Instructor: Mr. Kretsch

Email: KretschK@middletownk12.org

Phone: 732-706-6111 x2555

Web site: //mrkretsch.pbworks.com/

Classroom: Room 218

Office Hours: Wednesday until 3:30. Other times by appointment.

Contents

Goals of the Course

• Learn the Java Programming Language,
• Learn to create useful, interesting programs in the Object Oriented Programming model, and
• Score a 5 on the Advance Placement Computer Science exam.

Topics

1. Programming Basics
2. Data Types and Objects
3. Arithmetic
4. Boolean data, Logic Operators, and Conditional Control Structures
5. Loops
6. Classes
7. Arrays
8. Algorithms, and sorting and searching
9. Grid World Case Study

Textbook and Notes

Our textbook will be Fundamentals of Java AP Computer Science Essentials , by Kenneth A. Lambert and Martin Osborne.  You will also be given copies of the notes for every lesson. I expect that you will annotate these notes during the lesson. I also expect that you will keep these notes in a loose-leaf binder and refer to them as you work on your labs.

Web Site

The web site for this class is a page under the //mrkretsch.pbworks.com web site. The web site will have this syllabus, a class calendar, and my lesson plans. Most important, this site will have the class notes and class lab assignments. You will be joining this web site by sending me a request-to-join.

Grades

Assignment grade are available on the Parent Portal.

Homework

Occasionally you will be assigned homework to be worked on outside of class. Homework and labs will count for 60% of your marking period grade.

Labs

Most lessons will be followed by a programming assignment. You will be expected to write a program that uses constructs and ideas discussed in the lesson. You will be given time to work on and complete the lab in class. If you fall behind, you can work on the assignment after school or at home. Labs will have a due date; labs completed after the due date will lose points unless the lateness is due to an excused absence.  Lab assignments are posted on the web site. You are expected to retrieve the assignment yourselves. When you have finished the lab, you will print and hand in the lab grading sheet.

Tests

Each topic will be followed with a test assessing your understanding of the unit's concepts and vocabulary. Tests are 35% of the marking period grade.

Class Participation

Class participation is 5% of your marking period grade.  Everyone starts with a 80%. Points are added for: asking questions and making comments during lessons, volunteering answers to homework, helping classmates during in-class activities, taking leadership, etc. Points are deduction for protocol violations, dominating discussions, etc.

Examinations 

This class has a midterm exam. The final is a project not an exam. 

AP Exam 

The AP Computer Science exam is usually the first Tuesday in May. The exam is scored from 1 to 5; a score of 3 or more usually will earn you something in college, either exemption from an introductory class or placement in an upper-level class. Your AP exam score is not counted in your class grade.

Class Protocol

The rules of the class can be summed up in three phrases:

Be Responsible

• Be on time and prepared for class.
• Finish homework and labs on time; make up your absences.
• Leave food and drink in your locker or backpack.

Be Respectful

• Raise your hand to interrupt the class.
• Use appropriate language.
• Cheer your classmates who succeed; help your classmates who struggle. 
• Do not interfere with classmates who are trying to learn

Be Ready to Learn

• Make Computer Science your priority while in this room.
• Bring your notebook to class.
• Pay attention to the lesson; take notes; join class activities and discussions.

Protocol violations will be handled with a combination of class participation deductions, guidance and parental consultations, morning detentions, referrals, etc. 

Class Procedures

Attendance and Absences

Homework, labs, and tests must be made up within five days of your return. All labs and homework are posted on the web site, so you can keep up with your work during your absence.

Equipment and Supplies

You will need a loose-leaf notebook. I expect that this syllabus will be the first item in your notebook. You will also need a pencil or pen.

Software

We will be using the latest versions of the following software packages in class: Java 1.6, BlueJ Version 3, Objectdraw graphics package, and the GridWorld Case study

Shared Drive

• All class materials (except tests and exams) are on the "R:AP Java" shared folder. This includes: libraries, lecture slides, lab instructions and templates, and all Gridworld materials.
• Your projects will be worked on and stored on the shared drive as well.