Thomas L. Brown                                      Office:    Jour 238
    http://faculty.tamu-commerce.edu/tombrown            Phone: 903.886.5403


                          C.S. 431/531: Java Programming

                                  Fall 2009


    Course Description:
        This course is offered to develop the knowledge and skills necessary 
    to develop computer programs with the Java language.  It is designed for 
    experienced programmers and has as major goals: a) to learn a high-level,
    object-oriented language that is used for a wide variety of applications
    and systems; b) to learn problem-solving methods, data representation and
    algorithm design; and to develop skills in program development including
    an integrated development environment for programming and implementation.


    Audience:
        Students planning to enroll for this course should have mastered
    the objectives set for a comprehensive programming course in an
    algorithmic (procedural) language.


    Learning Objectives:
    1.  Master techniques for console input and output (I/O)
    2.  Apply logical constructs for branching and loops
    3.  Define classes and methods
    4.  Master the basics of inheritance, encapsulation and polymorphism
    5.  Create and access arrays
    6.  Incorporate exception handling-techniques in applications 
    7.  Utilize file I/O for both sequential and random access
    8.  Create and process linked data structures
    9.  Use the Swing library to develop windowing (GUI) interfaces
        for user I/O
    10. Master Java DataBase Connectivity
    11. Process XML with Java
    12. Use java for networking via a URL, sockets and remote method
        invocation.


    Reference:
        Horstman, Cay.  Big Java 3rd Edition.  New York: John Wiley &
    Sons, Inc., 2008.  (ISBN 978-0-470-10554-2).
    [online for ACM members at Books 24/7; plus there is an eBook: 
    http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0470461462.html]


    Measurement and Evaluation:
        Grades will be based upon an evaluation of exam scores, laboratory
    assignments and projects.  For undergraduate students, there are 300 
    possible points to earn on exams and 200 points for labs or projects.
    Graduate students are to take the exams and participate in group 
    projects.  Total points in the range of 450-500 earns an "A", 400-449 a
    "B" etc.  College policy must be followed to obtain an "X" (incomplete).
    Unless circumstances warrant, the student is expected to withdraw 
    instead of delaying completion of the course.






    Journalism 234                                                        Page 2
      


                                 CLASS POLICY


    Activities and Requirements
    1.  Assigned Readings: The student is expected to read assignments to prepare 
        for scheduled discussions of the material, understand the Java language 
        and coding techniques for the laboratory exercises, and acquire knowledge
        for the exams.

    2.  Attendance:  The student is expected to attend all scheduled class 
        meetings.  Regular and punctual participation should ensure that 
        expectations are understood, and the professor may obtain feedback to 
        monitor and assess progress.  The student is responsible for obtaining 
        assignments and related materials.  If it is necessary to leave during a
        class meeting, the student is expected to delay return until after the 
        next recess.  Accruing more than three unexcused absences or failure to 
        participate in group or other organized activities may result in an 
        administrative drop.

    3.  Participation:  The student is expected to take part in class and project
        team activities, implement and test software examples, present laboratory
        or project plans and solutions, and assist other class or team members 
        with technical issues.

    4.  Laboratory Exercises:  It is expected that the student will start each 
        assignment when given, and submit finished products by the due date.  Late
        submissions will incur a penalty of one point per weekday for a limited 
        number of days (announced).  By departmental policy, a passing lab average
        or project grade is necessary to earn course credit.

    5.  Projects: Each graduate student is expected to participate on assigned 
        group projects.  This is an option for undergraduate students.  After 
        receiving assignments or topics for study, it is expected that development
        will commence immediately, and the student will deliver presentations on
        software under development, maintain web folder documentation and inform
        class members about folder navigation on a timely basis.

    6.  Exams: The student is expected to complete each exam at the scheduled time.
        With an authorized excuse, an opportunity will be provided to "makeup" a 
        graded activity.  The exams are based upon all learning objectives to be 
        attained before the scheduled date.

    7.  Intellectual Honesty: By departmental policy, the discovery of plagiarism 
        (example: copying from another's exam paper) will result in a grade of "F"
        on a particular paper or other work submitted for an individual grade.  A 
        subsequent breach of this policy mandates a grade of "F" for the course.

    8.  Special Accomodations: Students in need of accomodations for disabilities 
        should contact the Director of Disability Resources and Services, Halladay
        Student Services Building, Room 303D, phone 903.886.5150 or 5835.