CSCI 150 Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming

Time/Place

This section of the course (Fall 2009) meets Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00AM to 9:50AM in Ritter Hall 121 (the Linux lab).

General Description

This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of object-oriented programming, focusing specifically on the Python programming language. For a number of reasons that we'll discuss in class, Python is particularly well-suited for a first course in object-oriented programming. In later courses you will learn some C++, Java, and sometimes other languages as well.

A detailed list of topics to be covered can be found on the course schedule page. On the course schedule page you will also find announcements of exams, homework assignments, and other date-sensitive material.

Textbook Information

The required textbook for the course is Object-Oriented Programming in Python by Michael Goldwasser and David Letscher. It is available from the SLU Bookstore, or from amazon.com. Drs. Goldwasser and Letscher are on the faculty here at SLU, if you have complaints (or compliments) related to the textbook, you can pay them a visit in the basement of Ritter Hall!

They maintain a web site with resources related to the text, as well as list of errata (some of which are important since they break code examples in the book).

Computer Accounts

At the first class meeting you will be given an account (the username is the same as your SLU email username, plus a randomly chosen password) for the server turing.slu.edu. The easiest way to log into this machine is directly from the computers in the Linux Lab where class is held. Alternatively, if you'd like to log in from somewhere else on campus, e.g. your dorm room, you can install a program on your computer called the NX Client and use that to connect to turing. The NX Client should be available from other computer labs on campus as well. Here are some instructions supplied by the Math and CS department web site.

It is a good idea to change your password to something a bit easier to remember the first time you log in. You can do this by opening a terminal and using the "passwd" command. You'll need to enter your old password first followed by your new password, and again for confirmation.

Homework and Exams

There will be homework and reading assignments every week. It is essential to keep up with the reading since there is a lot of material to cover, and only a limited amount of time we're able to spend together in class.

There will be an in-class midterm exam given Tuesday, October 13th which accounts for 20% of your final grade. The final exam is scheduled for Monday, December 14th from 8:00-9:50AM; it is comprehensive and is worth 30% of your final grade. Class participation and homework assignments count for 50%, and so it essential to get your homeworks done, and attendance at every class meeting is mandatory. Make-up exams will not be given.

College Policies

The College of Arts and Sciences has a policy concerning academic honesty with which you should be familiar.

Saint Louis University is committed to providing equal educational access for all of its students by ensuring that students with documented clinical or medical disabilities receive reasonable accommodations that support effective participation in all aspects of the educational experience. For more information, visit SLU Disability Services.