Mr. Merlis                                                                                                              AP CSI - Java

jmerlis@bhbl.org                                                                                                   2007-2008

www.mrmerlis.com                                                                                               BHBL High School

 

Course Description

This is an introductory college level course.  The curriculum is determined by the College Board.  The programming language is JAVA.  Most concepts will be taught in the context of solving problems.  Class time will be spent in lecture, discussion, assessment, and lab work.  There will be programming, reading, and writing assignments.

 

The course is an extension of the introductory Java classes you took last year (or previously), and you should already be familiar with most of the Java syntax.  In the AP class, we will spend the first quarter reviewing basic concepts and then moving onto Data Structures.  You will take the Computer Science AB exam in early May.

 

 

Grading

Grades will be based on a simple point system.  Point values will be assigned to homework, programming assignments, daily exercises, written assignments, quizzes, and tests.  A student’s final grade will be the ratio of earned points to possible points.

 

 

Organization

Staying organized is the number one most important thing you can do to ensure success within this class, within your other classes, and your entire life.  Be sure to not only organize the handouts and paperwork from this class, but your personal computer system and files as well.  This translates straight into what will you be graded on, particularly the naming conventions and style of your programs.

 

 

Materials / Supplies

  • Textbook: Java Concepts by Cay Horstmann, 4th Ed
  • Be Prepared for the AP Computer Science Exam by Maria Litvin, 3rd Ed.
  • 3-ring Binder (Most of the ‘handouts’ will be computer files.)
  • Loose-leaf paper and graph paper
  • Pencils
  • Calculator (This is helpful although you can always use the one on the computer.)

 

 

Protection of Machines and Software

Students are responsible for careful use of both machines and software.  There is absolutely no eating or drinking in the lab.  A student that misuses a machine will be removed from class for the remainder of the period.  On the second offense, the student will be assigned to a learning lab and removed from the course. Any malfunctions should be reported at once. The printer should only be used to print notes/handouts related to this course.

 

 

Participation

It is expected that all students will participate in the daily discussions.  If you are absent, you must make up the work immediately.  Falling behind in a class such as this can be very difficult – use the website to ensure you are keeping pace with the course.

 

 

Extra Help

  • You can come during the Academic Assistance Period every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
  • By using www.mrmerlis.com, searching on the Internet, or emailing me, in that order.  Perhaps the most important skill you should take away from this class is an independent ability to learn. When you look at job requirements for CS positions, they always ask for applicants who can figure things out – not necessarily who already know everything.