CSC 201

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CSC 201 Introduction to Computing

• Introduction and Overview

Dr. Paige H. Meeker Computer Science Presbyterian
College, Clinton, SC
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Lecture 1

• Introduction and Class Overview
• Syllabus
• Expectations
• Important Dates
• Homework (ALREADY???)

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Contact Information

• Name Dr. Paige H. Meeker
• Office Richardson 229
• Phone [phone] (office)
• (803)-749-1647 (home between 9 and 9 ONLY)
• Email mpmeeker_at_presby.edu
• PaigeMeeker_at_sc.rr.com

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Recommended Texts

• Technology in Action Evans, Martin, and
  Poatsy
• NOTE This text is recommended because it
  contains a lot of useful information however,
  your class online notes are all that is strictly
  necessary for you to learn the class material
  this is supplementary and will be referred to
  throughout the semester.

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Late Policy

• Assignments must be turned in on time. Late work
  WILL NOT be accepted.
• BACK UP YOUR WORK. Dont rely solely on Socrates
  to keep your assignments safe. You need to be
  able to turn in a copy of your work on time.
• If you think you will be unable to meet a due
  date on an assignment due to an emergency,
  contact me in advance to negotiate an extension.
  If you have not negotiated an extension, then
  submit what you have by the due date to receive
  partial credit. You will receive no credit for an
  assignment submitted after the due date or
  negotiated new due date as applicable.
• A deadline has a wonderful way of concentrating
  the mind. Professor Moriarty, Character,
  Star Trek, TNG, episode title Ship in a
  Bottle

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Late Policy Excuses??

• Home computers are being called upon to perform
  many new functions, including the consumption of
  homework formerly eaten by the dog. Doug
  Larson
• Socrates lost my work. Solution Back up your
  work often in a place outside of Socrates.
• The power went out. This is an acceptable
  excuse only if the power is out for more than 2
  days. (Note to this point, that has not EVER
  happened). This is not acceptable if the power
  goes out the day before an assignment is due,
  esp. if it is only out for a few hours.
• I overslept. Solution Alarm clock
• The computer isnt doing what I tell it to do.
  Computers ONLY do what you tell them to do
  (they arent that smart).

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Late Policy Excuses??

• I had a game/other obligation. Solution Begin
  your work on time and dont wait until the last
  minute.
• Dont ask for extensions you will be given more
  than enough time to complete your work. Instead,
  begin work as soon as you get the assignment and
  everyone will be happy.
• I work hard to make assignments informative and
  fun. I will also be happy to help you if you are
  having trouble with them. Take advantage of this
  throughout the semester, not just in the last
  week of class.

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Attendance Policy

• Coming to class is important.
• More than 5 absences (excused or not) will result
  in the loss of one letter grade for each
  additional class day missed. More than 8
  absences will result in a failing grade for the
  class.

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Grading Policy

• I wrote the examination, determined the marking
  scheme (which was quite complicated) and set the
  Grade levels, so you can take it from me, as the
  sole examiner, that if you received Acceptable
  or higher you really earned your grade. Of
  course, this meant that some people had to fail,
  but what would be the point of putting you
  through all that work without giving you honestly
  earned rewards?
• J. K. Rowling,
• concerning the W.O.M.B.A.T
• test on her personal website

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Grading Policy

• So, what does that mean to you?
• I dont give grades you earn them. Think
  about this now, not the last week of class. It
  will save us all time and heartache!

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Grading Policy

• Grading will be assigned using the standard /-
  scale. Your final grade will be calculated as
  follows
• Term Project 20
• Wrapups 35
• Lab Assignments 20
• Final Lab Exam 25
• NOTE No midterm during the semester that
  means those wrapups and labs are very important!

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Academic Dishonesty

• I take the PC honor code very seriously. If you
  have any questions about what is considered bad
  behavior ask BEFORE, not AFTER. Ignorance is no
  excuse.
• Where is there dignity unless there is honesty?
  Cicero
• Every act of dishonesty has at least two victims
  the one we think of as the victim, and the
  perpetrator as well. Each little dishonesty
  makes another little rotten spot somewhere in the
  perpetrators psyche. Lesley Conger.

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Academic Dishonesty

• All assignments will be pledged
• "On my honor, I will abstain from all deceit. I
  will neither give nor receive unacknowledged aid
  in my academic work, nor will I permit such
  action by any member of this community. I will
  respect the persons and property of the
  community, and will not condone discourteous or
  dishonest treatment of these by my peers. In my
  every act, I will seek to maintain a high
  standard of honesty and truthfulness for myself
  and for the College."

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Academic Honesty Specifics

• If you use external resources cite clearly!
• Dont do anything that would even be considered
  dishonest. Ask if you think there is a question.
• Remember PCs standard penalty
• An F in the course
• A WF in all other courses taken that semester
• A semester suspension.
• Think is it worth it? (Answer NO!)

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Participation

• Reasons to participate
• Class means more to you and me
• More entertaining, interactive lectures
• How to participate?
• Ask questions
• Make comments
• Email me with questions or interests you may have
• NOTE No question/comment is considered dumb
• He who asks is a fool for five minutes, but he
  who does not ask remains a fool forever Mark
  Twain

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Dates to Remember

• Wrapups given after the completion of each
  section of online notes may or may not be
  announced.
• Labs started during class time, but some
  students may need to complete the work outside of
  class.
• Term Project last two weeks of class (your
  specific time will be announced)
• Final Lab Exam Given last day of class due
  Thursday, April 30, 7pm
• Check for conflicts now. If you miss quizzes or
  the final, you will receive a 0. You are not
  allowed to make up either test after it has been
  given. If you must miss the class for an excused
  reason, you must make up the assignment BEFORE
  the rest of the class.

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• This is just an overview for details READ THE
  SYLLABUS!!

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For each task in life, remember

• What work I have done, I have done because it
  has been play. It if had been work I shouldnt
  have done it.
• Mark Twain

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Now Lets Have FUN!!What will you learn this
semester?

• How computers work hardware and software
• Hands on experience with a variety of different
  software packages
• Effective use of the Internet
• Anything else I can fit in!
• What would you like to know more about??

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Homework Before Tuesday, January 13th

• Email to me a list of 3 to 5 things that you
  would like to learn about during this class.
• (Where does this fit in your grade? As a REALLY
  EASY lab grade start off with a 100 average!)