CSCI-101 Programming I
Fall 2026
This course is an introduction to computer programming using Java. I use a traditional
lecture format to teach the course material. The primary learning objectives are to have students
learn how to write very simple statements using the various constructs in the language and to
understand how the program is modifying the contents of the computer's memory while it runs.
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Exams require students to demonstrate that they can utilize all of the various language features
taught in the course. I am not concerned with whether or not they can solve tricky problems in
50 minutes. The same goes with quizzes.
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Students are required to write notes. No computers are allowed in lecture to eliminate
distractions.
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I administer weekly quizzes in recitation (i.e. lab) based on the material taught during the
previous week. I provide sets of problems each week for student to use to prepare for the
quizzes.
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Students will perform their work on a Linux operating system hosted on a college server.
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Students learn on Linux, compiling and running their code from the command line.
Students write using vi.
We do not use IDEs since IDEs have features like autocomplete that give students an
unhelpful crutch at this stage of their development.
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Students will use git to push their source code to GitHub for assistance and evaluation.