Virginia Western Community College

COURSE SYLLABUS

ITP120 – Java Programming I

Instructor: Diane Wolff

OFFICE AND MAIL INFORMATION:

Business Science M224
3099 Colonial Avenue SW
PO Box 14007
Roanoke VA 24038-4007

 

CONTACT PHONE:

540-857-6214

OFFICE HOURS:

TBA

 

E-MAIL ADDRESS:

dwolff@virginiawestern.edu

CLASS MEETING TIMES
Distance Learning Only

 

Special Class Note For Fall 2020 Related to the Coronavirus

Due to the coronavirus challenges, I will not be on campus during the fall semester of 2020.  I will be monitoring email essentially 24/7 and we will have a Zoom session every Sunday at 3:00.  I can also get on Zoom for individual help. 

 

Course Description

ITP 120 Java Programming I (4 CR) Prerequisite: None for the VT section. Entails instruction in fundamentals of object-oriented programming using Java. Emphasizes program construction, algorithm development, coding, debugging, and documentation of console and graphical user interface applications. Lecture 4 hours per week.

 

ITP 120 is the first semester of Java programming.  The Java programming language is one of the most important computer languages for both client-side and server-side applications. Java allows you write intranet applications and other e-business solutions that are the foundation of corporate computing. It also is integral to the development of client-side applications for everything from games to Droid applications.

 

This course introduces the fundamentals of general computer programming and specifically, Java.  Topics include decisions, loops, and method calls.  Collections are introduced and include arrays and ArrayLists.

 

Course Prerequisites

Knowledge of the basic use of computers. 

 

Getting Registered

Use the following instructions for applying to Virginia Western, registering, and paying for your class.

1.     Apply at     https://apply.vccs.edu/app/app.htm  If you have any problems with applying, call the Admissions Office at 540-857-7231. NOTE: Do not declare a major.  Indicate that you are a transient  (non-degree seeking) student.

2.    Find your student id (seven digits) at    http://virginiawestern.edu/academics/enroll_for_classes/MyVCCS.html

3.    Send the id to dwolff@virginiawestern.edu and we will help you finish the process of registration.  You cannot register yourself.

 

Contact Methods and Response Time

I am teaching totally distance learning so the fastest contact method is through email at dwolff@virginiawestern.edu.  I read email just about 24/7 and generally respond within 24 hours if it is not within two days of the due date. This includes weekends.   As due dates get closer, my email load increases dramatically so response may be slower (you can prevent this being a problem for you by starting early.  Discussion forums will usually be answered within 24 hours.  I will be grading right after you submit and grades will usually be posted within 24 hours of the due date.  See more details below.

 

Office Hours Statement – Not applicable for fall 2020

My office is located in M224 in the Business Science building. This office is in the U shape hallway that is located behind the snack machines on the second floor. Please see Canvas for the days and times of my office hours

 

Attendance / Lateness Policy

This is a distance learning class with assignments due in two-week increments.  There will also be Zoom recordings that you will be expected to watch.  “Attendance” will be determined by submission of your assignments on the due dates.

 

Student Evaluation

          Introductory survey                                                        10 points

                     (see instructions in portal on how to complete this)             

           Laboratory assignments 7 @ 45 points each              315 points   

à NOTE 5 of these points are for comments

           MyProgrammingLab practice                                        280 points

           Project @ 50 points                                                         50 points

                                                                                               655 points

 

           90%=A   80-89% = B   70-79% = C   60-69% = D 

 

Make-up / Late Work POLICY

The schedule lists the due dates for each module.  You may progress faster than the schedule but not slower without instructor permission.  This is for your good and mine since I must have all grades in right after the semester is over and I will be reviewing the answers in the Zoom sessions. Any submissions after the due date without instructor permission will be docked 30% if turned in within 24 hours of the due date/time. With previous instructor permission, only 20% off. For EXTREME circumstances, contact me.  No late quizzes will be allowed.  

 

Penalties for Academic Honesty Violations

Each student should consider that they are in this class to learn a critical skill, some of the best skills in the IT industry. I view my role as trying to help you obtain these skills. I expect all submissions to be your own work.  Any assignment/test/quiz where this is not the case will result in a zero.  See Virginia Western policies for more details (in your student handbook).

                

Academic Responsibilities

The materials on this site are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with the course and may not be retained or further disseminated. It is the student’s responsibility to comply with the full Honor Code and Conduct requirements which are described in the Student Handbook.  An Honor Code summary is posted on the marker board in each classroom. 

Inclement Weather Policy (not a problem for this section since we are DL)

 

Additional Information

 Virginia Western policies, the course outline, and course syllabus along with additional student resources are available in Canvas.

 

Important Dates

First Day to Register April 20, 2020     

First Day of Classes Monday August 24th       

Last Day to Register/Add a Class August 30th       

Last Day to Drop and Receive Refund  Thurs September 10th       

Last Day to Withdraw Without Grade Penalty Wed October 28th      

Last Day of Classes December 11th     

 

Method of Instruction

All materials will be served from Canvas and MyProgrammingLab. These are where you will submit all of your work.  There are many useful documents and tools on the portal.  We will have synchronous Zoom sessions Sunday afternoon at 3:00PM EST.  These will be recorded if you cannot “attend”.   I will also have various other prerecorded movies for many of the modules for extra content.

Course Objectives

Please see ‘Course Content’ below.

 

Textbook

Java, How to Program, 11th edition plus MyProgramming Lab, Paul and Harvey Deitel.  There are three versions.  You can choose an eBook version of the text, a Student Value edition (which is a loose-leaf version) or a regular printed book.  Make certain that the book you get says “early objects.

           ISBN with eBook  978-0134752129

            ISBN with loose leaf printed text 978-0134800301

            ISBN with printed version of text  978-0134800271

 

NOTE: If you find a cheap version of the text, you can purchase just the access code for the MyProgrammingLab with ISBN 978-0134752105.  Make certain it is the code for Deitel 11th Java Early Objects.

 

 

 

 

Software

We will be using a version of Eclipse that you can download from Canvas. You can go to http://apps.virginiawestern.edu/faculty/vwwolfd/VT120/EclipseOxygen10.zip  to get the 64 bit download. Instructions for unzipping and use can be found at http://apps.virginiawestern.edu/faculty/vwwolfd/VT120/EclipseOxygen10instructions.doc . 

Macintosh folks: I have separate instructions for you. The document for use above is still applicable.

 

 

Incompletes

A student will receive an Incomplete only under mitigating circumstances. An Incomplete will give the student additional time beyond the end of the semester to complete the course requirements. The student and instructor will decide on an appropriate deadline. Any outstanding work not completed by this agreed upon deadline will result in the Incomplete being changed to an F. An Incomplete will only be given if the student has mitigating circumstances and cannot complete the last few assignments or the final exam on time. Please contact me immediately if you have problems.

 

Specific Classroom Policies:

  1. Spend 80% of your time coding – not reading! You cannot learn a computer language by reading a book.  SKIM the material in the book, watch the movies, and start on the assignment.  Use the text as a reference and guide.
  2. If you need to drop the class (hopefully no one will have to do so!) you must do it yourself online (I can help you find the link).  The last day to drop this class without an F grade for fall semester is October 28th.
  3. Do NOT just download everything from the portal on day 1!! As the faster people work through the material and may have questions, I may add more examples, etc.  I certainly will not make any changes to submission requirements after the start date above and will not significantly change requirements ever (only maybe clarify them).   I will post an announcement with a heads up that the instructions or jar file has changed.  
  4. There will be Zoom online session for every module.  There will be good information during these --- and it is highly suggested that you listen to the recording of them. 
  5. Keep up with the Piazza discussion forums since you are responsible for clarifications posted there (hopefully---there will not be too many of them…)
  6. I will be grading all submissions right after the due date of that module, even if you submit early. It is critical that you make your final submission through Canvas only!
  7. As you are working through the material and have questions, you need to do one of two things.  If the question is about a general concept or topics where you would like to see more examples, submit this through the Piazza discussion forum.  Do not post large chunks of your code there.  If you want me to look at your specific problems (that is what I am here for!) jar up your file (include ONLY those files needed to make the program where your questions are run!!!) and send it through email to the address above.  Make certain to explain the problem in the text of the email.  I will response VERY quickly to both types of postings.
  8. We will also have online tutors that can help.  Details during class.
  9. Start early on each module if you can.  I am very receptive to helping all I can, especially early in the module sequence.   However- on the few days before the due date, I may not be able to answer as quickly due to high traffic.
  10. PLEASE CHECK THE PORTAL RIGHT AFTER THE DUE DATE FOR YOUR GRADE!!!    Open up the assignment and you will see my comments. If you have omitted something or misunderstood an instruction, I may put comments here and let you make changes with no penalty for the first module and a five point penalty after that.  I will not be looking at your submissions until the due date, no matter how early you submit.  You cannot resubmit and correct normal errors. I am only allowing resubmissions if you (for instance) include the .class files instead of the .javas, etc.   You will have the 24 hours to get it back in with changes.  If you do not see my comments within this time, you will not be allowed to resubmit.
  11.  I also want to improve this course for future semester offerings.  For 5 points each module (required), use the textbox on the laboratory submission to give me comments about the module.    Please include positive comments as well as constructive suggested changes for each module.  Noted typos or suggested rewording would be appreciated.  And please include an approximate number of hours spent totally (reading, writing, coding) for the module so I can judge the assignment requirements.  I appreciate your help in this matter. 

 

Campus Safety
Evacuation procedures: Posted near each classroom entry.  To report an emergency, call 911 or Campus security at 857-7979.

The college has created a campus safety video that each student is required to view. A link to this “Critical Safety Video” is located on one of the links under Syllabus on our Canvas course.

Students are encouraged to register for VW Alert Text Messaging System. To register for the text alerts, go to https://alert.virginiawestern.edu.

 

Suggestions for Progressing Through a Module

  1. Download the appropriate jar file from the lab assignment. It will always be named itp120modx_2021.jar where x is the module number.  Import the jar file into Eclipse.
  2. Go to the syllabus and see what chapters the module covers.  Skim/read those chapters and watch the power point movies.  Do not spend a lot of reading. But as you skim, look at the examples from the text (they will always be found in the jar file downloaded above in packages named after the associated chapters).
  3. Get the lab instructions from the assignment in Canvas. It will always be named ITP120modx_2021.doc where x is the module number. Work on these.  Refer to your text as needed.
  4. See if there are auxiliary readings and if so, download them and look them over.
  5. Finish the lab and return the assignment back to me with the completed jar file.
  6. Remember to include your comments about the assignment in the textbox.

 

Jar File Instructions

  1. Assignments will be turned in as jar files (similar to zip files).  The instructions will indicate how to create these.
  2. Jar files must have the .java files in it (after you jar the file, open it up in an unzipping software and verify this).
  3. Jar files must have only the programs that make the programs that are listed at the bottom of the lab instructions run (delete any that were just my examples).  In some cases you will delete entire extra packages that have just my examples in them.
  4. Make certain there are no stray import statements (to test this, create a new project and re-import your jar file and see if it runs).
  5.  Jar files must have the name of both the package and the actual jar file changed.  For example, if your name is Mike Miller, you will need to change the package name to mmilermod3 and send it to me as mmilermod3.jar.

 

Further Information for You

This course has been specifically geared towards VTMIT students.  This course was developed in conjunction with the VT professors to give you the specific prerequisite knowledge that they will assume.   I am dedicated to being available to you as needed, and to make this course a very positive learning experience for you.

           If you have comments about what I can do to better serve you, please let me know.

Let’s have a great semester!!!!!  

 

Schedule

                                      Due  (SAT at NOON)         

Survey                     Aug 29th       

Module 1                 Sept 5th          

           Module 2                 Sept 19th                 

           Module 3                 Oct 3rd              

           Module 4                 Oct 17th        

           Module 5                 Oct 31st        

           Module 6                 Nov 14th

           Module 7                 Nov 28th       

           Project                     Dec 12th      

 

 

WEEKLY TENTATIVE SCHEDULE and COURSE CONTENT

Module 1: Introduction to Java, Classes, and Objects
           Learning objectives:

1.    Understand how to declare a Java class and a the main method

2.    Understand input and output to Java programs

3.    Be able to run Java programs in Eclipse

4.    Be able to import and save Java applications as .jar files

5.    Understand Java arithmetic

6.    Be familiar with equality and relational operators

7.    Know the common primitive data types

8.    Understand Java expression and how to write them

 

Reading Assignment:

1.    Textbook – Chapters 1-2 (just skim chapter 1) 

2.    CodeConventions.pdf (included in the assignment files) 

 

Laboratory Assignment:

1.    Laboratory 1

 

 

Module 2: Objects, classes, and decisions

          Learning objectives:

1.    Understand the concept of objects and classes

2.    Be able to declare and use simple Java classes

3.    Understand getters and setters

4.    Understand the difference between primitive and reference data types

5.    Understand program flow

6.    Understand how to program if  and if/else statements

7.    Understand how to use Boolean expressions and how to compare data

8.    Understand the do and the while construct

 

Reading Assignment:

1.    Textbook –Chapters 3 (skip 3.6) and 4 (to section 4.7)

 

           Laboratory Assignment:

1.    Laboratory 2

 

Module 3: More constructs, loops

          Learning objectives:

1.    Be able to use the while loop

2.    Understand how to end loops with yes/no, true/false, and sentinels

3.    Understand what an iterator is and how to use one

4.    Understand what an accumulator is and how to use one

5.    Understand the logical operators

6.    Review Java blueprints and drivers

 

Reading Assignment:

2.    Textbook –Chapter 4 (4.8-4.14) and Chapter 5  (skip 5.11)

 

           Laboratory Assignment:

2.    Laboratory 3

 

 

Module 4:   More Classes and Object Oriented Design.  Lots of methods

           Learning objectives:

1.    Methods, methods and more methods!!!

2.    Be able to design more complete Java class

3.    Understand what constructors are and how to use them

4.    Understand the relationship between Java objects

5.    Understand method overloading

6.    Understand constructor overloading

7.    Be able to describe the different access modifiers

8.    Understand has-a and is-a

9.    Understand the concept of static

10. Understand how to read APIs

11. Understand how to use APIs

12. Be able to use methods in the String, StringBuilder, and Character classes

 

Reading Assignments:

1.    Textbook – Chapters 6 and 8 (skip 6.13, 8.16), Also 14.1-14.5

 

Laboratory Assignment

1.    Laboratory 4

 

Module 5: Arrays, ArrayLists, and other Collections              

           Learning objectives:

1.    Understand how to use arrays in Java

2.    Understand how to declare and create arrays in Java

3.    Understand the enhanced for  statement

4.    Be able to pass arrays into methods

5.    Understand the Arrays class

6.    Understand alternatives (ArrayLists, etc)

7.    Become familiar with the Java Collections API

 

           Reading Assignment:

1.    Textbook – Chapter 7  (skip 7.11-7.12, 7.17)

 

Laboratory Assignment

1.    Laboratory 5  

 

Module 6:  Advanced Inheritance Topics and Interfaces

           Learning Objectives:

1.    Understand class hierarchies and the ramifications

2.    Understand the relationships between super classes and subclasses

3.    Understand method overriding

4.    Be able to design for inheritance

5.    Understand the Object  class

6.    Be able the discuss polymorphic behavior

7.    Understand how to use abstract  classes

8.    Understand the concept of interfaces and their use

9.    Be familiar with common searching and sorting algorithms

10. Understand designing for interfaces

 

Reading Assignment

1.    Chapters 9 and 10  (skip 9.7, 10.11)

 

Laboratory Assignment

1.    Laboratory 6

 

Module 7:  I/O, Exceptions, and JavaDocs

Learning Objectives:

1.    Understand Java Exceptions Hierarchy

2.    Understand how to use a try/catch/finally structure

3.    Understand how to read and write text files

4.    Understand how to read and write object oriented serialized files

5.    Understand how to use the Java File  and JFileChooser classes

6.    Understand exception handling

7.    Understand how to create JavaDocs

 

Reading Assignment

1.     Chapter 11 and 15

2.     Appendix G JavaDocs

 

Laboratory Assignment

1.    Laboratory 7

 

Project – to be assigned.