IS 115 – Introduction to Programming
Summer 2021, 8-week course (June 7, 2021- August 15, 2021)

Instructor Name: Mahima Pandey

Contact phone: (702) 651-4850

Contact E-mail: mahima.pandey@csn.edu
(Preferably, use Canvas system for all communications regarding this course)

Office Location: Green Valley Center, 101-D (1560 W. Warm Springs Road, Henderson, NV 89014)

Office Hours: Thursday 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Office hours on Canvas Conference and on-line meetings can be arranged by appointment.

Course meeting time/days: Online

Course meeting Location: Web-Remote, please login to Canvas course and click at Conference in the Navigation panel

Course Description:

This course introduces the student to problem-solving and algorithm development using a modern programming language. Students should have basic computer skills. Special Note: We will use the Python programming language for demonstration of a high-level programming language.

Course Pre or Co-Requisites

MATH 95 or ET 111B or a satisfactory ACT/SAT/Placement Test score that places the student in MATH 96 or above.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, a student will be able to:

  1. Describe the steps required to perform calculations and to complete tasks.
  2. Translate algorithms into computer programs.
  3. Create programs that process user input and produce output.
  4. Code programs that use appropriate loops and decision structures.
  5. Create programs that read and write files.
  6. Code programs that use array processing. Use generally accepted principles of good programming style and documentation

Textbook

Textbook: Prelude to Programming – concepts and design, 6th edition.
Venit&Drake, Pearson – ISBN: 9780133741636.
NOTE: The textbook may be accompanied by a “bind-in access code”. This resource is OPTIONAL and you are not required to use it. It provides additional resources available for the author of the textbook that may be beneficial.
There is a copy of this book on reserve at the West Charleston library for use in the library. Strongly recommended -
Reference book: Starting out with Python – Tony Gaddis – Fourth Edition - Pearson – ISBN: 9780134444321 .
There is a copy of this book on reserve at the North Las Vegas library for use in the library. I will provide additional information on using Python via the Canvas system. “ Safari Tech Books” offer many other books on Python (see my note later in this document on using the free library resources)

Software requirements

The Canvas Learning Management system can be run on most popular web browsers such as Internet Explorer, FireFox, Safari, etc. Canvas runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, or any other device with a modern web browser. For more information, see http://guides.instructure.com/s/2204/m/4214/l/41056-which-browsers-does-canvas-support.Links to an external site.Links to an external site. You may be required to download programs such as Notepad ++ and or student data files and install them on your home computer in order to complete the course work.

Measurement of Objectives:

You will know you are meeting the course objectives stated above as you successfully.

  • complete assignments that teach and reinforce the skills and techniques covered in the course,
  • log in canvas and participate in classroom activities,
  • complete projects that require you to demonstrate mastery of concepts and skills. Most of these activities result in points that are accumulated during the semester. The final point total determines the grade you earn.

Important Note

If you have any concerns about this course and/or me, please contact me first. If I cannot resolve your issue, please contact CIT Department Office at 702-651-5976. You will be directed to the appropriate Program Director or the Department Chair. You will remain anonymous, if possible, and all communications will be strictly confidential. Please DO NOT wait until the last minute to make your concerns known to me and/or to the CIT Department.

CSN student emails.

All students enrolled at CSN have a CSN Student Email account. Beginning February 1, 2020, all information from the college will be sent to your CSN-issued student email address (enrollment information, financial aid information, cashier information, college events, etc.). It is extremely important that you check your student email daily. You can access your student email through GoCSN (go.csn.edu). Once you validate your student email address you will have access to Microsoft Office 365 for up to five devices and 1TB of OneDrive storage. www.csn.edu/email   

Grading Policy

Assignments: 200 points
Quizzes: 100 points
Midterm: 100 points
Final Exam: 100 points
Your grade is based 2 exams, chapter quizzes, and homework assignments.

A = 100% - 94%
A = < 94% - 90%
B+ = < 90% - 87%
B = < 87% - 84%
B- = < 84% - 80%
C+ = <80% - 77%
C = < 77% - 74%
C- = < 74% - 70%
D = <70% - 60%
F = <61%

Attendance Policy

College assumes maturity, seriousness of purpose, and self-discipline for meeting the responsibilities associated with each course.  If you will need the instructor to sign documents testifying about your attendance, YOU must come to the instructor after each class you attend to let her know you were there. Class participation is a strong aspect of this course and your participation is always encouraged.

Late Work policy

Follow the due dates assigned for each assignment in the Module section of Canvas. If you miss any assignment, quiz or exam due to an emergency you must communicate with me as soon as possible. There will be 10% deduction per day for late submissions. No course work can be submitted after the last day of this semester.

Academic Integrity

Taking the words of others or presenting the ideas of others as your own not only limits your academic research skills, it also violates the CSN’s Student Academic Integrity Policy. Cheating on exams or other course work also violates the CSN Student Academic Integrity Policy. You can find more information about CSN’s Academic Integrity Policy at this  link .  The minimum penalty for such offenses in this course is to fail the assignment. Failing the course will also be considered as an option. Infractions of the CSN Student Academic Integrity Policy may lead to suspensions, expulsion, transcript notations or other sanctions. You SHOULD NOT attempt to pay anyone to complete your work. You SHOULD NOT consult any web sites that provide answers to assignments.

Resources

Disability Resource Center

The College of Southern Nevada is committed to making physical facilities and instructional programs accessible to students with disabilities. If you have a disability that may have some impact on your work in this class and for which you may require accommodations, please visit the Disability Resource Center (DRC) so that such accommodations can be considered. All discussions will remain confidential. The Disability Resource Center (DRC) has offices at all three campus locations as the focal point for coordination of services for students with disabilities. If you have a physical, emotional, or mental disability that “substantially limits one or more major life activities (including walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and working),” and will require accommodation in this class, please contact the DRC at WC (702) 651-5644 , or email at WCDRCStaff@csn.edu at NLV (702) 651-4045, or email at CYDRCStaff@csn.edu and at HNC (702) 651-3795, or email at HCDRCStaff@csn.edu. For Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services contact (702) 651- 4448, or email at Deaf.HH.Services@csn.edu. Students that receive accommodation letters, please meet with me to discuss the provisions of those accommodations as soon as possible.

Centers for Academic Success (CAS)

Centers for Academic Success (CAS) provides quality DROP-IN academic assistance to all students enrolled in for-credit courses at CSN. CSN CAS Tutors are available online through Smarthinking, which is accessed in the Canvas online learning management system. View a tutorial video on how to access CSN Tutors/Learning Assistants online at How to Access CSN Tutors in Smarthinking    . You may choose “Submit a Question” if you don’t have time for a live session. A Tutor responds to offline questions within 24 hours. Contact us at one of campus phone numbers, and we will assist you with accessing all learning support. Academic learning support includes assistance with placement test preparation, learning strategies, Canvas, Smarthinking online tutoring, Microsoft Office, reading, writing, oral presentations, math, and science. CAS Tutors also provide support in facilitating study groups. You may experience embedded learning assistance in one of your first-year courses. Professors and CAS Staff will make you aware of how to access services as part of your course curriculum. CAS is open Monday through Sunday to be more accessible to all students – Monday – Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday – Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Smarthinking tutors are available 24/7. You may visit this  link  for more details or contact us at one of our offices during our regular operational hours: Charleston Centers (702-651-5732), North Las Vegas Learning Commons (702-651-4232), Henderson Learning Commons (702-651-3125). *Students will receive notification as on-ground tutoring services resume.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

The Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS offer short-term, problem-focused counseling to CSN students who may feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of college, work, family, and relationships.  Clinicians are available to help students cope with stresses and personal issues that may interfere with their ability to perform in school.  The service is provided confidentially and free to currently enrolled students.  To schedule an appointment, please call CAPS at WC (702) 651-5518, at NLV (702) 651-4099, and at HN (702) 651-3099.

Food and Housing Insecurity Support

Any student who has difficulty affording groceries or accessing sufficient food to eat every day, or who lacks a safe and stable place to live, and believes this may affect their performance in the course, is urged to contact Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS), for a list of resources and support.

College Library Services

CSN Libraries provides support for students completing assignments that require research and the use of information. Librarians are available to students for one-on-one assistance locating and citing quality information either online at this  link  or at one of our campus libraries. Find more information on our main website at this  link .

References

Safari Tech Books available through the library offer an excellent source of supplemental resources that you may use for this course.  To find Safari Books Online, go to the library’s web site. Click the Browse Databases button. In the A-Z Databases page that appears, click S to filter. The link to Safari Books Online should be at or near the top of the list. Initially, you will have to enter your student email address, then create an account with Safari. Subsequently, you will use your email address and your Safari password to access the Safari resources.

Printing

Printing in CSN classrooms, computer labs and libraries falls under Print Wise. Print Wise provides each CSN student with a $10 credit toward printing at the start of each semester, which will provide for up to 200 black and white copies at 5¢ a page, or 40 color copies at 25¢ a page. After that, you may put money into your account online or at the CSN Cashier’s Office to purchase additional prints at the same rate. It is your responsibility to maintain your printing accounts to cover printing expenses during each semester. More information about the Print Wise system may be found at this  link .

Advising & Coaching Services:

Advisor/Success Coaches help students assess academic strengths and limitations, learn academic success strategies, explore careers, declare a major, navigate the educational system, access campus and community resources, and connect to campus life. The department also manages the CSN Faculty E-Alert System assisting instructional staff by working with students on strategies and interventions that lead to successful course completion.  
Charleston Campus                 Bldg. D – Student Services Area       651-7367
North Las Vegas Campus     1100 Student Services Area   651-2626
Henderson Campus                 Bldg. B – Room 120                          651-3103

Counseling & Retention Services

Counselors assist students who are on: academic warning/probation/suspension and financial aid warning/suspension. Counselors prepare academic suspension and financial aid appeals. Counselors help students who are having academic challenges and those who have been referred by their instructors through the MyCoyotePLAN Early Alert program. Counselors connect students to college and community resources and help them evaluate their options to make informed decisions. For more information about Counseling & Retention Services, please us this  link

Mandatory Furloughs 

All CSN faculty are subject to four (4) mandatory days furloughs as set forth by the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), approved by the Board of Regents (BOR) and mandated by the State of Nevada. Furloughed employees are not expected to perform any work during the time furlough is taken, including checking and responding to their work email. Faculty will not take furlough time during times of instruction. Students may experience a slower response to email questions or requests for assistance during their designated furlough time.

Early Alert Syllabus Statement

Early Alert Referral Program (MyCoyotePLAN) – A referral program to connect students with college resources when assistance is needed to achieve success. Referrals may be initiated by faculty and staff as well by students through MyCoyotePLAN. After a referral is submitted, students will receive an email notification and will be contacted by the department to which they were referred to offer assistance.

Academic Counseling

Centers for Academic Success (CAS) provides quality academic assistance to all students enrolled at CSN in for credit courses. Tutors are available for most challenging general education courses and some other historically challenging courses. Academic learning support includes assistance with learning strategies, reading and comprehension, writing, oral presentations, math, and science. CAS tutors also help with placement test preparation in reading, English, and math. Please visit https://www.csn.edu/centers-academic-success for location and hours. You may also contact them at one of their offices:
Charleston 702-651-5732, Cheyenne 702-651-4232, Henderson 702-651-3125
Hours for services at each campus are: Monday-Thursday 9am-6pm, Friday and Saturday 9am-3pm.

Software Lab

The software lab will be virtual and will be available on January 19, 2021. For location/date/time information, please visit this  link . Click on Networking and Software Lab Hours Due to Covid-19 issues, software lab will be operated virtually. Detailed information will be provided in Canvas on the first day of class.

Computer Lab

Computer labs are available to all currently enrolled CSN students. For computer lab locations and hours, go to https://www.csn.edu/computer-lab-hours.

EXCESS CREDIT FEE INFORMATION

Please visit this  link  for information about the excess credit fee applied in certain circumstances.  

TITLE IX Resources

More information is available at this  link

Rights and Responsibilities

Withdrawal Policy

Instructors do not have the option of withdrawing students. For official withdrawal dates and other IMPORTANT college dates, look at the online schedule at this  link  and locate the calendar for the current semester. You are strongly encouraged to discuss your decisions with an academic counselor, academic adviser or success coach AND Student Financial Services, because these decisions may affect your financial aid and Satisfactory Academic Progress. Students receiving financial aid may find their awards reduced. If you wish to receive a W in lieu of a grade, you MUST withdraw yourself officially from the class. Once you have withdrawn (dropped), you must discontinue attending class. Alternatively, you may wish to change from Credit to Audit and continue to attend the class. Change to Audit - Use this form provided in this  link . Print the form and fill it out, check the boxes, sign and date. Submit the completed form in person at the Registrar’s Office. In order to avoid visiting the registrar’s office in person, you may scan or photograph the signed form and send it, using your CSN student email, along with a clear color copy of your state ID to MyCSN.Updates@csn.edu

The following dates are for 10-week sessions:

June 6, 2021 - Last day for 100% refund
June 9, 2021 - Last day for 50% refund
June 9, 2021 - Last Day to Drop a Class WITHOUT a Grade of W
July 19, 2021 - Last Day to Officially Change from Credit to Audit
July 19, 2021 - Last Day to Drop a Class WITH a Grade of W
August 18, 2021 - Grades are Due from Instructors

Internet Access

Internet access is your responsibility. This class can be accessed from any computer with Internet access anywhere in the world. Therefore, excuses such as “My computer is not working” or “My provider was down” are not acceptable. If you find yourself in a real jam, you may drive to any CSN site and use one of the computers in the CSN open computer labs. Of course, if there is a computer problem originating from CSN, then I will take corrective action. But in all other instances, it is your responsibility to ensure your own Internet access.

Objectionable materials

The Instructors have the responsibility to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior appropriate to the discipline and method of instruction. No objectionable materials or language will be used during this class. This includes all possible modes of the class: online and in person. The instructor will make the final determination regarding any objectionable materials or language. Students may not engage in activity the instructor deems disruptive or counterproductive to the goals of the class. Instructors have the right to remove offending students from class.

Additional Notes

My responsibilities:

  • I will reply to your e-mail messages within one day. Replying to phone calls may take at most two days. 
  • I will make sure to accommodate all your learning needs and will answer your questions in a timely manner.
  • I will try my best to resolve any issues.
  • I will return feedback and your grade on assignments within one week of the due date.

Your responsibilities: 

  • Stay active in classroom discussions and activities. Let me know if you find any discrepancies in the syllabus, course material, or activity due dates, as soon as possible.
  • Watch the deadlines for exams and ask questions.
  • Do the best you can in the class and don’t hesitate to ask for help.
  • You will review my feedback on your assignments and will let me know of any questions or concerns as soon as possible.

Required extra- or co-curricular activities

All activities are based on projects and exams assigned throughout the course. Any required extra activities will be clearly explained in class.

Safety

This class does not have an experiment lab and therefore we will not be concerned about following specific safety strategies.

Additional fees

There are no additional fees for this course.

Disclaimer

This syllabus is subject to change with advance notice. Notices will be posted in the online forum. It is your responsibility to stay informed.

Tentative schedule

All course due dates are in the Canvas course shell under the Canvas Syllabus Course Summary Section. Additionally, Canvas will also remind you of approaching due dates.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

When you choose to become a student at CSN, you accept the rights and responsibilities of membership in CSN’s academic and social community.  You can find policies covering students such as the Student Conduct, Students’ Right to Know, Students’ Academic Integrity, and Disruptive and Abusive Student in the following locations: ·       Catalog and Student Handbook (web  link ) in the Policies and Procedures section. ·       CSN Website (web  link ) under the heading “Student Policies.”

Recording Class

Recordings of the class is not allowed without the explicit permission of the instructor.

Class Policies

All exams will be taken online administered through the Canvas system. Due to the Covid-19 issues, until we are back to normal operating schedule, you will take your exam from anywhere with access to Internet.   All course material is available online in Canvas. While the design of this course allows flexibility in your scheduling, please realize that the deadlines are just as strict as any other course. You should check the calendar and discussion postings daily and allocate your time accordingly to complete the readings and to be prepared for the exams. Due dates will be strictly adhered to. You will use the mail and discussion features of Canvas to contact me or ask questions.

Web-Remote – Using this format, class meets virtually during the scheduled time via a web conference for live lectures. A rule of thumb for a 3-credit class is that you attend class about approximately 3 hours a week and study a minimum of 6 hours a week outside of the classroom. IT work can be time-consuming. This is a single person class; meaning that you must turn in your own work. You are not allowed to collaborate or consult with anyone else while working on an exam. You are not allowed to collaborate on completing assignments. You should not be looking at each other’s code for assignments. You can freely discuss items in the general sense. Cheating in any form will not be tolerated.

Public Health Directives (COVID-19)

Students must follow all active CSN public health directives while enrolled in this class. Properly worn face coverings are mandatory for all faculty and students in the classroom as well as on campus. CSN public health directives are found at this  link . Students who do not comply with these directives will be asked to leave the classroom. Refusal to follow the guidelines may result in further disciplinary action according to the CSN Student Conduct Code found at this  link  including being dropped from the course.

Course Contract

This syllabus is a course contract for the duration of the semester.  By continuing with this course students agree to the terms set forth in this syllabus and will adhere to all rules and policies outlined.      Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work and attendance policies, may be subject to change without advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor. 

Schedule

Subject to change with prior notice

Date Material
Week 1 Introduction & Syllabus Chapter 0, 1 & 3
Week 2 Chapter 4 & 5
Week 3 Chapter 6
Week 4 Chapter 7 Midterm
Week 5 Midterm & Python Net Academy Modules 1& 2 - Python Basics (Input, processing, output)
Week 6 Python - Decisions
Week 7 Python - Loops
Week 8 Python - Lists
Week 9 Python - Functions
Week 10 Final Exam
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