Problem-Solving Perspectives: Computer science recognizes four problem-solving approaches as being fundamental to work in the discipline. Each approach involves a distinct way of thinking, and each is supported by a range of computer languages. These paradigms may be outlined as follows:

• Functional Paradigm:
  Supported by such languages as Scheme, LISP, ML, Miranda
• Procedural Paradigm:
  Supported by such languages as Pascal, C, FORTRAN
• Object-Oriented Paradigm:
  Supported by such languages as Smalltalk, C++, Java
• Logic Paradigm:
  Supported by such languages as Prolog, Gödel

Since different approaches have advantages for different problems, people involved with computing should be comfortable with several of these paradigms.

A Comparison of CS 151-152 with CS 153:

At Grinnell College, the first courses in computer science (CS 151-152 or CS 153) introduce the functional, procedural, and object-oriented paradigms.

• CS 151-152: CS 151 introduces one approach (functional programming with Scheme). CS 152 builds on this experience by considering another approach (e.g., the procedural or object-oriented paradigm with C, C++, or Java). Together, CS 151-152 provide students with multiple views of problem solving and with experience with two important programming languages.

• CS 153: CS 153 combines major elements of CS 151-152, assuming students already have a familiarity with procedural programming (in some language) and some acquaintance with elementary data types. With this initial background, students finishing CS 153 will have a similar problem-solving background to those completing CS 151-152.

Henry M. Walker

Office: Science 2420
Telephone: extension 4208
E-mail: walker@cs.grinnell.edu

Office hours are posted weekly on the bulletin board outside Science 2420, with additional hours possible by appointment. You may reserve a half hour meeting by signing up on the weekly schedule, but please sign up at least a day in advance.

Clinger, William, Rees, Jonathan, et al. Revised (5) report on the algorithmic language Scheme. December 5, 1998.

Chez Scheme version 5 system manual. Bloomington, Indiana: Cadence Research Systems, 1994.

Rebelsky, Samuel A, Experiments in Java, Addison Wesley Longman, Reading, MA, 2000.

Sun's on-line Java documentation and manual at http://www.siteforum.com/sun/jdk118online.html .

While the schedule for this course is expected to evolve, a Tentative Class Schedule is available in both .dvi and postscript formats.

Also, if you are logged into the departmental network and want a copy printed, click duerer to have a copy printed on the printer duerer, and click pacioli to have a copy printed on the printer pacioli .

Course Work will involve a combination of the following activities.

• Supplemental Problems extend the range of problems considered in the course and help sharpen problem-solving skills. Through the semester, a variety of supplemental problems will be mentioned. Starred problems (*) may be done for extra credit, although extra credit may not raise a student's average on assignments above 120%.

• Hour Tests: Three hour tests are scheduled for Tuesday, February 15, Wednesday, March 10, and Friday, April 28.

• Exam: Following the College's published schedule, the final examination for this class is scheduled for Monday, May 15 at 9:00.

• Laboratories: Laboratory sessions introduce specific features of Grinnell's computing environment, highlight concepts and constructs introduced in class, allow instructor assistance in a ``hands-on'' setting, and supplement normal office hours.

  Ten labs require a formal write-up, explaining what work you have done, showing any programming you have done, indicating tests or experiments run, and giving your conclusions. Labs designated [Req] on the Tentative Class Schedule are required -- labs designated [EC] may be done for extra credit. In order for extra-credit labs to provide reasonable benefit, any such lab being submitted for credit must be turned in within 2 weeks of when it is scheduled for coverage in class. As with written homework, extra credit may not raise a student's average on laboratories above 120%.

  Many lab activities should be done in groups of two or three, although you may work individually on labs after Lab 7. Only one write-up is expected per group.

Deadlines are shown on the Tentative Class Schedule , and work is due at the start of each class specified. A penalty of 25% per class meeting will be assessed for any assignment turned in late, even work submitted at the end of a class. However, an extension of at least one class period is automatically granted if the HP network is down for an unscheduled period for a period of three or more hours during the week preceding the assignment. Normally, a program, project, or laboratory write-up is due every third class meeting.

Absolute Deadline: All homework must be turned in by Friday, May 12 at 5:00 pm;
laboratory reports or programs received after that time will not be counted in the grading of the course.

The work in this course is split between individual and group work. Students are encouraged to work together on all laboratory activities and on the simulation project. However, since a primary goal of the course is to enable students to develop their own programs, collaboration is not allowed on supplemental problems, the CGI project, or tests. In addition, students should note the department's policy regarding the role of user-consultants for Computer Science 153 .

The final grade will be based upon each student's demonstration of his or her understanding of and facility in programming, not on the performance of the class as a whole nor on a strict percentile basis. While some flexibility may be possible in determining a final semester grade, the following percentages approximate the relative weights attached to various activities in this course.

			Lab. Write-ups:	35%	Programs:	15%	Hour Tests:	30%	Final Exam:	20%

     http://www.math.grin.edu/~walker/courses/153.sp00/index.html

created December 29, 1999
last revised April 6, 2000 by Henry Walker (walker@cs.grinnell.edu)