CSC 112 - Introduction to Computer Programming                   Flash ActionScript

Schedule

112-003  Lecture/Lab  TR 9:30-10:45 am BR165 

INSTRUCTOR

Jack Tompkins
E-mail: tompkinsj@uncw.edu
Office hours: (CI 2034) 1-1:50 pm MW
Phone: (910) 962-7013

COURSE DESCRIPTION

CSC 112. Introduction to Computer Programming (3) Prerequisite: MAT 111 or 115. An introduction to programming in a high-level language for students who are not computer science majors. Algorithms, computer systems, data representation, survey of computer applications, elementary programming techniques, debugging and verification of programs. The language to be used will be specified in the schedule of classes. May be repeated once for credit under a different subtitle.

GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION

This section of CSC 112 will be learning to program using the Flash ActionScript programming language. No previous programming experience is assumed. Students will learn many core concepts in computer science and the fundamentals of software design and development, basic problem solving strategies and common design patterns in order to expedite the software development process. Students will also discover that computer programming is an art and beyond a program that "works" are issues of aesthetics, simplicity, and elegance. A portion of each class meeting will typically be used as a lab, during which you will work on computer programs related to the class. Students should expect to spend 5 to 10 hours per week on the course outside of class time.

• At the end of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Create Webpages through a variety of methods.
2. Demonstrate use of 2D/3D animation.
3. Demonstrate successful use of Flash ActionScript to control animation.
4. Develop an understanding of programming control structures and syntax.
5. Develop a basic understanding of programming with objects.

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS and MATERIALS
For this course we are using two inexpensive professional books. Both are required. The first covers CS3 Flash basics which is installed in the classroom. The second covers ActionScript 3.0 for CS4. ActionScript 3.0 is used in both CS3 and CS4. If you are thinking about purchasing Adobe® Flash® CS3 or CS4 for your own use, either will work in this class. Otherwise, your projects may be completed outside of class in the labs listed below.

Adobe® Flash® CS3 Professional Classroom in a Book®	ActionScript 3.0 for Adobe® Flash® CS4 Professional Classroom in a Book®
by Adobe Creative Team Publisher: Adobe Press Pub Date: April 27, 2007 Print ISBN-10: 0-321-49982-4 Print ISBN-13: 978-0-321-49982-0 Pages: 352	by Adobe Creative Team Publisher: Adobe Press Pub Date: November 12, 2008 Print ISBN-10: 0-321-57921-6 Print ISBN-13: 978-0-321-57921-8 Pages: 384

STUDENT RESOURCES

• UNCW Labs with Flash CS3 or later
  Open Labs:
      CI 2006 open nights from Sunday through Wednesday from 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING CRITERIA

• Weighting
  Your final grade will be determined based upon your performance on a midterm test, the final exam, and programming projects. The midterm test will be weighted 20%, the final exam (BR 165 Tuesday, December 8^th, 8:00 am - 11:00 am) 20%, and the programming projects 60% of the final grade.
   
• Programming Projects
  Some projects may be team projects. Projects will be graded and grades returned shortly after receipt. Delete your fla file from you web server once graded. Late fee is 10%  per day late. No points for projects more than 10 days late. Submit your project early to avoid late fees.  Uploading web files to personal web sites for students.
  
• Course Grade 
  A modified 10-point scale will be used to compute your course grade. If your course score falls just below a cutoff, the higher grade may be assigned. Factors that affect this judgment are the distribution of grades, improvement during the semester, and attendance
   

  90 - 100 A

  80 - 89.5 B

  70 - 79.5 C

  60 - 69.5 D

  If your course score falls just below a cutoff, a higher, + grade may be assigned solely at the discretion of the instructor.

• Academic Expectations for Students

In choosing UNCW, you have become part of our community of scholars. We recognize that the UNCW learning experience is challenging and requires hard work. It also requires a commitment to make time available to do that hard work. The university expects you to make academics your highest priority by dedicating your time and energy to training your mind and acquiring knowledge. Academic success in critical thinking and problem solving prepares you for the changes and challenges you will encounter in the future. Our faculty and academic support resources are readily available as partners in this effort, but the primary responsibility for learning is yours.

Honor Code

It is the responsibility of every student to uphold and maintain the UNCW Academic Honor Code (see Section V of your Student Handbook). You violate the honor code when you represent someone else's work as your own. Programming assignments may be discussed at a conceptual level with other students but details and coding must be your own. Copying and team collaboration is prohibited.

Learning Strategies

You are expected to take an active role in your learning in this course. This includes regular attendance, paying attention in class, reading the textbook, and completing all course requirements. You are encouraged to study with your classmates outside of class. Programming assignments usually require a lot more time than expected, so start early and work some every day.

Policies

Code of Student Life (PDF)

UNCW practices a zero-tolerance policy for violence and harassment of any kind.  For emergencies contact UNCW CARE at 962-2273, Campus Police at 962-3184 or 962-2222, or Wilmington Police at 911. 

Academic Honor Code

Students with Disabilities

If you have a disability and need reasonable accommodation in this course, you should inform the instructor of this fact in writing within the first week of class or as soon as possible. If you have not already done so, you must register with the Office of Disability Services in Westside Hall (extension 3746) and obtain a copy of your Accommodation Letter. You should then meet with your instructor to make mutually agreeable arrangements based on the recommendations of the Accommodation Letter.

Student Affairs Disability Services - Policies and Procedures