CSCI 300 - Programming Languages

TR 11:30-12:45, Hailstones 4

Professor:Elizabeth Johnson
Office: Hinkle 133
Phone:745-3667 (has voice mail also)
Email:johnsone@xavier.edu
Office Hours: TBA
Textbook: Programming Language Pragmatics - Scott
Home Page: http://www.cs.xu.edu/csci300/04f/

Course Description

The topic of this course is programming languages. The goal of the course is to provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to evaluate programming languages and constructs. This will enable you to:

  • effectively use language features in the languages you know,
  • learn new languages more easily because you understand how languages are designed, and
  • evaluate the suitability of a language for an application.

We will look at several languages over the course of the semester, including C++, Java, Prolog, Scheme, and Smalltalk.   Note: the description of the report below is Gary's excellent description from his last PL class syllabus.

Grading

Your grade will be based on 3 components:

  1. homework (45%),
  2. exams (40%), 
  3. language research report (15%)

Homework

Some homework problems will be programs and others will be written exercises or responses to the reading.  Homework is due at the beginning of class on its due date.   In some cases (specified by the instructor), problems will be assigned to groups of students who may work together.

Exams

There will be three exams. The first two will be worth 10% each. The final exam will be worth 20% and will be cumulative.

Language Research Project

In the language research project, you'll examine a programming language in depth, including the main language features, its programming paradigm, and an evaluation of the language compared to others in its paradigm. We'll talk more about this later.

Academic Integrity and Late Policy

Unless otherwise instructed by me, homework, exams, reports, and projects are individual work. While you may discuss general concepts with your classmates, the work should be the result of your knowledge and skills. You are encouraged to discuss more specific concepts with me during office hours or by appointment.

Assignments are due on the date and time specified by me except in an extreme emergency.  Please plan ahead so that you allow sufficient time to complete assignments.  Emergencies are expected to be reported to me as soon as possible so that I can give an extension if warranted.  Never assume you will get an extension unless you talk to me.