CSC 241: Introduction to Computer Science I
Section 501, Winter 2022

Overview

This course is the first of a two-course sequence introducing Computer Science. The focus of the course sequence is on problem solving, algorithm development, and structured and object oriented programming using Python and the Python API (Application Programming Interface), all in the context of building computer applications.  In this first course, we will focus on structured programming and learn how and when to use loops, conditionals, and functional and modular abstractions.

Preconditions

You must have taken MAT130 or an equivalent high-school/college course covering algebra topics and precalculus. An alternate precondition is a Mathematics Diagnostic Test placement into MAT 140.

Postconditions

After the successful completion of this course:

Course Calendar

[subject to change]
Week 1
 1/4-6
 Fundamental Python data types (Chapter 2)
Week 2
 1/11-18
 Basic execution control structures, functions (Chapter 3)
Week 3
 1/18-20
 Input/output, files, and exceptions (Chapter 4)
Week 4
 1/25-27
 Execution control structures I (Chapter 5)
Week 5
 2/1-3
 Execution control structures II (Chapter 5)
Week 6
 2/8-10
 On-campus midterm exam on Thursday 2/10
Week 7
 2/15-17
 Algorithm development
Week 8
 2/22-24
 More collection data types (Chapter 6)
Week 9
3/1-3
 Namespaces (Chapter 7)
Week 10
 3/8-10
 Algorithm development
Week 11
 3/17
 On-campus final exam, 11:30am - 1:30pm

Instructors


 Office Hours (Zoom link)
 Email 
Ljubomir Perkovic (Prof)
 M 1:30pm-3:30pm (https://depaul.zoom.us/j/894936490)
W 2:00pm-3:00pm (https://depaul.zoom.us/j/894936490)
 lperkovic@cs.depaul.edu
Umme Hani (Lab instructor)


Please send me an email if you need an appointment at another time.

Class Hours

SECTION 501
 Lectures
 TuTh
 1:30pm-3:00pm Room 505 in 14 E Jackson (via Zoom for the first two weeks)

Lab
 Tu
 3:10pm-4:40pm
 Room 505 in 14 E Jackson (via Zoom for the first two weeks)

Texts

Required
Introduction to Computing Using Python: An Application Development Focus, Second Edition, Ljubomir Perkovic, John Wiley & Sons, 2015.

Note: The E-Book version of the textbook has everything you will need for this and the followup course (CSC 242). The Paperback version is missing the Case Studies Appendix; The Case Studies Appendix can be purchased in E-Book form separately through https://store.vitalsource.com/search?q=9781119185390.

Course web page

This syllabus, as well as the class lecture notes, homework assignments, D2L links, and other links can be found on the course web page at https://reed.cs.depaul.edu/lperkovic/courses/csc241. Please check this site and the discussion forum regularly.

Grading

The course grade will be apportioned as follows:
homework (including labs)
 40%
midterm exam 25%
final exam 35%
There will be a total of 8 homework assignments, but only your best 6 count toward the final grade, so you may miss two homework assignments with no penalty. All homework must be submitted by the deadline and no later. Any homework not handed in by the deadline will receive 0 points, without any exceptions.

To do well in this course, you should attend the class and the labs regularly, participate in the discussion, read the chapters in the book each week as indicated in the homework assignment, start working on the homework early, and talk to me promptly if you have any problems. The answers to the homework and exam questions should be written in a way that is rigorous, clear, and concise.

Policies

Lateness and Absence

No late homework or lab will be accepted. If you don't hand in a homework/lab in time, you will receive 0 points for the homework/lab. Midterm and final exams makeups must be arranged at least one week in advance, barring extreme situations.

Deadlines for adds, drops, and withdraws

See the deadlines here.

Changes to Syllabus

This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in COLWeb and sent via email.

Online Course Evaluations

Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation. Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect. 

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

This course will be subject to the university's academic integrity policy. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/. If you have any questions be sure to consult with your professor.

Academic Policies

All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar. Information on enrollment, withdrawal, grading and incompletes can be found at http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/Current%20Students/Pages/PoliciesandProcedures.aspx.

Students with Disabilities

Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential. To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at: 
Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd. 
Phone number: (312)362-8002 
Fax: (312)362-6544 
TTY: (773)325.7296