MANSFIELD UNIVERSITY
CIS 306/420 COURSE SYLLABUS

GENERAL INFORMATION

Course number: CIS 306/420
Credit/Contact hours: 3
Term: Spring 2001
Course title: Business Programming Concepts II / Special Problems

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Instructor name: John Phillips
Instructor office location: Elliott 213A
Instructor office hours: To be announced.
Instructor office telephone: 570-662-4704
Instructor e-mail address: jphillip@mnsfld.edu

COURSE INFORMATION

Course Description

An introduction to analyzing and designing solutions to business-related problems using a business programming language. This semester we will cover the Java programming language.

Prerequisite: CIS 206 or instructor permission.

Textbook

Thinking in Java, 2nd edition, Bruce Eckel, 2000, Prentice Hall Computer Books, ISBN: 0130273635. I strongly recommend you buy the book, however, a downloadable version is available at www.bruceeckel.com. Make sure you get revision 11 or later of the files which are dated 4/24/2000 or later.

Course Outline

1. Introduction to objects
2. Everything is an object
3. Controlling program flow
4. Initialization and cleanup
5. Hiding the implementation
6. Reusing classes
7. Polymorphism
8. Interfaces & inner classes
9. Holding your objects
10. Error handling with exceptions
11. The Java I/O system
12. Run-time type identification
13. Creating windows & applets
14. Multiple threads
15. Distributed computing

ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION

Class schedule

Section 1: MWF 1:00 PM - 1:50 PM
or
Section 2: MWF 3:00 PM - 3:50 PM

Equipment and supplies

Access to the Internet is required either using your own computer or by using a computer in the school's computer lab. You should keep a backup copy of all work you do on one or more diskettes.

The software used in the course is called the Java 2 SDK, v 1.3.0 Software and is a free download from http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.3/download-windows.html.

In addition, you will need a good text editor. I recommend PFE Edit. However, you may want to try one of the new editors written in Java such as JEdit.

Grading scale and policy

(Refer to the Mansfield University Catalog for grades that can be awarded.)

A >= 90%
B >= 80%
C >= 70%
D >= 60%
F < 60%

In addition, the instructor may choose to further differentiate grades with plus and minus subdivisions as outlined in the catalog.

Homework assignments will be displayed on-line at coursenotebook.com. Follow the directions found at that location. Homework must be posted within the specified time frame. Homework must be the student's own work.

Tests and the final exam will be comprehensive, closed book, and timed. You may use a single 8.5 x 11 inch note sheet.

Instructor's expectations

This course places an emphasis on out-of-class experimentation, research, and programming. You will need to spend a large amount of time exploring the lecture topics covered in a hands-on environment, either on your own computer or in the computer lab.

Late assignment policy

Work that is late will lose one letter grade for each day late.

Make-up test policy

No make-up test will be allowed without prior arrangements being made. A make-up test must be taken when scheduled.

Methods of instruction

Material will be presented in lecture format. You are expected to read each assigned chapter prior to the lecture. Feel free to ask questions on any material you need clarified during the lecture. After the lecture you will need to restudy the material and work many homework/practice problems. The homework will be time consuming! Leave plenty of time in your schedule to do it.

Unique requirements of the course

This course requires previous programming experience. We will cover the basics of the Java programming language very quickly. Considerable outside of class time will be required to complete the assignments.

Bad Weather

If the weather is exceptionally bad, due to snow or ice, I would encourage you not to come to class -- there is a good chance I won't be there. Rather, log into our web site at coursenotebook.com and read any relevant announcements. Assuming that the web site is accessible, we will still have class, but remotely "distance learning" style.

COLLEGE POLICIES

Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty includes the following actions, as well as other similar conduct aimed at making false representation with respect to the student's academic performance:

(1) cheating on an exam,
(2) collaborating with others on work to be presented, if contrary to the stated rules of the course,
(3) submitting, if contrary to the rules of the course, work previously submitted in another course,
(4) knowingly and intentionally assisting another student in any of the above actions, including assistance in an arrangement whereby work, classroom performance, examination, or other activity is submitted or performed by a person other that the student under whose name the work is submitted or performed,
(5) plagiarism.

Please refer to the Mansfield University Student Handbook for further information.

Attendance

Students are expected to attend all courses and course activities for which they are registered. Any class meeting missed, regardless of cause, reduces the opportunity of learning and may adversely affect a student's achievement in the course.

Classroom Etiquette and Student Behavior Guidelines

Students will demonstrate respect for instructors and fellow students. Behavior that is disruptive to a positive learning environment reported by the instructor will result in a warning on the first instance; the second instance might result in expulsion from the course or campus.

Disability Support Services

Students with disabilities are advised, in compliance with federal and state laws, that accommodations and services are available through the office of Center of Services for Students with Disabilities. It is the student's responsibility to contact Disabled Student Services Advisors at this location and to submit appropriate documentation prior to receiving services.

Eating, Drinking and Smoking

Eating and drinking are not allowed in the classroom or laboratory areas. Smoking is not permitted in any College building.

Student Responsibility Policy

When a student attends the College, s/he becomes subject to its jurisdiction. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible manner, in all areas of campus life. By enrolling, they pledge to obey the rules and regulations of the College and are responsible for observing all College policies and procedures as published in the student handbook, the College catalog and other College publications. The student will be responsible for preparing for class, participating in class, and completing assignments on time.

Websites of Interest

Withdrawal Policy for Individual Courses

The last day to withdraw from a College course with a "W" grade is March 23. It is the responsibility of the student to complete and submit the necessary forms to the Registrar's Office. An official withdrawal would entitle the student to a grade of "W" in the course.

Syllabus Change Policy

The instructor reserves the right to make changes to this syllabus as the course progresses.

COURSE TIMELINE (subject to change)