Introduction

David S. Taylor

Course Objectives

• Fundamental programming concepts
• Programming skills
• Introduction into software engineering principles
• Foundational course for the BSCS program
• No prior knowledge of programming or computer science is required

Course Challenges

• Prerequisites?
  • Junior high school reading, writing, arithmetic
• Aptitude?
  • Most people can learn basic programming
• Interest?
  • CS is creative and rewarding, but it can also be tedious
• Time?
  • You can't expect to learn complex skills by listening to lectures
• Study habits?
  • Your brain needs time to learn. Don't try to do all work the night of the due date
• Teacher challenges?
  • First time teaching this course
  • First time using prepared slides
  • First time using teaching technology toys
  • New grading methodologies
  • But, I have freedom to use excellent materials from Cay Horstmann (such as these slides)

Your Responsibilities

• Come to every class meeting
  • That includes the lab sections in Science Building 311.
• Do the assigned reading before class.
  • There will be a brief quiz at the beginning of most classes
• Submit two versions of each programming assignment
  • I don't want you to start working the day before the due date
• Spend two hours out of class for every scheduled hour in class
  • That means 6 1/2 hours per week outside class
• Ask questions right away when you are stuck
  • Use the Google group. You'll get a better grade if you ask lots of questions.
  • Answer your peers' questions. You'll get a better grade if you do.

Homework

Due date: Tuesday, 11:59 p.m.

1. Install the following on your laptop:
   • Firefox
   • Java and BlueJ—see step 1 and 2 in this lab. (Don't do the other steps.)
2. Read Sections 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5 of your textbook
3. Sign up for Wiley PLUS. There will “Chapter 1 Quiz 1&rdquo on this reading, posted this afternoon; Do it before Tuesday, 11:59 p.m.
4. Make sure you can log into the wireless network
5. Put your photo and a brief description of yourself on the Google group:
   • Section 1: http://groups.google.com/group/SJSUTaylorCS46A1Fall09
   • Section 2: http://groups.google.com/group/SJSUTaylorCS46A2Fall09

Wiley PLUS

• We will use the Wiley PLUS web site that comes with the textbook
• Site has quizzes and an online (searchable) version of the book
• No charge for you, provided you got a new textbook from the SJSU bookstore
• ISBN 978-0-470-11210-6
• Used book, book from discount seller, or no book? You'll need to buy the registration code separately at http://wileyplus.com
• Our own private class login:
  Section 1: http://edugen.wiley.com/edugen/class/cls128059/
  Section 2: http://edugen.wiley.com/edugen/class/cls128060/

Lab

• Format of classes: Mixture of lecture and labs (with wrap-up).
• Lab only/no lecture for official Lab meetings (Monday or Wednesday)
• Bring your laptop for the next lecture, with software installed
• You will work with a buddy
• One of you fusses with the code, the other types up answers
• Switch roles each time
• Submit lab work to the Google group

Budget Crisis

• California Master Plan for Higher Education, 1960
  • Three-tier system: UC, CSU, Community Colleges
  • Top third of high school graduates entitled to CSU admission
  • Tuition-free education with fees for dormitories, recreational facilities, etc.
• Political changes since 1960
  • Dramatically lower tax revenue collected from property tax, income tax on wealthy individuals
  • Spending priorities shifted from education to imprisonment
  • Few budget options due to voter-approved mandates, unwillingness to raise revenue
• 2009 CSU Budget
  • $500M budget shortfall
  • Student fees up 20%
  • Faculty and staff furloughed 10%

Summary and Time For Questions

• Set up your laptop with Java and BlueJ and bring it to the next lecture
• Do the reading for the next lecture
• Sign up for Wiley Plus and do the quiz
• Join the Google group
• Get your wireless account
• Expect a rougher semester than usual
• Need to add? Send an email with subject line CS46A Add Request to taylor@cs.sjsu.edu with your name, ID, and a screen capture of the screen that you get when launching BlueJ. Due to budget cuts and enrollment caps, adding the course this semester will be very restricted.
• Questions?