AP Computer Science A

AP CSA 2023-24

Syllabus for AP CSA Course

Greenville High School

Mr. Baltz

jbaltz@greenville.k12.sc.us (parents)

jbaltz@greenvilleschools.us (students)

Remind (@c4kdbb7)

864-355-5540

Course Description:

AP Computer Science A introduces students to computer science through programming. Fundamental topics in this course include the design of solutions to problems, the use of data structures to organize large sets of data, the development and implementation of algorithms to process data and discover new information, the analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing systems. The course emphasizes object-oriented programming and design using the Java programming language. 

Prerequisites:

It is recommended that students have successfully completed a first year high school algebra course with a strong foundation of basic linear functions, composition of functions, and problem-solving strategies that require multiple approaches and collaborative efforts. In addition, students should be able to use a Cartesian (x, y) coordinate system to represent points on a plane. It is important that students and their advisers understand that any significant computer science course builds upon a foundation of mathematical reasoning that should be acquired before attempting such a course.  AP CSP Students will be strong in this.  Prior computer science experience is not required to take this course. 

Exam Information:

The AP Exam will be...

 Wednesday, May 8, 2024 @ 12 NOON 

Section I: Multiple Choice          40 Questions | 1 Hour 30 Minutes | 50% of Exam Score

The multiple-choice section includes mostly individual questions, occasionally with 1–2 sets of questions (2 questions per set).

Computational Thinking Practices 1, 2, 4, and 5 are all assessed in the multiple-choice section.

Section II: Free Response             4 Questions | 1 Hour 30 Minutes | 50% of Exam Score

All free-response questions assess Computational Thinking Practice 3: Code Implementation, with the following focus:

Question 1: Methods and Control Structures—Students will be asked to write program code to create objects of a class and call methods, and satisfy method specifications using expressions, conditional statements, and iterative statements.  (Covers Units 1-4)

Question 2: Classes—Students will be asked to write program code to define a new type by creating a class and satisfy method specifications using expressions, conditional statements, and iterative statements.  (Covers Units 2,4&5)

Question 3: Array/ArrayList—Students will be asked to write program code to satisfy method specifications using expressions, conditional statements, and iterative statements and create, traverse, and manipulate elements in 1D array or ArrayList objects. (Covers Units 4,6&7)

Question 4: 2D Array—Students will be asked to write program code to satisfy method specifications using expressions, conditional statements, and iterative statements and create, traverse, and manipulate elements in 2D array objects. (Covers Units 4, 8)

IMPORTANT NOTE:  The free response will require you to code 4 programming solutions using pen and paper.  The Exam will not be done on a computer. 

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE AP EXAM

Computer Programming Language:

The course requires that solutions of problems be written in the Java programming language. Because the Java programming language is extensive, the AP Computer Science A Exam covers a subset of Java. 

Lab Requirement:

The AP Computer Science A course must include a minimum of 20 hours of hands-on, structured lab experiences to engage students in individual or group problem solving. Each course includes a substantial lab component in which students design solutions to problems, express their solutions precisely, test their solutions, identify and correct errors, and compare possible solutions. The College Board has developed several labs that are aligned to the course framework that fulfill the 20- hour lab requirement. 

Grade Breakdown:

• Quarter 1

  • Formative Assessments 

    • Group Tests for Units 1,2,3,4,5  -MAJOR

    • Group FRQs 1,2 -MINOR

    • Labs - MINOR

    • All Q1 Labs Together - MAJOR

  • Summative Assessments  

    • Individual Test for Unit 4  - MAJOR

    • Individual Test Units all content from units 1-5 - MAJOR

    • Individual FRQs 1, 2 

• Quarter 2

  • Formative Assessments 

    • Group Tests for Units 6,7,8,9,10

    • Group FRQs 3,4

  • Summative Assessments  

    • Individual Test for Units 6-7 together

    • Individual Test Units all content from units 6-10

    • Individual FRQs 3,4

Major Grades Each Quarter:

5 group tests

1 Cummulative Lab Grade

1 Individual Test (Unit 4 Q1 - Units 6,7 Q2)

1 Individual Quarter Test 

Minor Grades Each Quarter:

5 Labs covering each Unit

_ Group FRQ's

For More Info Visit These Important Links:

Course Overview

Course at a Glance

Course and Exam Description

Java Quick Reference Sheet

AP CSA Scoring Guidelines