| Instructors | Pito Salas |
| Classroom | Abelson-Bass: 131 |
| Prerequisites | Cosi21a and one programming intensive 100 level Cosi course, or permission of instructor |
| Lecture | Tue + Thu: 3:55 PM - 5:15 PM |
| Lab 1 | Fri: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM |
| Lab 2 | Fri: 2:20 PM - 4:20 PM |
| Expectations | Success in this 4 credit hour course is based on the expectation that students will spend a total of 12-15 hours every week on it |
| Email contact | rpsalas@brandeis.edu |
| Reserve time with Pito | http://www.calendly.com/pitosalas/chat |
| Slack Channel | https://campusrover.slack.com |
:topic_include include_topic :cosi119a_learningobjectives
Formally. this class is in-person. This means that it is open only to students living on, or commuting to, campus. There are two lectures per week that require in person attendance, as always. Unless officially excused you are required to be present in person.
However, classes will be recorded and live streamed. For students to watch a live stream of an Echo360 recording, they would simply click on the Echo360 link during the time the class is live and they can view live instead of having to wait until the recording is available. All homeworks will be assigned online. You are responsible for all the assigned homework, from the first day of class, whether you are in-class or not, unless excused.
All that said, I will make every reasonable effort to assist and accommodate whatever comes up and whatever request you may have.
NOTE: As this syllabus is being updated in real time you might still find places in it which refer incorrectly to taking the class remotely or purely over zoom.
The final grade in this course will reflect my assessment of your performance in the course. This includes your participation; your mastery of the key learning objectives; your demonstration this both in written form and in code (if applicable); your application of what you’ve learned to working on a team; building an interesting product; and communicating what you achieved at the end of the semester.
Individual assignments are scored and weighted (see below), and used to determine class rank which in turn is used to determine your grade. Note that you will not get a numeric “final score”, just a final grade. I will follow the guidelines from the University Bulletin:
Throughout the semester, there will be homeworks, assignments, presentations, quizzes etc., small and large. Those assignments are all given a 0-100 mark. We use Gradescope for all assignments.
Grading will be based on the following:
Participation: Attendance to lectures and lab. Engagement with the course, participation in class and lab discussions, responding to questions. Documenting in the Lab Notebook as requested or required. Submission of “participation” assignments. This will be assessed by the instructor’s and teaching assistants’ personal observations combined with grading of specific participation assignments. (~15%)
Programming Assignments: During the semester there will be 6 separate major programming assignments. They will have individual rubrics and have different weights. (~50%)
Final exam or project: Based on the makeup and mood of the class there will be a final exam or project allowing students to demonstrate their overall mastery of the material. (~35%)
The instructor reserves the right to make changes to this syllabus and the associated curriculum web site if he deems it necessary. Any changes will either be announced in class or through e-mail. All students are responsible for finding out about such changes. Each student must be aware that not all assignments are listed in the syllabus. Students must use their common sense and not look for loopholes in the syllabus because, ultimately, the instructor has the final say in all matters. If you are confused on any assignment, ask the instructor for clarification.
By deciding to stay in this course, you are agreeing to all parts of this syllabus. In fairness to everyone, the syllabus must apply equally to all students without exception.
Every member of the University community is expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. A student shall not submit work that is falsified or is not the result of the student’s own effort.
Infringement of academic honesty by a student subjects that student to serious penalties, which may include failure on the assignment, failure in the course, suspension from the University or other sanctions (see section 20 of R&R). Please consult Brandeis University Rights and Responsibilities for all policies and procedures related to academic integrity. Students may be required to submit work to TurnItIn.com software to verify originality.
A student who is in doubt regarding standards of academic honesty as they apply to a specific course or assignment should consult the faculty member responsible for that course or assignment before submitting the work. Allegations of alleged academic dishonesty will be forwarded to the Department of Student Rights and Community Standards. Citation and research assistance can be found at Brandeis Library Guides - Citing Sources.
Attendance is required for in-person classes such as this one. We monitor it and regular unexcused absences will definitely affect your grade.
However if you have a reason why you cannot participate in person, you are welcome to ask to be excused. We will listen to all reasonable requests.
Please email your lead TA to ask for an excused absence.
Students have to have completed Cosi166 or Cosi131, or have permission from the instructor. Instructor has final say on admission based on individual student factors.
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