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

Web sites:

My VWCC: https://vw.my.vccs.edu

Blackboard: http://learn.vccs.edu

BTT: http://www.virginiawestern.edu/academics/btt/

CONTACT PHONE:

540-857-6214

OFFICE HOURS:

TBA

E-MAIL ADDRESS:

dwolff@virginiawestern.edu

CLASS MEETING TIMES
Distance Learning Only

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 mostly 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 most 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). I am not in my college campus much so phone call response will be much slower. Discussion forums will usually be answered within 24 hours. I will be grading right after you submit and grades will usually be posted within 48 hours of the due date. See more details below

Office Hours Statement

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 Blackboard 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 Collaborate 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 8 @ 45 points each 360 points

à NOTE 5 of these points are for comments

Quizzes 8 @ 20 points each 160 points

Project @ 50 points 50 points

580 points

NOTE: quizzes are open book/open Internet quizzes that can be taken anytime during the module up until the noon due date for the module listed above. These have a one hour time limit with only one attempt allowed. It is critical when taking them not to close the browser! I will post answers after the due date.

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

NOTE: You must complete each of the modules and the project to pass the course.

Make-up / Late Work POLICY

The above 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 Collaborate 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)

For cancellations or delayed opening, refer to this link VWCC inclement weather policy. When class is cancelled, students shall read the material for the missed and next classes. At the next class, the missed material will be reviewed prior to starting regularly schedule material. Every attempt will be made to catch up by the second class after the cancelled class.

Additional Information

Virginia Western policies, the course outline, and course syllabus are available in Blackboard from the course syllabus button. Additional student resources are available in Blackboard from the Student Resource button.

Important Dates

First Day to Register June 21^st

First Day of Classes August 21^st

Last Day to Register/Add a Class August 27^th

Last Day to Drop and Receive Refund September 7^th

Last Day to Withdraw Without Grade Penalty October 26^th

Last Day of Classes December 9^th

Method of Instruction

All materials will be served from Blackboard. This is also where you will submit all of your work. There are many useful documents and tools on the portal. We will have synchronous Collaborate sessions every other Sunday at 3:00. 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, 10^th edition, Paul and Harvey Deitel, ISBN

978-0133807806. There is a loose leaf version of it for half the price with the ISBN of 9780133813227. Make certain that the book you get says “early objects”. You do not need the CD and the international edition is fine. The textbook is available as a Kindle edition and I will supply a free version you can read online through Safari Online (this one must be read through the web and is not downloadable).

NOTE: There is not an 11^th edition but it does not have many changes and the price is a lot higher, so I am sticking with the 10^th.

Software

We will be using a version of Eclipse that you can download from Blackboard. You can also go to http://apps.virginiawestern.edu/faculty/vwwolfd/VT120/eclipseLuna8.zip to get the 64 bit download. Instructions for unzipping and use can be found at http://apps.virginiawestern.edu/faculty/vwwolfd/VT120/eclipseLuna8instructions.doc . Macintosh folks will need to go to http://www.eclipse.org/downloads/packages/eclipse-ide-java-developers/marsr and get t he Mac version.

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:

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.
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 26^th.
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.
There will be Collaborate 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.
Keep up with the discussion forums since you are responsible for clarifications posted there (hopefully---there will not be too many of them…)
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 Blackboard only!
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 discussion forum in Blackboard. 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 of these types of postings.
For anyone located close to VWCC, we have tutoring and office hours here on campus that you can utilize. Contact me for more information.
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.
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.
I also want to improve this course for future semester offerings. We are changing the book and all assignments this semester so you can help me with improving the class. I am asking that for 5 points each, you 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 as a whole 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 Blackboard course.

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

Open Computer Labs

An open computer lab is available for student use for work related to course assignments in Business Science M302. Tutors are available to assist students with class subject material.

The Learning Technology Center is located in Brown Library, (857-7250). It offers instructional assistance, tutorial assistance; computer-assisted learning, video-assisted learning and audiovisual presentations are available to students. Other services are: placement tests, Writing Center, and Math Center. Check website for more information: http://virginiawestern.edu/ltc/

Suggestions for Progressing Through a Module

Download the appropriate jar file from the lab assignment. It will always be named itp120modx_1718.jar where x is the module number. Import the jar file into Eclipse.
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).
Get the lab instructions from the assignment in Blackboard. It will always be named ITP120modx_1718.doc where x is the module number. Work on these. Refer back to your text as needed.
See if there are auxiliary readings and if so, download them and look them over.
Finish the lab and return the assignment back to me with the completed jar file.
Remember to include your comments about the assignment in the textbox.

Jar File Instructions

Assignments will be turned in as jar files (similar to zip files). The instructions will indicate how to create these.
Jar files must have the .java files in it (after you jar the file, open it up in an unzipping software and verify this).
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.
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).
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

COL. SESSION (MON 6:00PM) Due (SAT at NOON)

Survey Sunday August 26^th

Module 1 Aug 21^st Sept 2^nd

Module 2 Sept 4^th Sept 16^th

Module 3 Sept 18^th Sept 30^th

Module 4 Oct 2^nd Oct 14^th

Module 5 Oct 16^th Oct 28^th

Module 6 Oct 30^th Nov 11^th

Module 7 Nov 13^th Nov 25^th

Module 8 Nov 27^th Dec 9^th

Project Monday Dec 11^th NOON

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 for construct

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

3. Understand the logical operators

4. More on classes

5. Begin writing your own Java classes

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

Module 8: Generic Collections

Learning Objectives:

1. Collections Overview

2. Wrapper classes

3. Auto-boxing and Auto-unboxing

4. Interface Collection and Class Collections

5. Lists, Sets, Maps

6. Collections Methods

7. Properties Class

8. Abstract Implementations

Reading Assignment

1. Textbook –Chapter 16

Laboratory Assignment

1. Laboratory 8