IST 311 Object-Oriented Design & Software Applications

Spring 2006

Conduct

Classes will start on time and end as scheduled.
You should attend each class and actively participate in the class activities and discussions.

Attendance will not be taken, however, quizzes and in-class problems will be given regularly and may not always be announced prior to the class. There are no make-ups but your single lowest quiz and in-class activity score, one of each, will be dropped. If you need to miss a class for some legitimate reason, you MUST let the instructor know BEFORE the class begins.

Students who participate in University-sanctioned events (such as athletics) must make prior arrangements and give ample notice.

The computers in the classroom are for course-related activities ONLY. Unless you are working on a course activity that explicitly requires that you use the computers, they should be closed. Surfing the web, e-mail, and on-line chat are some of the activities that are generally considered NOT related to the course. If spurious in-class computer use becomes a problem, I reserve the right to implement changes to the syllabus and grading schema to induce compliance.

Class participation is my way of assessing your intellectual engagement with the topics we are covering. You demonstrate this engagement in a number of ways including speaking up in class, bringing interesting and relevant material (such as copies of articles or URLs) in to the class, contributing to on-line discussions with peers via the class listserv, working with the TAs, and visiting me during office hours to discuss the material being covered. Conversely, missing classes, being late to class, disruptive in-class behavior, sleeping in class, or spurious use of the computers in class will result in loss of participation credit.

For every hour of class time, be prepared to budget about 3-4 hours of out-of-class time. This estimate is a guide; the time which you actually need will vary by topic and assignment. For example, if the material is new to you or difficult to comprehend, it will require more of your time.

All work must be completed and turned in at the start of class on the assigned date.
Assignments submitted late will be assessed a 25% penalty for each 24 hour period between the due date and when the assignment is finally submitted. Computer problems and mistakes such as failing to include an attachment with an electronic submission will result in a late penalty.

All assignments should be computer-printed, double-spaced, on 8.5"x 11" paper. All pages should have 1" margins. Papers should be stapled and collated. Please do not use report covers.

Please take care to proofread your work. Writing mistakes will impact your grade, especially if they reflect carelessness on your part. Mistakes include spelling, grammatical errors, and typos. I will not read any work past the 5th mistake. You may find a good resource in the Writing Center (219 Boucke, 863-3240).

Please check that your work is properly referenced and adheres to standards of both academic integrity and proper form. The APA style (see http://www.apa.org) is generally accepted in our field.

I expect individual work to be just that - done by you, alone. I expect group work to be just that - a product of the collaborative efforts of all group members.

Academic Integrity: According to the Penn State Principles and University Code of Conduct:
Academic integrity is a basic guiding principle for all academic activity at Penn State University, allowing the pursuit of scholarly activity in an open, honest, and responsible manner. In according with the University's Code of Conduct, you must not engage in or tolerate academic dishonesty. This includes, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, fabrication of information or citations, facilitating acts of academic dishonesty by others, unauthorized possession of examinations, submitting work of another person, or work previously used without informing the instructor, or tampering with the academic work of other students.
Any violation of academic integrity will be investigated, and where warranted, punitive action will be taken. For every incident when a penalty of any kind is assessed, a report must be filed. This form is used for both undergraduate and graduate courses. This report must be signed by both the instructor and the student, and then submitted to the senior associate dean, Joe Lambert.

Affirmative Action & Sexual Harassment:
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to a policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by Commonwealth or Federal authorities. Penn State does not discriminate against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, gender, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Direct all inquiries to the Affirmative Action Office, 211 Willard Building.

Americans with Disabilities Act:
IST welcomes persons with disabilities to all of its classes, programs, and events. If you need accommodations, or have questions about access to buildings where IST activities are held, please contact us in advance of your participation or visit. If you need assistance during a class, program, or event, please contact the member of our staff or faculty in charge.

An Invitation to Students with Learning Disabilities:
It is Penn State's policy to not discriminate against qualified students with documented disabilities in its educational programs. If you have a disability-related need for modifications in your testing or learning situation, your instructor should be notified during the first week of classes so that your needs can be accommodated. You will be asked to present documentation from the Office of Disability Services (located in 116 Bouclé Building, 863-1807) that describes the nature of your disability and the recommended remedy. You may refer to the Nondiscrimination Policy in the Student Guide to University Policies and Rules.