Course Web page: http://faculty.elgin.edu/mpelczarski
Name: Mark Pelczarski
Phone: (847) 214-7498
Office: ICT-124
Campus E-mail: mpelczarski@elgin.edu
Office/Lab hours:
Monday 2:15-6:00pm
Tuesday 12:15-2:45pm
Wednesday 2:15-5:00pm
Thursday 12:15-1:15pm
CIS 207 Class Hours:
6:00-9:50pm Mondays, ICT-131
Required Text:
Core Java, Volume 1 - Fundamentals, 8th Edition, Horstmann and Cornell, Prentice Hall
Note: We will follow this book pretty closely, so unlike some of the other courses I teach, I do
recommend that you try to obtain the current 8th edition, just published. This is a very well-written book
and I think you will want to keep it as a reference, too.
Also required: USB Flash drive
In this course you will learn to program using the Java computer language. The prerequisite is a prior college-level programming course, so it is assumed that you already know a language like C++, Basic, or Pascal. We will closely follow the book this semester, learning how to write Java applications and later learning how to write applets that can be delivered within web pages. We will have use of a web server for this class, and we will have to opportunity to create web pages with embedded applets. I anticipate that you will become proficient with most of the material in Core Java, Volume 1, and we will address selected topics in Volume 2 and from other resources. (The new edition of volume 2 is projected for release in April 2008.)
Frequent, short programming assignments will give you an opportunity to practice working with the features of Java we are discussing in class. The goal of each assignment will be for you to demonstrate capability with the current topic in Java programming, as well as good standard programming practices (including good organization and DOCUMENTATION!).
However, for this course I wholeheartedly encourage you to pursue any special interest you may have in some aspect of applying Java. For that reason, I will gladly let you substitute alternate programs for the assignments I give. The only requirements are that you must notify me beforehand (NOT when you turn it in!), your program must demonstrate proficiency with the same topic that is the focus of the assignment, and your program MUST be your own work. You may not simply adapt or modify existing programs or samples that you find from other resources.
I realize that certain programming tasks will require doing things in ways that you've learned from specific samples, either in our textbook or from other resources. If you use multiple lines of code from any source, use comments above that code that clearly list the source. If it's a web site, give the URL. If it's a book, give the title, author, and chapter or page. Remember, though, that your programs should demonstrate YOUR knowledge about the specific topic of the assignment, NOT your ability to copy and paste!
To allow adequate time for grading and corrections, late assignments will not be accepted in the last three weeks of the semester.
Most or all of your grade will be based on your programs. We may have some quizzes during the semester, but at least 75% of your grade will be on the quality of your programs. The "final" will be a final programming project in the last weeks of the course.
Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the due date. Printed and commented source code should be handed in, and you should be prepared to copy your source and compiled code to a network location so I can test it. Anything turned in after the due date and time is given 50% credit. If you were stuck on an assignment, turn in what you do have on the due date for partial credit. You may still turn in a corrected version up to 2 weeks after you receive your graded assignment and earn 50% of any points you missed.
I use a grading scale of 90% for an A, 80% for a B, 70% for a C, and 60% for a D.
Please read the following regarding originality and cheating. It applies to your work for
this course:
Originality of Work
You are expected to be in class. If you must miss, leave a message on my office phone (847)214-7498, or send me an e-mail at mpelczarski@elgin.edu. Unless previous arrangements have been made due to extenuating circumstances, after three absences the instructor has the right to drop you from the class with a failing grade.
1. Writing, Compiling, and Executing a Java Program
2. Java Language Syntax
3. Object-Oriented Programming (3 weeks)
4. Graphical User Interface
5. Swing Components (2 weeks)
6. Packaging, Deploying, JAR files, and Applets
7. Reading Files, ArrayLists, Dates
8. Lists and Dialogs
9. Menus, JFileChooser, Writing Files
10. Event Listener Interfaces and Adapters
11. Inheritance and Polymorphism with Objects
12. Multithreading