South Houston High School Computer Science

Course Syllabus

Description:  Computer Science is the study of the beginning skills and concepts associated with programming methodology and languages, data types and structures, algorithms, and applications of computing.  Design of computer systems and the social implications of computer systems are integrated throughout the course.  C++ or Java are the languages used to apply and demonstrate the Computer Science curriculum.  They are used in creating systems programs as well as commercial, engineering, and scientific programs.   

Teaching Style: To learn the material included in this course, the student must spend a large amount of time on the computer practicing the concepts being taught.  Program writing is a science of theory and experimentation.  The student must go through many hours of trial and error debugging to make a lasting discovery.  Once a concept has been presented, the instructor will serve only as a facilitator and resource in the lab.  

Evaluation & Grading:  Nine weeks grades will be based on four different categories:  30% Objective concept tests, 35% programs, 20% Quizzes and Exercises(Quizzes are true/false or short program), and 15% Nine Weeks test.

Expectations:  All students should come to class every day with paper and a writing utensil ready to learn.  They will be expected to be actively involved in their learning by taking notes during class, doing daily assignments, participating in classroom discussions, listening to lectures, studying at home, coming to tutorials when needed, and completing make-up work in a timely fashion.  Students should respect others and at no time cause a disturbance in the learning environment by putting down, talking rudely to, interrupting, or embarrassing other people who are in the room.  Students should abide with classroom procedures and adhere to school and district policies as outlined in the Code of Conduct.  This classroom is to be a place where students are comfortable and enjoy learning.

Progress Reports:  Progress reports are issued every three weeks.  To ensure that parents/guardians are aware of the kinds of work the students are doing, progress reports are to be signed and returned the day after they are issued.  Teacher detention will be assigned on the second school day that the progress report has not been returned and will continue to be assigned every school day until the signed progress report is returned.

Tardy:  Students are to be on time to class.  Any students who are late will be sent to the tardy room. Any work missed due to being tardy must be made up during the tutorial times listed above.  After three tardies, the student will be referred to appropriate assistant principal for further action.

Unauthorized Computer Use:  Students will be working with Borland’s Turbo C++ for DOS application.  All other computer applications (including the Internet and games) should not to be used without special permission from Mr. Grubb.  In addition, system settings, arrangement of the desktop, and shortcuts are not to be altered in any way.  Failure to comply with these guidelines will have a minimum consequence of being removed from the computer for five school days and being assigned two days of teacher detention.  Any work missed due to being removed from the computer must be made up during the tutorial times listed above.  Any inappropriate use of the computer that violates the Student Code of Conduct will be referred to the appropriate assistant principal for more serious disciplinary action.

Teacher Detention:  Teacher detention will be assigned for infractions against classroom policy including, but not limited to, failure to return progress reports, tardy to class, disruption of the learning environment, and eating or drinking in the classroom.  Teacher detention is to be served at the tutorial time listed above within five school days of being assigned.  Any un-served teacher detention will be referred to appropriate assistant principal and regular school detention will be assigned.

Keyword and Unit Programs:  For keyword and unit programs, the assignment is given one to three days before it is to be graded.  During this preparation time, the student may use any necessary means to complete the assignment.  (Example programs and addition reading materials will be loaded on the computers.)  On the day that the program is due, the student will start the program over from scratch without using any resources and turn it in before the end of the period.  Programs that do not compile are given a base grade of 60.  Programs that compile but work incorrectly are given a grade of 70.  If the program works perfectly, the student is given an 80, 90, or 100 depending on the difficulty of the program attempted.  As you can see from this description, good attendance is imperative for good performance, and preparation is the key to your success.