Course Procedures - Craig Persiko's CS 111B class

Is CS 111B the right class for you?

CS 111B is meant for students who already know a little bit of programming, and want to learn the fundamentals of Java programming. If you have never programmed before, you should take CS 110A first.
In CS 111B, we will cover a brief review of data types, if-statements, loops, and methods (functions), to learn how they work in Java. Then we will spend more time on object-oriented programming (OOP) and inheritance, exception handling, file i/o, and arrays.
For prerequisite knowledge, before you take CS 111B, you should be able to do something like this in the programming language of your choice:
Write a complete function/method that takes in a single numeric parameter. If the number is positive, use a loop to print a "Hello world!" message that number of times. Otherwise, print a message such as: "Error: number must be positive!"
If you already can write a program like that, then CS 111B is the right place for you to learn Java. If you don't know how to do something like that, then you should take CS 110A first, to get an introduction to programming.
If you want to transfer and get a Bachelors Degree, assist.org has official information about which courses transfer (articulate) between schools. For example, you can see there that SFSU wants CS majors to know Java (as covered in our CS 111B and 111C courses).
CS 111C Data Structures and Algorithms in Java is an important class for CS majors. Before you can take it, you must complete CS 111B (or show the department chair that you have learned Java already.)

Course Requirements

This class will meet face-to-face on campus: Mondays and Wednesdays 12:10 - 2:00 PM in Batmale Hall room 453 (Ocean Campus). This classroom has Apple MacOS computers for each student. It is CRN 34871, Section 002.
You will need to use a computer (or tablet with keyboard) for class homework. Only a web browser is needed, so a simple computer or Chromebook is fine, but a phone is not enough - you need a full-size screen and keyboard. You may be able to borrow a chromebook and/or get wifi from CCSF. You should also be able to use a computer lab on campus.
Learning to write computer programs is a time consuming and sometimes frustrating endeavor of open-ended problem-solving. I expect an average student to spend about 12 hours per week on this class: reading, watching videos, attending class, studying, working on programming assignments and other class work. If you don't have the time or dedication for such work, this class may not be for you. Make sure to keep up with the course materials and do all the assignments before they are due. Everything in this class builds cumulatively, so if you get behind, it is very difficult to pass the class. I am available to help via office hours and email, plus there are discussions and lots of opportunities to practice in this class.
In the first 2 weeks of class, we will cover Chapters 1-5 of the textbook as a quick review of topics from CS 110A (using Java). So if you are new to programming, I recommend you study those chapters before our class begins.

Major Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course a student will be able to:

Create and test Java programs that use appropriate method design and control structures with a variety of I/O channels.
Design, implement, and use classes and objects that adhere to best practices for object-oriented design in Java.
Implement basic algorithms to manipulate arrays, including multidimensional arrays.

How to reach me:

Instructor Web Page: http://fog.ccsf.edu/~cpersiko

Email: cpersiko@ccsf.edu

Office: Batmale 468
(415) 239-3332

Office Hours (January 16 - May 14):

Mondays from 2:00 – 3:00 pm in Batmale 453
Thursdays from 10:00 – 11:00 am in Batmale 468 (my office)
(plus other times by appointment on Zoom or in person - email me to make an appointment)

Online System for Course Material, Discussions, and Assignment Submission (Canvas):

For more information and to access Canvas, see: https://ccsf.instructure.com/

Getting Help

Sharing ideas with each other is one of the best ways for you to learn, so when you have a question or problem, ask your classmates for help. You can email me anytime: please send me your entire program by email, and specify exactly what error messages or output your program is producing, along with your question. I'm also available during my office hours listed above.

There is free tutoring available by advanced CCSF Computer Science students, via the CS Tutor Squad.

Textbook (Free, Online only):

HTML version of Think Java, Second Edition, by Allen Downey and Chris Mayfield also available in PDF Format of the same book.

Attendance Policy

You are expected to participate in class every week and submit all assignments on time. I may drop you from the class if you don't post or submit anything, nor come to class for over two weeks, without explanation.

Course Prerequisite Advisories:

Before you take CS 111B, you should be able to do something like this in the programming language of your choice:
Write a complete function/method that takes in a single numeric parameter. If the number is positive, use a loop to print a "Hello world!" message that number of times. Otherwise, print a message such as: "Error: number must be positive!"
If you already can write a program like that, then CS 111B is the right place for you to learn Java. If you don't know how to do something like that, then you should take CS 110A first, to get an introduction to programming.

Grading Policy:

Your final score will be made up of the following components:

30% - Programming Exercises and Discussions in classroom (or Canvas)
50% - Programming Assignments (homework)
8% - Midterm Test
12% - Final Examination

Midterm and final grades will be assigned on the following percentage scale:

   90% - 100%   A
   80% - 89%     B
   70% - 79%     C
   60% - 69%     D
   0 - 59%         F

Students who do not take the final exam will be assigned a grade of "FW". An "FW" is an "F" grade that also indicates that the student did not complete the course.

Programming Assignments (Homework):

The best way to learn how to program is to do it! Assignments will be given once a week, but you should try to complete each assignment early, so you can ask questions and get help. You will each encounter problems that require more time than you anticipate to fix -- that's the nature of programming. So think of the assignments as due in the morning instead of at night. Then you can ask questions in office hours or via email on the due date if necessary.

All assignment submissions must include 2 major parts: the Java code you wrote (the source file) and some sample input and output showing how your program works.

I will employ student workers to grade assignments for this class. If you have any questions or concerns about this arrangement or a particular grading decision a grader makes, please don't hesitate to tell me. I will be happy to review grading decisions on request.

Late Assignments:

Late submissions are accepted without penalties, but if you get behind in this course, it becomes very difficult to understand what's going on. So it's important to submit assignments on-time. You will get no credit for turning in my solution as your own. All programs you turn in must be your own, even after we have gone through a solution in class.

Semester Schedule

First day of classes: Tuesday, January 16
Last day to drop a class without having to pay anything for it (SF Residents have to pay for the course if dropped after this date): January 29
Last day to add a class, also last day to drop a class without it appearing on transcript: February 2
Presidents Day Weekend - campus closed February 16-19
Flex Day (faculty professional development) - no classes: Tuesday, March 5
Midterm Test: March 13 in class or online covering Chapters 1-7 and 9-10 (Java datatypes, control structures, methods, strings, references and objects)
Spring Break - no classes, college closed: April 8-14
Last day to drop a class: April 18
Last Regular Class: May 14
Final Exam: Take online sometime between May 15-22 or in class by appointment. covering Chapters 11-16 plus supplemental reading (class design, arrays of objects and arrays, extending and reusing classes, and file i/o plus exception handling), plus the earlier topics.
Last day late assignments will be accepted: May 22
Final grades available on myRAM Portal starting June 6, on Canvas starting May 30 or sooner.

Cheating

Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated. It will result in a grade of 0 on the assignment or test in question and can be cause for disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion. Cheating on assignments means copying code or answers from another source - that includes copying code from a web site, or submitting work written by someone else (including AI). Getting help from other sources is not cheating as long as you're not copying their work or allowing them to copy yours. All code and work that you submit must be written by you. On the exams, any collaboration or copying constitutes cheating.

Software and Computer Access

For an easy web-based Java development environment, I recommend replit.com. You need to create an account to use it, but the free account is all you need for this class. I also encourage you to try one of the more professional, full-featured development environments below.
If you want to install a Java Development environment on your computer, use Oracle's Standard Edition (SE) Java Development Kit: JDK 21. It can be downloaded from Oracle here, free of charge. (Click on your operating system, then the Installer link.) It is already installed on the City College Linux server called "hills". By registering in this class you will automatically be given an account on hills, or if you already had an account, it will be reactivated if necessary. You can access hills from any computer that is connected to the internet.
Some students prefer to install an Integrated Development Environment (IDE), such as jGrasp or Eclipse. I encourage you to try these out. Eclipse is a professional-level full-featured IDE.
I have put together a page of links to free or low-cost software you might find useful (including these IDEs) at http://fog.ccsf.edu/~cpersiko/links.html

Use of CCSF computers, including remote access, is regulated by the CCSF Computer Usage Policy. Do not give passwords and other sensitive information to unauthorized persons. This means you shouldn't tell anyone your personal passwords and you shouldn't give class account passwords to people who aren't in this class.

Drop Procedures

Generally it is your responsibility to drop or withdraw from a class by the final deadlines given in your course schedule. Do not ask me to drop you; use the myRAM system, or contact the Office of Admissions and Records to be withdrawn from a class. If you don't come to class, submit any assignments, or post in any discussions for 10 days without explanation, I may drop you from the class. If your name is on the roll at the end of the semester and you don't take the final exam, you will be assigned a final grade of FW. I will not give a late or retroactive drop or withdrawal.

Disability Accomodations

Students with disabilities who need accommodations are encouraged to contact me. Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) is available to facilitate the reasonable accommodation process. The DSPS office is located in the Rosenberg Library, Room 323 and can be reached at (415)452-5481 or http://www.ccsf.edu/dsps

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Discrimination

The CCSF CS Department is committed to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in the field of computer science. We strive to make computer science accessible and exciting to all, particularly those who are often excluded from or face frequent identity discrimination in the field. If you have a suggestion for how we can better support you and/or your classmates, please reach out to any CS instructor or to the Department Chair. We will make sure your voice is heard. For more information and resources outside of our department, please visit CCSF’s Office of Student Equity.

The San Francisco Community College District is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, and the prevention of discrimination and harassment in any program or activity of the District on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, religion, age, gender, gender identity, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, disability or AIDS/HIV status, medical conditions, or status as Vietnam-era veteran, or on the basis of these perceived characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. If you believe you have been subject to discrimination, please contact Mildred Otis, Title 5/EEO/ADA/Title IX Compliance Officer, at motis@ccsf.edu

Go to the CS 111B class homepage