Richmond - Course Expectations

Course Description

AP Computer Science is the equivalent of an introductory, one-semester, college-level course in computer science. The course emphasizes programming methodology with a focus on problem solving and algorithm development using the Java programming language. Specific topics include object-oriented design, program design and implementation, algorithm analysis, and standard data structures. Students will tackle long-term, large scale computer programming problems and are expected to take the AP Computer Science exam in May.

Classroom Expectations

This is a fast-paced college level course, and students should expect to spend at least 30-60 minutes on reading and watching class videos outside of class time every day. The purpose of class time (whether in person or digital) is NOT to repeat material students can read on their own. We will use a portion of class to review homework and answer questions, but most of the time will be spent programming. Failure to complete each night’s reading and homework will leave students ill-prepared for the next day’s in-class assignment and will negatively impact their grades.

AP Computer Science A Exam

Assuming the College Board resumes its in-person testing, the AP exam for this class will be held Thursday, May 6, 2021 in the afternoon. Note that this test immediately follows the AP US History exam.

Grades

Assuming an in-person final exam can be given, semester grades will be calculated as follows:

Unit tests and quizzes = 30%

Projects = 30%

Homework, participation, and class assignments: 20%

Semester final = 20%

Late Work

Homework assignments, videos, and notes will be available on Google Classroom and my website. Although each assignment will have its own due date, assignments will not be considered late unless they are not submitted by the last day of the unit. These dates will be clearly indicated on the website. Any assignment submitted within three days after the due date will earn 50% of the points. Assignments will not be accepted after they are three days late. Students with extenuating circumstances should contact me before the due date to make other arrangements.

For programming projects, 10% of the grade will be lost for assignments turned in up to one day late, and an additional 10% will be lost for every additional day late. Students may request one extension during the quarter on a project as long as arrangements are made at least 24 hours before the due date. Note that many projects will be submitted electronically and will be due at midnight; even one minute late is late.

Academic Integrity

I expect that each student will complete his or her own work. There is a difference between receiving help and copying code. Plagiarism is a serious offense, and it applies as readily to computer code as to an English essay. Any student who chooses to copy, as well as the student who shared his or her work, will receive a zero for the project or assignment. Repeated offenses will result in expulsion from the class in accordance with the rules of the PGHS Student Handbook. Please read and sign the Academic Integrity Contract to indicate you understand my policies on giving and receiving help in this class.

Required Materials

Access to a computer outside of the classroom is required, and laptops are available for check-out. We will use Oracle’s Java Development Kit (JDK) and Eclipse as our Integrated Development Environment (all available as free downloads). Students may bring in their own laptop or may use classroom laptops for in-class assignments. A USB flash drive and a mouse may be helpful, but are not required.

Students should have a school email account so they can access Google Classroom. Some programming assignments will be turned in through Google Classroom, and others will be checked in class. In addition, some homework will be completed and turned in through codingbat.com.

Text and Other Materials

Think Java: How to Think Like a Computer Scientist by Allen B. Downey. Available as a free download at http://www.greenteapress.com/thinkapjava/thinkapjava.pdf

Eclipse for writing code in Java. Instructions for downloading are available here.

Outside Help

While we meet virtually, we will meet daily, and this is the best time to ask for help with assignments, projects, and missed activities. In addition, I will have office hours on Monday during our regular class time or by appointment. Do not wait to ask for help. If you feel uncomfortable about the material we’ve covered, come in as soon as possible. Problems will only grow if you let them fester. The most reliable way to reach me is through my school email.