CPSC 329 Assessment

Homework: Homeworks provide an opportunity to practice applying concepts from the course as well as serving as a starting point for class discussions. An important role of homework is to uncover questions and discover situations that warrant further consideration, rather than simply repeating examples discussed in class. Expect frequent homework assignments during the first part of the course, and fewer thereafter.

Labs: Labs are primarily used to introduce particular technologies, and will typically be in a tutorial format. 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.

Projects and Programming Assignments: This is a course about software development, so there will be several opportunities to practice developing software. Two significant projects, one group and one individual, will go through all phases of designing and implementing a program. One programming assignment will focus on implementation.

Capstone/Final Exam: The second (individual) project acts as a capstone experience, bringing together many of the elements discussed in the course. In addition, there will be a written exam during the registrar-scheduled time slot. More details about the written exam will be announced later in the semester.

Final Grades: Final grades in this course will be computed as follows:

• Labs: 20%
• Homework: 20%
• Programming Assignment: 4%
• Projects: 52% (20% team, 32% 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.

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

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.

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 thetasks 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 Ingrid Keenan, x3832, keenan@hws.edu, or drop in at the CTL office on the 2nd floor of the library.

last updated: --Sat Aug 30 16:59:10 EDT 2014--
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