your course concerns in a respectful,
straightforward manner. The purpose of this e-mail is to seek a resolution between you, the
student, and the instructor, pointing specifically to the syllabus and how you (as the student) can
show that the procedures set up in the syllabus were not upheld. At this point, most disputes can be
resolved. A further appeal makes it to the level of Dean only in rare cases when a written appeal to
the instructor is unsuccessful. If after the instructor/student dialog a disagreement remains, you
may contact the dean’s office via e-mail including:
(1)
Your initial correspondence to the instructor
(2)
The instructor’s reply to you
(3)
Your supporting data that the procedures established in this syllabus were not upheld.
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SCHEDULE OF ASSIGNMENTS
NOTICE: This syllabus sets forth a tentative schedule of class topics, learning activities, and
expected learning outcomes. However, the instructor reserves the right to modify this schedule to
enhance learning for students. Any modifications will not substantially change the intent or
objectives of this course and will conform to the policies and guidelines of Metropolitan
Community College.
Week
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
3/14/2016
3/16
3/21
3/23
3/28
3/30
4/4
4/6
4/11
4/13
4/18
4/20
4/25
4/27
5/2
5/4
5/9
5/11
5/16
5/18
5/23
5/25
CHAPTERS
Python
P.L.D.
TOPIC
Review Syllabus
Introduction to Computers and Programming
Input, Processing, and Output
Decision Structures and Boolean Logic
Repetition Structures (Input Validation)
Functions (Modules, Menu-Driven Programs)
Files
Mid-term Review
Mid-term Exam
Lists & Tuples (Arrays,
Sorting and Searching Arrays)
Strings, continued
Dictionaries & Sets
Classes & Object-Oriented Programming
Inheritance
Recursion
GUI (& Event-Driven) Programming
Miscellaneous &
Final Review
Final Exam
ASSIGNMENTS
See online resources
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
2
4
5, 7
3, 6, 11
10
7
8
9
12
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
13
15
IMPORTANT DATES https://myway.mccneb.edu/StudentServices/Pages/default.aspx
ACADEMIC CALENDAR: https://www.mccneb.edu/Academic-Programs/AcademicAffairs/Academic-Calendar.aspx
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2016 (15/SP) Spring Quarter Important Dates
Classes begin .................................................................................................................. Mar 10 Th
Census Date/Tenth Day* date ....................................................................................... Mar 23 W
Student Withdrawal Deadline to “drop” a class without receiving a grade ......... Varies by Class**
Student Withdrawal Deadline to “drop” a class with a refund varies...........See Refund Policy
Spring Break/College Closed .............................................................................Mar 26-27 Sa-Su
Winter quarter “I” incomplete grades are due ................................................................. May 11 W
Classes end ...................................................................................................................... May 25 W
Spring grades due and posted by 7:00 a.m. ..................................................................... May 31 Tu
Current Student (greater than 50 hours) Summer 2016 (16/SS) Registration begins…….Mar 18 F
Current Student (less than 50 hours) Summer 2016 (16/SS) Registration begins ............. Mar 22 T
General Registration Summer 2016 (16/SS) Registration begins.................................... Mar 24 Th
*Tenth Day is the date on which your enrollment level is checked.
**To view the last day to withdraw “drop” a class to prevent receiving a grade, go to the class
schedule found online at https://catalog.mccneb.edu/Pages/Home.aspx then, find the course section
and click on the Important Dates link on the same line as the course title. Dates for each course
section are automatically calculated based on the start and end dates and the number of sessions for
a course. A student must withdraw by this date to avoid an “F” grade.
Note: Schedule changes may have implications for students on Financial Aid. Check with the
Financial Aid Office prior to any schedule changes at 402-457-2330. The Census Date is the
date on which Financial Aid Student’s enrollment is checked to determine the type and amount
of authorized funds for the quarter. Payment is based on enrollment as of that date.
 REFUND POLICY for Credit Courses
A student is responsible for withdrawing “dropping” from a course(s) if unable to attend. Nonattendance or non-payment does not relieve a student from the obligation to pay.
An official schedule change that reduces or terminates a student’s academic credit load may entitle
the student to a refund. Go to “My Services” and click “Student Accounts”, then “Tuition Refund
Modeler” to see the refund percentage received through midnight of the same day you “drop”
withdraw from a class.
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