CPSC 329 Assessment

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Assignments and Evaluation
Coding Standards
Need Help?
Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL)


Assignments and Evaluation	Labs: Labs are used to introduce particular technologies, or sometimes for group activities. In many cases you should be able to finish most or all of the exercises during the lab period if you come to lab prepared by having read the handout; anything not completed during the lab period must be finished outside of class. Lab assignments are generally due at the start of the lab session one week after they are assigned. Homework: Homeworks serve two roles. All are an opportunity to practice the course material before applying your knowledge to the final project. Some homeworks will also be a starting point for class discussions. Expect frequent homework assignments during the first half of the course, and occasional ones thereafter. Projects: This is a course about software development, so there are two significant projects where you will develop software. The first will be a team project (small groups) which will also serve as a running example and discussion topic during the first part of the course, while the second will be an individual project. Final Exam: The second, individual project will be considered to be part of the final exam; there will also be a written exam in the registrar-scheduled time slot. More details about the final exam will be announced later in the semester. Final Grades: Final grades in this course will be computed as follows: Labs: 23% Homework: 23% Projects: 50% (16% team, 34% individual) Final Exam: 4% (written part) Participation: Since class will be discussion-oriented, you are also expected to participate in class. This does not mean that you have to volunteer for everything, but you should be actively engaged in class - i.e. you are paying attention and contribute meaningfully to the class on a regular basis.

Coding Standards	Following reasonable conventions is important for readability of your code. The course coding standards specify the particular conventions you should use in this course.

Need Help?	If you are having trouble with the course material or get stuck on a problem you can't figure out how to solve, don't just ignore it! The most useful resource for this course is the instructor - during lab, during office hours, and dropping by or scheduling a meeting. This should be your first stop if you are having trouble with course material. For more general help, such as with writing, study skills, or time management, the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) also has resources to help you. See the CTL statement below.

Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL)	At Hobart and William Smith Colleges, we encourage you to learn collaboratively and to seek the resources that will enable you to succeed. The Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) is one of those resources: CTL programs and staff help you engage with your learning, accomplish the tasks before you, enhance your thinking and skills, and empower you to do your best. Resources at CTL are many: Study Mentors help you find your time and manage your responsibilities, Writing Fellows help you think well on paper, and professional staff help you assess academic needs. I encourage you to explore these and other CTL resources designed to encourage your very best work. You can talk with me about these resources, visit the CTL office on the 2nd floor of the library to discuss options with the staff, or visit the CTL website. The CTL resource most useful for this class is the Study Mentors program: Study Mentors The CTL resource especially valuable to students either just starting college OR adjusting to the demands of their choice of Major is the Study Mentors program. Study Mentors engage directly with each student in the process of adjusting to new academic demands: they help you find the time you need to engage with both your academic and co-curricular activities, accomplish the tasks in front of you, and enhance your reading and study time. Study Mentors may be especially important for those of you who are involved in many activities; work on or off campus; are studying for Teaching Certification, graduate school exams, or prepping for fellowships; or who have one or more unusually demanding courses on your schedule. To meet with a Study Mentor, one option is to go to the TutorTrac link provided on the CTL webpage and make an appointment. You can also contact Sam Vann at vann@hws.edu, or drop in at the CTL office on the 2nd floor of the library.