Faculty Syllabus

• Credit Hours: 3
• Classroom Contact Hours per week: 2Hr 40min
• Laboratory Contact Hours per week: 50min

Blackboard course access 1st week of class: Students must access the course in Blackboard (Bb) during the 1st week of class and attend the online course during the posted classroom hours. If a student does not show up online in Blackboard during the 1st week of class s/he will be classified as "Never Attended" and will be dropped from the class.

Course Description: Introduces the fundamental concepts of structured programming.  Topics include software development methodology, data types, control structures, functions, arrays, and the mechanics of running, testing, and debugging.  This course assumes computer literacy. This course requires the same math skills necessary for College Algebra. Students should either have taken or be currently enrolled in College Algebra or a course that requires College Algebra.

Prerequisite:  B Course Type: T.

Course Rationale:  This is an entry level programming course designed to teach students the basic concepts of computer programming.  The course will include designing, coding, debugging, testing, and documenting programs using a high level programming language.  The course is intended to prepare students for a programming-oriented academic path.  This course in include in several degree plans including:

• Associate of Applied Science – Computer Programming

• Associate of Applied Science – Web Programming

• Associate of Applied Science – Game and Visualization Programming

• Associate of Applied Science – Information Technology Application

• Associate of Applied Science – Software Testing

• Associate of Science – Computer Science

Course Objectives / Learning Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate problem solving skills by developing and implementing algorithms to solve problems.

2. Derive problem specifications from problem statements.

3. Develop algorithms using modular design principles to meet stated specifications.

4. Create code to provide a solution to problem statements ranging from simple to complex.

5. Test and debug programs and program modules to meet specifications and standards.

6. Create programs that contain clear and concise program documentation.

7. Implement programs that use data types and demonstrate an understanding of numbering systems.

8. Incorporate both basic and advanced control structures appropriately into algorithms.

9. Demonstrate an understanding of structure design by implementing programs with functions, including parameter passing and value returning.

10. Implement programs using classes, including strings and files.

11. Implement algorithms using one-dimensional and indexed data structures.

12. Demonstrate an understanding of array searching and sorting algorithms by desk-checking and/or modifying algorithm implementations.

13. Design and implement simple classes.

Employability Competencies based on SCANS:

SCANS is the Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills. Please go to https://wdr.doleta.gov/SCANS/whatwork/ for complete definitions and explanation of SCANS. The following list summarizes the SCANS competencies addressed in this particular course:

Approved Course Texts/Readings:

Starting Out with Python

4th Edition, GADDIS, ISBN: 9780134543666

FIRST DAY Access – The textbook will be provided online within the course Blackboard site.  The cost is covered by the student’s tuition.

Instructional Methodology:  This course will have 75% lecture and 25% laboratory each week.

DLS (Synchronous Virtual Class Meetings Required):

This course will be taught over the Internet. Students will use the Blackboard learning management system (LMS) for online class attendance, assignment instructions, submitting assignments, and collaboration.

The course delivery is synchronous which means that Course instruction includes required real-time virtual class meetings at the days and times listed. The course material will be covered in reading assignments from the textbook. Students will need to complete programming assignments on their own computer.

NOTE:  Students must have access to a Windows or Mac computer for testing purposes with a reliable Internet connection.

Illness

The current Health & Safety Protocols, including COVID-19 self-reporting, can be reviewed at https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/health-and-safety-protocols.

Grading System

ALL homework/Lab assignments are due no later than midnight on the due date. Late homework/lab assignments will be accepted up to 24 hours after the original due date with a 20% penalty. No homework/lab assignments will be accepted after the late period.

Scheduling of computer time outside of regular lab time is the student’s responsibility. Availability of computers is NOT an excuse for being late with any assignment.

Each Exam consists of both a multiple-choice part and a lab exam. There are NO makeup exams given in this course.

Grade Policy:

The final course grade will be assigned based both on concepts and practical application. Exams, homework, quizzes, and in class participation will be a part of the grade. An overall grade will be assigned on the following grading scale:

90%  - 100%         A

80%  -  89%          B

70%  -  79%          C

60%  -  69%          D

0%    -  59%          F

Attendance/Class Participation

Regular and timely class participation in discussions and completion of work is expected of all students.  If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.

Communication/Email

The ACC online Blackboard system acconline.austincc.edu and the ACCmail accounts accessible through austincc.edu/students will be used as the official communication systems during this semester.  Lecture notes, handouts, changes to course schedule or assignments and your grades will be posted on Blackboard and all email communication will be via the ACCmail accounts. All students are expected to check both Blackboard and their ACCmail account on a regular basis.

Tutoring

Free tutoring is provided by the CS/IT Department for this course. For schedules and details please refer to http://sites.austincc.edu/cs/student-resources/csit-tutoring-schedule/ .

Withdrawal Policy

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the rolls should they decide to withdraw from the class. The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary. If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is recorded before the Final Withdrawal Date. The Final Withdrawal Date for this semester is April 25, 2022. The student is also strongly encouraged to keep any paperwork in case a problem arises.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status. Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a “W”) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.

Incompletes

Students may request an Incomplete from their faculty member if they believe circumstances warrant. The faculty member will determine whether the Incomplete is appropriate to award or not. The following processes must be followed when awarding a student an I grade.

1. Prior to the end of the semester in which the “I” is to be awarded, the student must meet with the instructor to determine the assignments and exams that must be completed prior to the deadline date. This meeting can occur virtually or in person. The instructor should complete the Report of Incomplete Grade form.

2. The faculty member will complete the form, including all requirements to complete the course and the due date, sign (by typing in name) and then email it to the student. The student will then complete his/her section, sign (by typing in name), and return the completed form to the faculty member to complete the agreement. A copy of the fully completed form can then be emailed by the faculty member to the student and the department chair for each grade of Incomplete that the faculty member submits at the end of the semester.

3. The student must complete all remaining work by the date specified on the form above. This date is determined by the instructor in collaboration with the student, but it may not be later than the final withdrawal deadline in the subsequent long semester.

4. Students will retain access to the course Blackboard page through the subsequent semester in order to submit work and complete the course. Students will be able to log on to Blackboard and have access to the course section materials, assignments, and grades from the course and semester in which the Incomplete was awarded.

5. When the student completes the required work by the Incomplete deadline, the instructor will submit an electronic Grade Change Form to change the student’s performance grade from an “I” to the earned grade of A, B, C, D, or F.

If an Incomplete is not resolved by the deadline, the grade automatically converts to an “F.” Approval to carry an Incomplete for longer than the following semester or session deadline is not frequently granted.

Freedom of Expression Policy

It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.

Students are expected to read and study the assigned material, per the course schedule, BEFORE each class, this includes the lab assignments!!

Note: The instructor has the prerogative to change the course schedule as required.

Late lab assignments are accepted for 24 hours, with a grade penalty of 20%

Statement on Academic Integrity

Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process.  Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students' academic achievements, and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations.  Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources.  Further information is available at https://www.austincc.edu/about-acc/academic-integrity-and-disciplinary-process

Student Rights & Responsibilities

Students at ACC have the same rights and protections under the Constitution of the United States. These rights include freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition and association. As members of the community, students have the right to express their own views, but must also take responsibility for according the same rights to others and not interfere or disrupt the learning environment. Students are entitled to fair treatment, are expected to act consistently with the values of the college, and obey local, state and federal laws. www.austincc.edu/srr

As a student of Austin Community College you are expected to abide by the Student Standards of Conduct. https://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-standards-of-conduct 

Senate Bill 212 and Title IX Reporting Requirements 

Under Senate Bill 212 (SB 212), the faculty and all College employees are required to report any information concerning incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking committed by or against an ACC student or employee. Federal Title IX law and College policy also require reporting incidents of sex- and gender-based discrimination and sexual misconduct. This means faculty and non-clinical counseling staff cannot keep confidential information about any such incidents that you share with them.

If you would like to talk with someone confidentiality, please contact the District Clinical Counseling Team who can connect you with a clinical counselor on any ACC campus:  (512) 223-2616, or to schedule online:  https://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling . 

While students are not required to report, they are encouraged to contact the Compliance Office for resources and options:  Charlene Buckley, District Title IX Officer, (512) 223-7964;  compliance@austincc.edu.

If a student makes a report to a faculty member, the faculty member will contact the District Title IX Officer for follow-up.

Student Complaints

A defined process applies to complaints about an instructor or other college employee. You are encouraged to discuss concerns and complaints with college personnel and should expect a timely and appropriate response. When possible, students should first address their concerns through informal conferences with those immediately involved; formal due process is available when informal resolution cannot be achieved.

Student complaints may include (but are not limited to) issues regarding classroom instruction, college services and offices on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or disability.

Further information about the complaints process, including the form used to submit complaints, is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-complaint-procedures

Statement on Privacy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects confidentiality of students’ educational records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the phone, by e-mail, or to a fellow student.

For this course, grades are recorded in Blackboard and may be accessed via the My Grades link in the course Blackboard site.

Recording Policy

To ensure compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), student recording of class lectures or other activities is generally prohibited without the explicit written permission of the instructor and notification of other students enrolled in the class section.  Exceptions are made for approved accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Recording of lectures and other class activities may be made by faculty to facilitate instruction, especially for classes taught remotely through BlackBoard Collaborate or another platform.  Participation in such activities implies consent for the student to be recorded during the instructional activity.  Such recordings are intended for educational and academic purposes only.

Safety Statement

Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field activities. Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies.  Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester.  All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be immediately reported to the course instructor. Additional information about safety procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency

Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual may be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.

In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or a continuing illness outbreak, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.

Campus Carry

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors.  Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy.  

It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times.  Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 512-223-7999.   Please refer to the concealed handgun policy online at http://austincc.edu/campuscarry

Discrimination Prohibited

The College seeks to maintain an educational environment free from any form of discrimination or harassment including but not limited to discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

Faculty at the College are required to report concerns regarding sexual misconduct (including all forms of sexual harassment and sex and gender-based discrimination) to the Manager of Title IX/Title VI/ADA Compliance.  Licensed clinical counselors are available across the District and serve as confidential resources for students.

Additional information about Title VI, Title IX, and ADA compliance can be found in the ACC Compliance Resource Guide available at: https://www.austincc.edu/offices/compliance/resources.

Use of ACC email

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify students of any college- related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account.  Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Information about ACC email accounts, including instructions for accessing it, are available at:  http://www.austincc.edu/help/accmail/questions-and-answers

Use of the Testing Center

While campuses are closed, exams for courses will be online tests that students can take from home.  For more information about online testing at ACC, visit the Online Testing resource page: https://www.austincc.edu/academic-and-career-programs/acconline/testing.

The success of our students is paramount, and ACC offers a variety of support services to help, as well as providing numerous opportunities for community engagement and personal growth.

Student Support/Student Technology Services:

ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services.  Information on these campus services and resources is available at http://www.austincc.edu/students. 

We know many of our students need additional technology access. With that need in mind, the student technology office focuses on facilitating access to computer labs, technology devices, and equipment like, webcams, USB microphones, Calculators (both graphing and scientific), iPads, and more. Students with technology needs can go to student technology services for more information. 

Student Support offices will remain open and provide both virtual and in-person services.  Students in virtual classes can access computers from the ACCelerators, campus libraries, and open computer labs.  The Highland, Round Rock, and San Gabriel Accelerators will remain open for a place for students to study, use computers/internet, and receive assistance with online learning.  

In response to COVID-19-related campus closures, ACC provides free, secure drive-up WiFi to students and employees in the parking lots of all campus locations. Additional details are available at https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/drive-up-wifi.

Student Accessibility Services

Students with documented disabilities who need academic or other accommodations must request them through the office Student Accessibility Services (SAS).   SAS offices are located at each major campus.  Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester; otherwise, the provision of accommodations may be delayed.  Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the document titled “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from SAS before accommodations will be provided. Accommodations will not be provided retroactively.  Arrangements by the instructor for academic accommodations can only be made after he or she receives the “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from the student.

Additional information about Student Accessibility Services is available at https://www.austincc.edu/offices/student-accessibility-services-and-assistive-technology

Academic Support

ACC offers academic support services on all of its campuses. These services, which include online tutoring, academic coaching, and supplemental instruction, are free to enrolled ACC students. Tutors are available in a variety of subjects ranging from accounting to pharmacology. Students may receive these services on both a drop-in and referral basis. 

An online tutor request can be made here: https://de.austincc.edu/bbsupport/online-tutoring-request/

Additional tutoring information can be found here: austincc.edu/onlinetutoring

Library Services

ACC Library Services is operating online while campuses are closed during the current pandemic. Libraries continue to support ACC courses and programs and provide students with research and assignment assistance from expert faculty librarians. ACC students have full rights and privileges to access Library Services online 24/7 via the ACC Library website, and students must use their ACCeID logins to access all online materials, including ebooks, articles from library databases, and streaming videos. ACC Libraries provide the “Ask a Librarian” service, which allows students to reach a librarian 24/7 through online chat or complete an online form for in-depth questions.  Faculty librarians are available via email and virtually to meet with you by appointment seven days a week. Students can also contact the Library for questions about their library account, registration holds, and technology/device distribution options.

• Library Website: http://library.austincc.edu
• Library Information & Services during COVID-19: https://researchguides.austincc.edu/LSinfoCOVID19
• Ask a Librarian 24/7 chat and form: https://library.austincc.edu/help/ask.php
• Library Hours of Operation by Location: https://library.austincc.edu/loc/
• Email: library@austincc.edu

Student Organizations

ACC has over seventy student organizations, offering a variety of cultural, academic, vocational, and social opportunities.  They provide a chance to meet with other students who have the same interests, engage in service-learning, participate in intramural sports, gain valuable field experience related to career goals, and much else.  Student Life coordinates many of these activities, and additional information is available at http://sites.austincc.edu/sl/.

Personal Support

Resources to support students are available at every campus. To learn more, ask your professor or visit the campus Support Center. All resources and services are free and confidential. Some examples include, among others:

• Food resources including community pantries and bank drives can be found here:​https://www.centraltexasfoodbank.org/food-assistance/get-food-now
• Assistance with childcare or utility bills is available at any campus Support Center: http://www.austincc.edu/students/support-center.
• The Student Emergency Fund can help with unexpected expenses that may cause you to withdraw from one or more classes: http://www.austincc.edu/SEF.
• Help with budgeting for college and family life is available through the Student Money Management Office: http://sites.austincc.edu/money/. A full listing of services for student parents is available at: https://www.austincc.edu/students/child-care
• The CARES Act Student Aid will help eligible students pay expenses related to COVID-19: https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/cares-act-student-aid.

Mental health counseling services are available throughout the ACC Student Services District to address personal and or mental health concerns: http://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling .

If you are struggling with a mental health or personal crisis, call one of the following numbers to connect with resources for help. However if you are afraid that you might hurt yourself or someone else, call 911 immediately.

Free Crisis Hotline Numbers:

• Austin / Travis County 24 hour Crisis & Suicide hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357)
• The Williamson County 24 hour Crisis hotline: 1-800-841-1255
• Bastrop County Family Crisis Center hotline: 1-888-311-7755
• Hays County 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-877-466-0660
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Crisis Text Line: Text “home” to 741741
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline:   1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline:1-800-950-NAMI (6264)