Dr. John Zelle
Office: SC 353
phone: 352-8360
e-mail:
john.zelle@wartburg.edu
MWF 2:00; TH 10:00
MWF 12:00 in SC 345
Problem-solving is a core skill of computer science and software development. Students entering this class should already be competent at programming solutions to simple computing problems. This class serves as a bridge from programming "in the small" to programming "in the large." Coverage includes functional and object-oriented abstraction, classic data structures for handling collections, and basic algorithm analysis.
CS 120
This class is 1 course credit. For every hour of class time, you may expect to spend at least two hours of time outside of class on reading, homework, and programming assignments.
A student completing this class will:
Data Structures and Algorithms using Python and C++ by Reed and Zelle (Franklin, Beedle, and Associates, 2009).
Classes will have a mix of lecture/discussion and student activities which may include groupwork and lab activities. Homework in the form of reading and problem sets will be assigned daily. These are generally due the following class day. Programming assignments will be given periodically and generally have more extended deadlines.
| Exam 1 (Wed. 2/9): | 20% |
| Exam 2 (Fri. 3/18): | 20% |
| Final Exam (Thu 4/22): | 25% |
| Quizzes: (every Friday) | 10% |
| HW (daily) and projects (8--10) | 25% |
A detailed schedule of assignments and due dates is maintained on the class web page.
Grades are assigned based on the (weighted) percentage of total points:
Pluses and minuses will be used to "smooth" grade transitions. I may move the exact boundaries, but they will not be raised. Anyone with 90% of total points will receive some sort of an "A".
Regular attendance is expected. Although not part of the grade per se, excessive absences will affect a student's performance in the class. The instructor will not provide individual tutoring for material missed due to unexcused absences.
You are reminded of your obligation to the Wartburg Honor Code which states:
Students, faculty, and staff of Wartburg College are expected to demonstrate integrity in all endeavors. Students are expected to adhere to four essential principles:
- Submit only original work and properly cite ideas of others, including fellow students.
- Refrain from giving or receiving unauthorized aid on examinations and assignments.
- Report any act that violates these principles.
- Ask for clarification if uncertain about the expectations on a particular assignment.
Students are responsible for abiding by these principles and opposing academic dishonesty in all academic endeavors.
Absolutely no cheating will be tolerated. Any situation where I feel there is sufficient evidence of cheating will be vigorously pursued. The minimum penalty is a zero for the assignment. Of course, discussion of ideas is healthy and essential for education. Feel free to discuss approaches to assignments and to help fellow students with problems in their programs. Be sure, however, that the assignments you turn in represent your own effort. There is an importance difference between sharing ideas and whole-sale copying. Allowing or assisting someone else to copy/use your work is as bad as copying yourself.
Keeping up with homework and project deadlines is critical to successfully completing the class. Late assignments receive a maximum of 75% credit. Late work will NOT BE ACCEPTED after the assignment has been graded, unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor. In particular, programming projects are due on Socrates at the indicated time.
Late exams will be given only under exceptional circumstances. Except for the case of confirmed medical emergency, arrangements must be made prior to the actual exam date.
Per department policy, face masks or cloth face coverings are required in the classroom at all times. This means that no eating or drinking are allowed in the classroom before, during, or after class.
It is the policy and practice of Wartburg College to create inclusive and accessible learning environments consistent with federal and state law. If you anticipate or experience academic barriers due to a disability (including physical, mental health, learning, vision or hearing) you may request accommodations by contacting Nicole Willis, Disability & Access Coordinator, at (319) 352-8230, or by e-mail nicole.willis@wartburg.edu. The Academic Resource Center (ARC) offers support and coordinates reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities and/or temporary health conditions. The ARC is located at 314 Vogel Library.
Wartburg College is committed to providing a learning, working, and living environment free from all forms of sexual misconduct including, but not limited to, sex-based harassment, non-consensual sex acts, sexual exploitation, relationship violence, and stalking. Wartburg College considers sex discrimination in all forms to be a serious offense and it will not be tolerated.
The Wartburg College's Title IX, Sexual Misconduct and Discrimination Policy, following national guidance from the Office of Civil Rights, requires that faculty follow Wartburg's policy as a "mandatory reporter" of any personal disclosure of sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and/or violence related experiences or incidents shared with the faculty member in person, via email, and/or in classroom settings. These disclosures include but are not limited to reports of personal relationship abuse, relational/domestic violence, and stalking. While faculty are often able to help students locate appropriate channels of assistance on campus, disclosure by the student to the faculty member requires that the faculty member inform appropriate Wartburg personnel to help ensure that the student's safety and welfare is being addressed, even if the student requests that the disclosure not be shared.
For confidential counseling support and assistance on campus, please contact:
For private, but not confidential, resources on campus, please contact:
The policies presented here should be taken as general guidelines and are subject to change at the discretion of the instructor with due notice and consideration. "If any point in dispute is not covered by the Rules, the decision shall be made in accordance with equity." (Rule1-4 of USGA Rules of Golf).