Course Syllabus

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About this course:   While no prior computer programming course is required to take AP Computer Science, this is a college level class that is taught at an advanced level.  This year long course is designed to model a first semester college computer science curriculum.  The class begins simple programming assignments that quickly build in complexity and required skill level.  In addition to textbook readings, students will be required to answer question sets, and to complete a series of exams and projects that demonstrate mastery of the subject matter.

In the Spring, you will be provided the opportunity to take the AP Computer Science A exam.  College credit and/or advanced placement based on your performance on this exam will be determined by the college you choose to attend.

Required Materials:  Be sure to bring your MacBook computer to class every day, fully charged and ready to use. It is extremely challenging to complete any of the required coursework without it.

Expectations:

  • Be present. Exercise mindfulness.
  • Come prepared, ready to learn.
  • Put forth your best effort, doing more than what is required.
  • Demonstrate respect for yourself, fellow students, and me.

Grading Policies:

Semester grades will be determined based on the following weights:

Question Sets 16%
Projects 32%
Tests 32%
Final Exam 20%

The grading scale is as follows:

  • A   =  90 – 100%
  • B   =  80 –  89%
  • C   =  70 –  79%
  • D   =  60 –  69%
  • F   =  59% and below

Question Sets: You can expect almost daily reading assignments from the textbook, which are followed by a series of online questions to assess your level of understanding.  Your answers are automatically scored so that you will know immediately how well you have done.  You may retake any question set anytime to improve your score, but the questions are randomized so you will not be asked the same questions in the same order as before.

Projects:  You will have a multitude of projects to complete that are listed in the online assignment guide.  Projects are generally due the following day, but can be turned in any time during the semester, including in advance of the due date.  Most projects contain a tester that will provide you with immediate feedback as to whether you have completed the assignment or not. In this case, just let me know when you have completed the assignment, and I will mark it as so. Other projects are submitted to me online and graded according to a specific rubric, as indicated in the assignment. The key to doing well in this class is to complete all of the assignments on time!

Tests:  You can expect to have a unit test as we complete each unit (generally a chapter) in the textbook.  Test dates are scheduled in advance as listed in the assignment guide.  Tests usually are composed of multiple-choice questions. Starting in November, you can expect to have a weekly AP Free Response question to complete during class as well, that will be graded as a test.

Final Exam:  There will be a final exam at the end of each semester.  Each final exam is comprehensive, covering appropriate material over the entire course (the first semester exam only covers the topics discussed in the first semester).  In preparation for each final exam, you will have the opportunity to take a practice exam, that will be then reviewed in class.

Make-up Policy:  You may make arrangements to make-up or retake any assignment or test on your own time before the end of the semester.  Please make specific arrangements with me in advance so that I may be prepared to accommodate you.   
 
Academic Honesty:  It is good to collaborate with other students on projects and such, but all students are expected to submit work that is their own.  My presumption is that you are taking this class because you sincerely want to learn. Cheating is not acceptable under any circumstances, not only because it is dishonest to yourself and your classmates, but it is just plain wrong. You have the freedom to take your time if you need to, so don't be tempted to take any shortcuts that will ultimately short-circuit your learning.

Extra Help:  If you do not understand a particular topic, come in for help immediately!  Don’t wait until it is too late!  I am available both before and after school (it is ok to drop in without an appointment). I consider my most important teaching opportunity is to spend time directly with students as a resource for their learning.

Thanks!  I’m looking forward to a fabulous year together with you!

Course Summary:

Course Summary
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