CSCI 235 Spring 2018
Data Structures and Software Design		Archived Class
Charles Cusack
Computer Science
Hope College
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Course Information

Time     2:00-3:20 pm Monday/Wednesday & 2:00-2:50 pm Friday
Location     VNZORN 142
Instructor     Chuck Cusack
Email     cusack@hope.edu
Office     VWF 233
Phone     395-7271
Office Hours       By appointment
Textbooks
  • OFWJ: Objects First with Java, 5th edition, David J. Barnes and Michael Kolling, Prentice Hall/Pearson Education, 2012
  • JSS: Java Software Structures, 4th edition, Lewis and Chase, Pearson Education, 2014
Resources This isn't exactly a resource, but it is advice from previous students that you should read and heed.
  • I would tell them that it's challenging but fun. It will definitely let you know whether or not you want to keep pursuing a computer science major because it is one of those classes that you have to put a lot of time in to do well.
  • Make sure you put in the time to get the projects done on time.
  • Read the book. Start projects early.
  • If you want a good grade in the class, read the book every night to keep up with what is being taught in class, but in order to learn programming skills, you must put in quite a bit of time with the projects outside of class.
  • Do the reading, on your own and before class. Expect to work hard, and still hit a wall every now and then. If you don't understand something, ask. Plan before you code, make sure you understand how to use every part effectively.
  • Be prepared for quizzes
  • It's harder than 225. It's quite a bit of work, so make sure you want to learn. If you do, you'll enjoy it. If you don't, you will find yourself in the midst of misfortune.
  • Don't procrastinate, I would recommend working about a week ahead.
  • Start the programming assignments at least 48 hours before they are due. Please. This is a must must must.
  • Do the reading. DO THE READING.
  • Be prepared for late nights in the lab, and for the love of god, don't procrastinate on your projects!
  • You're going to have to put in a lot of work, but it pays off.
  • Make sure to start projects early and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
  • This class requires a LOT of work. You'll be forced into learning time management, so good luck.
  • Make sure that you set aside at least 8 hours per project. You need at least this much time because the code usually has bugs that need to be fixed and there usually a lot to do per project. Also, if you have any questions, you have to make sure you ask them early because the professor will usually not help you the day of. Especially if you start the day of.
  • Do the projects and homework early, there is more help from those above for anyone who starts early. Some projects seem easier than they are!
Topics A quick look at the course schedule should give you an idea of the main topics of the course. You can also go to the official course description.