Overview

In this course you'll learn how to model real world problems and implement computational solutions using the Python programming language. You'll develop competency in reading, writing, and using programs built using Python.
We'll cover the basic building blocks of software development and introduce computer science concepts such as abstraction, decomposition, and program design.

General Education Goals (G5Q: Quantitative/Algorithmic/Logical Reasoning). Students will have the ability to:

1. communicate computer science concepts both orally and in writing
2. model real world problems and implement solutions
3. visually communicate information using the computer
4. understand levels of abstraction in computing and software systems

• how to solve computational problems
  
• developing programs from written descriptions called specifications
• the basics of graphical objects and user interfaces
  
• the basics of object-oriented programming
• how to use the Python programming language to create software applications

Meeting Times

1. Lecture: MWF 10:00 am
2. Lab Session: Thursday 1:30 - 2:45 pm
3. Location: Woods 136 (Linux Lab)
4. Tutoring: Times TBA (likely Sun-Thurs evening) in the Linux Lab; watch for an announcement on BrightSpace

Grading

Workload	Points
Weekly Homework Assignments	30
Weekly Lab Assignments	14
In-class Exercises and Quizzes	16
2 Exams (10 pts each)	20
Final Exam (First week of May)	20

Texts

• Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science, 3rd Ed. by John Zelle
• How to Think Like a Computer Scientist: Learning with Python by Elkner, Downey, and Meyers  (CSPY for short)

Course website:  https://scarl.sewanee.edu/CS157/

This syllabus, the course schedule, assignments, lecture notes and more are posted on the course website.
 

BrightSpace

Some course materials will be available on BrightSpace (Sewanee's Learning Management System), such as special readings, video examples and supplemental lecture materials, and selected solutions. Assignments will typically be turned in using BrightSpace.
 

Course Administration

This class uses a combination of lecture, active learning, and the occasional "flipped classroom" method of instruction. Some class periods we'll do an exercise, since one of the best ways to learn programming is by trying out new concepts yourselves. Sometimes this will be computer work, other times it will be computation using good old-fashioned pencil and paper. Anything not completed by end of class will generally be due by the next class period.

In the "flipped classroom" model, I sometimes post videos covering lecture materials for a particular topic. It will then be your responsibility to watch the video before the next class meeting, as it will cover material for the class exercise that day.
During class I will review and answer any questions on the new material.

Thursday afternoon lab sessions will focus on programming exercises; students will work with constructs we've covered in lecture, eventually building non-trivial programs, and extend the ideas explored in the lab by completing an assignment due the next week. Lab policies will be explained at the beginning of the first session. Since programming can only be learned well by actually doing it, consider lab attendance a priority.
 

Attendance for all class sessions, whether we are remote or in person, is an important factor in succeeding in this course. Students are allowed three unexcused absences per semester. Subsequent absences may be reported to the Office of the Dean of Students. The student is responsible for making up any work missed due to absence; exceptional circumstances will be given wide latitude.
 

Weekly assignments are worth 20% of the semester grade. There will likely be 10 such assignments. Late work is penalized 10% for each day late, but every student has 3 grace days for the semester, covering such things as schedule crunches, travel for athletics, and illnesses. Save these as long as possible. Barring exceptional circumstances, assignments will not be accepted more than 4 days after the due date. Students are expected to work independently on homework assignments unless group work is specifically indicated. Each assignment will specify how and when it is to be turned in.
 

Exams. There will be two in-class exams and a final. Any student missing an exam must present a documented excuse explaining the absence, preferably in advance, if they are to make it up. The Final Exam is scheduled by the Registrar during the last week of the semester.
 

The Honor Code applies to all exams, programs, and assignments; you agreed to follow the Honor Code when you matriculated. Affixing your name to another's work is considered academic dishonesty and a violation of the Honor Code. Here, "another's work" includes Internet sources and responses from artificial intelligence processing programs (for example, ChatGPT). Students may discuss ideas for solving an assignment among themselves: concepts and design issues, how to use software tools, how to fix errors in programs. However, each assignment must be your own work unless collaboration is specifically allowed. Turning in any portion of work written by another is an Honor Code violation and grounds for disciplinary action as allowed by University policy. You should not copy a file, supply a copy of a file, coach another student in writing code line by line, or look at another student's code. A good rule of thumb: talking over a problem verbally is fine, fixing a problem with someone else's program is not.
 

Policies for Remote Learning

If you are unable to be on campus or attend class for an extended period of time, please let me know as soon as you can, and read Information for Students Studying Remotely.
 

Scheduling Office Hours

Students are welcome to drop by my office in Woods 133 with any questions during the office hours posted above. If you need an appointment for some other time, schedule a meetup using the Calendly app. See the video on their website for a quick introduction to this service. Students have the option of using Zoom to meet for office hours.
 

Participation and Extra Credit

Students can support the intellectual life of the university and earn extra credit by attending lectures/talks outside of the formal classroom experience and writing a summary of the ideas presented. Such lectures may be in-person talks on campus, "virtual lectures" on Zoom sponsored by the university, or you can find technical presentations online, such as the Heidelberg Laureate series, the Strange Loop conference, and other computing-related meetings for researchers or software developers. Choose lectures whose duration is 35-60 minutes.

You may attend or watch up to two such presentations and submit a 1-2 page summary for extra credit.

Statement on Health and Safety

 Please follow these important health guidelines while in class:

• If you are feeling unwell, please do not attend class. Inform the instructor and seek care at the Wellness Center as soon as possible.
• Follow University and Wellness Center guidelines if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 or other infectious respiratory illness.
• Let me know right away if you expect to miss more than 2 classes.

ADA Statement

The University of the South is committed to fostering respect for the diversity of the University community and the individual rights of each member of that community. In this spirit, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the University seeks to provide students with disabilities with the reasonable accommodations needed to ensure equal access to the programs and activities of the University.

Any student with a documented disability needing academic adjustments is requested to speak with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) as early in the semester as possible. If approved for accommodations, the student has the responsibility to present their instructors with a copy of the official letter of academic accommodations. Please note: Accommodation letters should be dated for the current term; accommodations will not be provided without a current accommodation letter; and accommodations cannot be applied retroactively.

SAS is located in the Office of the Dean of Students (931.598.1229). Additional information about accommodations can be found at https://new.sewanee.edu/campus-life/playing/wellness-commons/university-wellness-center/student-accessibility-services/.
 
Students who have questions about physical accessibility should inform their instructors so that we can ensure an accessible, safe, and effective environment.