CSC 358 Symbolic Programming
Summary
This course introduces the basic concepts of symbolic programming as embodied in the language LISP. We will begin with the basic data and control structures of LISP: symbolic expressions, the interpreter, functions, recursion, iteration, and move to advanced data and control structures. We will cover the use of macros for making language extensions and how symbolic programming leads to new techniques of procedural and data abstraction.
Texts
Required: Object-Oriented Common Lisp by Stephen Slade. Prentice Hall. ISBN: 0136059406
Recommended: ANSI Common Lisp by Paul Graham. Prentice Hall. ISBN: 0133708756
Grading
For undergraduates taking CSC 358, student progress will be assessed through a combination of regular programming assignments, a midterm and a comprehensive final exam. The weights of these components are as follows:
Assignments: 70%
Midterm: 10%
Final Exam: 20%
Grading will be based on a curve, taking into consideration the performance of the whole class. However, students receiving more than 90% of possible points are guaranteed at least an A-, more than 80% at least a B-, more than 70% at least a C-, and more than 60% at least a D.
Graduate students in CSC 458 will have the same assignments, but in addition, will be required to complete a programming project, selected in consultation with the instructor. For graduate students, the components of the grade will be weighted as follows:
Assignments: 50%
Project: 20%
Midterm: 10%
Final Exam: 20%
Development Environment
The course will use Allegro Common Lisp 6.1. A free 60-day trial version (with extensions) is available from Franz, Inc. (http://www.franz.com/downloads/). The software is also available at CTI labs (on the 6th, 7th and 8th floors of the CS&T building) and via remote desktop on the CTI Terminal Server.
Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation. Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.
Email is the primary means of communication between faculty and students enrolled in this course outside of class time. Students should be sure their email listed under "demographic information" at CampusConnect is correct.
This course will be subject to the academic integrity policy passed by faculty. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/
The university and school policy on plagiarism can be summarized as follows: Students in this course should be aware of the strong sanctions that can be imposed against someone guilty of plagiarism. If proven, a charge of plagiarism could result in an automatic F in the course and possible expulsion. The strongest of sanctions will be imposed on anyone who submits as his/her own work any assignment which has been prepared by someone else. If you have any questions or doubts about what plagiarism entails or how to properly acknowledge source materials be sure to consult the instructor.
An incomplete grade is given only for an exceptional reason such as a death in the family, a serious illness, etc. Any such reason must be documented. Any incomplete request must be made at least two weeks before the final, and approved by the Dean of the College of Computing and Digital Media. Any consequences resulting from a poor grade for the course will not be considered as valid reasons for such a request.
Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at:
Student Center, LPC, Suite #370
Phone number: (773)325.1677
Fax: (773)325.3720
TTY: (773)325.7296