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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "CS 160-2"
COURSE NAME: "Programming Concepts and Applications"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2025
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Marco Pascucci
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: TTH 4:30 PM 5:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course introduces fundamental computer programming concepts using a high-level language and a modern development environment. Programming skills include sequential, selection, and repetition control structures, functions, input and output, primitive data types, basic data structures including arrays and pointers, objects, and classes. Software engineering skills include problem solving, program design, and debugging practices. The goal of this course is to advance students’ computational thinking, educate them to use programs as tools in their own field of study, and to provide them with fundamental knowledge of programming strategies.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
 

Outline of the course

  • Introduction to the architecture of computers
  • the basic concepts of the File System
  • introduction to the use of the terminal
  • the python interpreter
  • writing and running a simple python script
  • the basics of the python language
  • types and expressions
  • variables
  • language keywords
  • built-in functions
  • arithmetic operators
  • the type String and it's attributes
  • boolean operators and expressions
  • conditional statement IF ELIF ELSE
  • collections: lists and tuples
  • read/write collection items
  • slicing collections
  • loops WILE/FOR
  • Simple drawing with the turtle module
  • File Input/Output

This outline is a synthetic list of the basic concepts explored in class. These topics will definitely be covered and others might be added every semester depending on the interaction with the students. Therefore, the actual content of the course might differ slightly from the topics list.

Assessment

This course is designed to be highly interactive, with students actively engaged throughout each session. Their understanding is continuously reinforced and assessed through in-class exercises, discussions, and applied problem-solving activities.

 

 
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Understand fundamental programming concepts.

Write and test simple computer programs to solve basic computational problems.

Apply logical reasoning to design, implement, and debug code effectively.

Communicate about computer science concepts and programming practices using appropriate technical terminology.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Automate the Boring Stuff with PythonAl Sweigart No Starch Press 1593279922  chapters 1,2,3,4,6 and 8 This book is not REQUESTED for this class, it is just SUGGESTED as an additional support. Free to read online at https://automatetheboringstuff.com/ Ebook ttps://automatetheboringstuff.com/
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
attendance 10%
final exam 90%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until ____________
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
SCHEDULE

This course provides a foundation in digital literacy and introduces the essential language and concepts of programming. Designed for learners from all backgrounds, it offers an accessible entry point into computer science using Python. Students will explore basic computer architecture, file systems, and how to use the terminal, while developing practical skills in writing simple programs. Topics include data types, variables, decision-making, loops, collections, and file handling, with engaging activities like creating graphics using the turtle module. This course equips students with valuable skills applicable across many fields and everyday technology use.

Outline of the course

  • Introduction to the architecture of computers
  • the basic concepts of the File System
  • introduction to the use of the terminal
  • the python interpreter
  • writing and running a simple python script
  • the basics of the python language
  • types and expressions
  • variables
  • language keywords
  • built-in functions
  • arithmetic operators
  • the type String and it's attributes
  • boolean operators and expressions
  • conditional statement IF ELIF ELSE
  • collections: lists and tuples
  • read/write collection items
  • slicing collections
  • loops WILE/FOR
  • Simple drawing with the turtle module
  • File Input/Output

This outline is a synthetic list of the basic concepts explored in class. These topics will definitely be covered and others might be added every semester depending on the interaction with the students. Therefore, the actual content of the course might differ slightly from the topics list.

CS 160 has a strong practical component, we will spend a considerable amount of time on exercises and practical problem solving.