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Course Overview
Objective
The overall purpose of this course is to
introduce you to the realm of computer
programming via the Python language. During
the semester you will develop an appreciation
for and proficiency with this programming
language. In the process you will improve your
ability to approach tasks in a structured,
algorithmic manner. You will also have the
opportunity to propose and implement your own
code, to write a wide variety of programs, and
to work together with classmates.
Material
The topics we will cover include input/output,
variables, branching, arithmetic, graphics,
strings, loops, functions, lists, interactive
graphics, and animation. We will move through
the topics in roughly this order. There is no
required text for the course; instead, I will
post notes in advance of each class meeting so
that you can follow along as we cover new
material or refer back to them later. If
you wish to obtain a book for further
reference I strongly recommend Hello World! by
Warren Sande and Carter Sande. (This
book is quite helpful but strictly optional;
you are not
required to purchase it.)
Classroom
We will hold interactive classes, so feel free
to ask questions, share ideas, or point out
mistakes at any point. If your computer
ever behaves in an unexpected manner, please
let me know right away. Better yet, flag
down our TA, Spencer Timerman, who can solve
all your computer related difficulties.
On a related note, when your programs refuse
to run as intended, don't hesitate to ask me
or a nearby classmate for help. The
classroom is definitely the best place to
identify and fix programming errors.
Finally, please observe basic lab etiquette
and refrain from surfing, texting, and so on
during instruction time.
Python
Some of you may wish to install this
programming language on your own machines to
make working on assignments more convenient.
This can be done, but it is not altogether
straightforward. For this reason I would
recommend working on programming tasks in our
classroom, Bewkes 109. This location has
the added advantage that help is literally
around the corner at the QRC or upstairs in my
office, Valentine 212. Please contact me
if you wish to install Python software on your
own machine. For more information and
documentation, visit the official Python web site.
Resources
You are welcome to stop by my office whenever
you would like to discuss programming. I will
generally be around from 12:00 to 3:00 on
Mondays, 12:00 until 2:00 on T/Th, and for
much of Friday afternoon. The most
reliable way to contact me is to send
email. You can also call X5946
to reach me by phone. Our course TA,
Spencer Timerman, will have hours at the QRC
on Thursday evenings from 9:00-11:00pm.
Please be sure to contact me early in the
semester to make special arrangements
regarding any aspect of the course due to
religious observances or disabilities.
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