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Mr. Rogers' Syllabus AP Computer Science A (Year 1 of a 2 Year AP/IB Computer Science Program) |
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Computer science is one of the most dynamic job markets in America. It has surpassed engineering in the number of jobs and rivals it for pay. Within the computer science job market, Software Engineer is often listed as one of the best jobs in America from the standpoint of job satisfaction, work environment, and pay. AP Computer Science goes beyond merely learning how to use applications like word processing, spread sheets, and internet browsers. It uses the Java language and focuses on the basic principles needed to design and build applications. It's a college level course and at the end, students will be required to take the AP Computer Science A test. If they pass they may receive college credit for one semester of computer science. At Southside, you will typically take AP Computer Science before your senior year. Hence, your AP score can also be a significant factor in scholarships and college entrance. For more information contact the American College Board. AP Standards:
Computer Lab: Our computer lab contains up-to-date Pentium IV computers with 2 Gig of RAM and 19" flat screen monitors as well as a promethean board for displaying information to the entire class. All classes (5 days a week) will be held in the lab. Computer Lab Hours: The lab will normally be open on Mr. Rogers' lunch shift and for an hour after school every day except Wednesday.
TextBooks : Mr. Rogers will provide the following books:
Be Prepared for the AP
Computer Science Exam in Java (Paperback)
 Addison-Wesley's
Review for the Computer Science AP Exam in Java (Paperback)
by Susan Horwitz
Materials for Class
Sources of Help: Student tutors will typically be available at lunch time and at selected times after school.
Grading: (For details see Mr. Rogers' Syllabus - Information Common to All Classes.) Tests will be the single largest item and be written as close to AP exam standards as possible. All tests will be pencil anpaper just like the AP Test. Course work will generally be finished in the third quarter leaving the rest of the year for review and completion of the major project (see below). The first semester exam will be taken from AP test type materials. The exam grade will give you an indication of your standing on the future AP exam in enough time to take corrective action if needed. The fourth quarter grade will consist primarily of practice AP test grades and the major project. Generally, there is a high correlation between the practice exams and your grade on the AP test. It will be nearly impossible to get an "A" in the 4th quarter and not pass the AP Test. Regular Programming Assignments: every new unit will have moderate sized programming assignments which are due before the unit test. These assignments are listed in the on-line syllabus. Time will be allotted in class to work on these programs but it will normally also require at least some work outside of class. Homework Assignments: these are listed in the on-line syllabus and are to be written out and stapled to the back of the unit test when it is turned in. No late homework will be accepted. Class Work: We will frequently have brief programming assignments in class to illustrate a specific objective. These will normally be due no later than the next class session. Personal Software Project: starting in with milestones in December and ending in May, each student will be required to design and create a Personal Software Project which answers a research question or meets a defined purpose such as a game or educational program. Click here for a detailed description of the project. Be aware that the project will seriously impact both the 3rd and 4th quarters. It will be nearly impossible to get an "A" for the year without completing the project. The AP Test: For AP Computer Science the test is on Tues. May 4th at 8:00 am. The test lasts 3 hours and Consists of two parts: 1 hr. 15 min. for 40 multiple choice questions and 1 hr. 45 min. for four free response. The test is entirely pencil and paper. In other words, no computers are available. AP tests are graded on a scale of 1 to 5 with 3 considered to be passing. The test is difficult but is doable if you have learned how to program. To prepare for the test Students should begin working practice tests in an AP test study book such as Barron's Ap Computer Science Study Guide* no later than December. However, there's no substitute for knowing how to program.
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Java
Methods A & AB
Students can download a freeware version
of BlueJ (
The following is offered as a general indication of how the class will be paced. Adjustments will be made as needed. First Quarter:
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
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| * Note:
Mr. Rogers does receive a small commission from books ordered using the
links on this page. This helps cover the personal funds he spends on his
classes. |
Recommended Links
Policy on the Grading of Programs: Mr. Rogers encourages students to look at each other's code and consult with each other on programming problems. Students are encouraged to use the 10 minute rule. If stuck for more than 10 minutes, seek help. However, copying another's program and turning it in for credit is strictly prohibited. Programs will be typically be graded in class. Mr. Rogers will ask questions about the programs at random. Inability to answer these questions will result in a loss of credit. Students will also be asked to reproduce and modify parts of class programming assignments on tests. |