COSC 235 Programming & Problem Solving

By the end of the course, you should be able to:

• TDevelop algorithms to solve problems and express those algorithms in pseudocode.
• Read Python code and figure out what it computes.
• Translate an algorithm expressed in pseudocode to Python code.
• Understand fundamental programming language constructs: variables, expressions, functions, control structures, and data types.
• Build a foundation for more advanced computer science courses.

Most class meetings will start with a brief review of the homework assignment and continue with discussions and/or exercises based on what has been covered so far. Some in-class exercises will require you to work on a laptop computer (if you have one) or work with another student in the class. You may have a laptop computer open on your desk only if I direct you to use it. Most projects will be started during a class meeting.

You are encouraged to take copious notes during class. Take handwritten notes on paper or on a tablet.

Handwritten notes engage more of the senses. The brain is more active, so the learning process is enhanced. This is actually part of an area of study called “haptics.” Researchers in this arena are studying the way our minds and bodies interact in the learning process.

It’s the “tactile” or “kinesthetic” learning idea in action. The more physically active you are, including taking handwritten notes, the more likely you are to remember information well.

Source: Handwritten notes vs. typed notes: is there a difference?

You may not use a laptop to take notes during a class meeting unless doing so is an approved accommodation.

You are expected to attend class meetings. The Class Attendance Policies described in the Wofford College Student Handbook (pp. 81ff) makes you responsible for catching up on missed classes. I suggest you find a “buddy” from whom you can get notes in the event you are absent. I will post links to handouts in Piazza. I will also post code (or links to code) that we write in class.

Do not attend class if you are not feeling well and might have a contagious illness. Seek medical attention at the Wellness Center. A doctor's note concerning absences is not required.

You must be present for the final exam.

You are expected to complete all assigned work on time.

I understand that sometimes you must miss a class, a test, or a project or homework deadline. As long as such occurrences are not excessive, I will work with you as best I can to help you succeed in the course.

You must meet homework and project deadlines. To submit your work late, you must contact me by 3:00 P.M. of the day before the deadline to request an extension. Your request must indicate how much more time you need. Assume that I will give you more time if you do not hear back from me. I will still expect you to submit by the deadline the work you have completed so far even if you are given an extension.

Piazza

All questions about coursework, including about projects, must be posted at the Piazza Q&A page. If you send me a question via email or via private post that should be posted publicly at Piazza, I will direct you to post your question publicly. After you post it publicly, I will reply to the question.

Do not post working code at Piazza. Do not include in a response either “fixed” code or a detailed description of how to change code to get it to work. It is acceptable to post non-working code.

Feel free to respond to a question or to edit a response to a question. We are all learning together.

Note: Anonymous Piazza posts are anonymous to classmates but not to me.

Email

It is appropriate to send me email messages for private matters, such as letting me know you will be absent or that you’d like to schedule a meeting.

I usually respond to email messages sent Sunday through Thursday within 24 hours and within 48 hours when sent on a Friday or a Saturday. I usually respond much sooner to Piazza posts since I have the Piazza app on my phone and receive notifications.

The Honor Code requires faculty, staff, and students to maintain a high standard of individual honor and integrity. Work represented as your own must be your own.

I encourage you to help others in the class or get help from others on projects. However, you may not write code for another student or provide code to copy. Conversely, you may not get code from another student. Doing any of these things is a violation of the Honor Code.

There is a distinction between collaborating and cheating.

When collaborating,

• One person may discuss a problem or algorithm with another person.
• One person may work with another person to figure out how to attack a problem.
• One person may describe a problem and get suggestions for solving it.
• One person may describe to another person what some code must do, but not provide that code.
• One person may help another person to debug code, but must not type the working code.

Ultimately, you must implement a solution to the problem yourself.

On the other hand, cheating occurs when

• One person copies code from another person or copies code available on the internet.
• One person allows another person to copy code.
• One person edits another person’s code, either to write new code or fix a bug in existing code.
• Two people are working along with another and decide together what code to write, even if they are working on separate computers.

For some projects, you might be given an option to work with one other student in the class. In this case, you are allowed to share all your work with your teammate. However, you are expected to do all of the work together. One student should not work without the other present. However, one of you may meet with me without the other being present.

Don’t cheat because you are up against a deadline. Manage your time effectively. Start each assignment as soon as it is given. If you run into a glitch:

• Seek help from me.
• Submit on time the work you have done, even if it is not fully completed. You will likely get partial credit for your work.

It is the policy and practice of Wofford College to create an inclusive and accessible learning environment. This course is intended for all students, including those with mental or physical disabilities, illness, injuries, impairments, or any other condition that tends to negatively affect one’s equal access to education.

If you have not yet established services through Accessibility Services, but have a temporary health condition or permanent disability that keeps you from fully accessing the space, content, and experience of this course, you are welcome (but not required) to visit the Accessibility Services Accomodations channel in my.wofford.

If you have already established accommodations with Accessibility Services, please communicate your approved accommodations to me at your earliest convenience so we can discuss your needs in this course.