Villa Madonna Academy High School

AP Computer Science - A Syllabus

2019-2020 School Year
Instructor: Ms. Tricia Smaracko
Phone: 859-331-6333 X312
E-mail: tsmaracko@villamadonna.net
Website: www.vma1.weebly.com

Course Overview:
In AP Computer Science, students will learn the fundamentals of computer science using the
Java programming language. Java is a modern, object-oriented programming language used to
create professional software. The course will explore systematic problem-solving strategies that
can be applied to real world problems. The focus will be first on programming basics and then on
writing full classes and the logic and structures around building them. The following
programming concepts will be covered: variables, data types, operators, branching statements,
loops, array basics, classes, objects, constructors, inheritance, polymorphism, and code
reusability. This is the equivalent of an introductory college-level programming class and will
prepare students for the May 17, 2019 AP exam.

Textbook / Websites:
 Stuart Reges & Marty Stepp. (2008), “Building Java Programs - A Back to Basics
Approach”, Pearson / Addison Wesley . 2nd edition

 Leon Schram (2015) “APCS Examination Preparation Questions” 9th Edition

D&S Marketing Systems, Inc. – Brooklyn, NY 2015

 College Board Lab Student Guides – Magpie, Elevens, Picture labs

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 AP Computer Science Syllabus

Objectives: Students will be able to:

 design, implement, and debug computer-based solutions to problems in diverse

application areas
 identify and discuss the major hardware and software components of a computer system
 use, implement, and analyze common algorithms and data structures
 write clear and efficient code using good Java syntax and programming style
 know when and how to use Java library classes
 read, understand, and contribute to large programs consisting of several classes

Assessment:
 Homework points are earned based on student effort and completion. Bellwork
questions (random homework questions) will be given frequently.
 Programming project points are earned based on student effort and completion.
 Quizzes are administered to ensure students are progressing well with course concepts.
 Chapter Tests are administered at the conclusion of each chapter.
 Below are the weighted categories that make up the student’s total grade.
 Homework – 15%
 Quizzes – 15%
 Programming Projects – 25%
 Tests – 25%
 Per the handbook policy, if a student is absent on a test or quiz day, he or she must make
up the missed test or quiz in after school testing within one week. If a student is absent
the day before a quiz or test, he/she is expected to take the quiz or test on the scheduled
date. Extended absences will be dealt with on an individual basis. Please remember that
is the student’s responsibility to meet with the teacher and to make up missed
assignments in a reasonable amount of time.
 When quizzes or tests are administered, students must place all student materials on the
floor. Students must spread out in the classroom so at least one desk separates all
students.
 All tests and exams are the property of the teacher and will be kept with the teacher.
Students may review these only in room 312 or the Library during teacher approved
times.

Availability:
Extra help will be available to students after school except on days with faculty meetings.

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 AP Computer Science Syllabus

Tentative Schedule:
Unit Topics Duration
Chapter 1 - Introduction to Java Basics & Environment
Programming - Strings & Printing 2 weeks
Procedural Decomposition
Chapter 2 - Primitive Data and Data Types
Definite Loops Variables
3 weeks
For Loops
Scope
Chapter 3 - Introduction to Parameters
Parameters and Objects Methods
4 weeks
Return Values
String Objects
Chapter 4 - Conditional Execution If/Else Statements
Relational Operators
Cumulative Algorithms 3 weeks
Text Processing
Exceptions
Chapter 5 – Program Logic and While Loops
Indefinite Loops Boolean Logic 2 weeks
Fencepost Algorithms
Thanksgiving Break
Chapter 7 - Arrays Arrays Class
Array Traversal
4 weeks
Reference Semantics
2-D Arrays
Christmas Break
Chapter 8 - Classes Object-Oriented Programming
Classes
4 weeks
Constructors
Encapsulation
Chapter 9 – Inheritance and Hierarchical Objects
Interfaces Inheritance
Superclasses 4 weeks
Polymorphism
Interfaces
Chapter 10 - ArrayLists ArrayList Objects
3 weeks
Comparable Interface
Chapter 12 – Recursion Complexity
Search & Sort 1 week
Chapter 13 – Searching and Sorting Recursion
Spring Break
AP Exam Preparation Multiple Choice Questions
3 weeks
Free Response Problems
AP Exam

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 AP Computer Science Syllabus

Classroom Rules of Conduct:

 Be Benedictine: Please listen to your classmates and teacher. Raise your hand to
participate. Respect other people’s space, properties and opportunity to learn.
 Food and beverages are not permitted in the classroom.
 Internet computer games are not permitted to be played. Violation of this rule will result
in a JUG without warning!
 Academic dishonesty is a very serious offense. Students will be discovered who attempt
this and the consequences will be severe.
 Students are responsible for their own conduct, behaviors, and consequences at all
times.
 The VMA Handbook Code of Conduct will be enforced at all times. Failure to meet these
guidelines will result in JUG or other consequences. Following these guidelines will help
create a positive classroom environment.
 This class requires extra time commitments beyond the scheduled classroom
time. Students will be required to work on program assignments at home. Software will
be provided to students to enable them to work on programming assignments on a home
personal computer.

Promise of Cooperation
Please read this statement and then sign and return to me at the next class.

“I have read and understand the classroom expectations and procedures.

I promise to act according to these expectations.”

Student Signature/Date:

NOTE: This syllabus is tentative and subject to change.

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