Blaise Pascal (1623-1662)

CS 323 Programming Languages The purpose of this course is: - To increase your a capacity to express ideas using a programming language - To allow you to choose an appropriate programming language for a design task - To give you the ability to quickly learn new languages - To learn new and very different programming languages including Perl, FORTRAN, C#, Scheme, and Prolog. In the beginning of the course, you will learn the history and evaluation of programming languages. As the course progresses, you will learn about important language characteristics including: names, bindings, types, scope, data types, subprograms, abstract data types, and encapsulation. You will explore these characteristics using two unfamiliar languages: Perl and FORTRAN. In the seond half of the course you will re-explore object-oriented programming with a new language: C#. You will also learn about Functional Programming through the language Scheme and about Logic Programming using PROLOG.

Textbooks:

• Concepts of Programming Languages Eighth Edition, by Robert W. Sebesta, ISBN 0321493621

Online References

   Perl             [web][download][documentation]
   FORTRAN [web][download][documentation I, II]

Syllabus (tentative):

Course Logistics:
Lectures are held T,Th 1:00-2:15 in Stanger 308.

You can track me down other times by looking at my schedule.

Technically, you don't need to use the lab because you can install all of the programming languages used in the course on your personal computer.. However, working up in the lab on these programming assignments is a great way to meet other people in the course and ask me questions if I'm around. The lab is open from 8AM to 12AM during the week. During some of that time the lab is used as a classroom. You can find the schedule for the lab here. Also, the lab is occasionally reserved for a special meeting (this is rare). During the weekends and holidays the lab is normally closed but you can still gain access.

If Stanger 308 is occupied, you should also check out Stanger 101: The Computer Science Library. The machines in Stanger 101 have the same software and configuration as the machines in Stanger 308.

If you arrive at Stanger and the lab is closed, you can call campus police at x5555 and tell them that you are taking this course and that you are on a list of students allowed access to the lab.

Grading Policy:
Your grade will be based on the following evaluations:

Click here to find out how to compute your grade for the course.

Homework will be turned in at the beginning of class on the day they are due. Late homeworks will not be accepted. This policy is firm because homework solutions will be handed out on the due day.

Exams are to be taken at the specified date and time. If you miss the exam, you will receive a 0.

Sometimes things happen. If there are circumstances that prevent you from meeting your obligations for this course, you need to talk to me to make arrangements IN ADVANCE.

Getting Help:

Instructor: Bob Dugan

office Stanger 206 office hours W,F 2:15-4:00 Stanger 206 or Stanger 308 office phone 508-565-1682 e-mail bdugan@stonehill.edu aol im drbobdugan