Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What did we cover on day X?
Simply look at the class schedule page to
find out what we covered and which sections of the book were relevant
for each day.
Q. What topics will Exam X cover?
Unless told differently, an exam may cover all of the course content
on the days leading up to that exam.
Q. Will (specific thing) be on the exam?
Until I write the exam, I won't know. Once I write the exam, I won't
tell you. See the previous question - All prior content is fair game.
Q. Do we need to know (Topic X) for the exam?
I'm not really sure you "need to know" any particular thing. However, I
would like to think that you'd love to learn all that you can about
our course's concepts and topics to become as knowledgeable as you
possibly can about object-oriented programming. Also, see answer to
prior question.
Q. I couldn't come to the last class. Did we cover anything important?
I'm always tempted to answer this, "No, I just felt like standing up
in front of a couple hundred people and wasting their time for an
hour" or perhaps "No, as soon as we realized you weren't there we
decided to meditate." Actual answer: I'd like to think every day in class is
important.
Q. I really need some help. Where can I look for assistance?
A good place to start might be to read over
the Student Resource Guide we have
created. You should always feel free to talk to the professor and/or
the TAs as well. We're here to help.
Q. Besides studying, what else can I do to improve my grade?
My best advice for success in this class is to do the HWs by yourself
and make sure you understand all the coding on them very well. This is
not a class where you memorize some set of facts. You are learning a
skill with lots of background knowledge. Practice is the best way to
improve. Second,
I always suggest doing lots of practice questions and problems. Make
sure to do the weekly practice problems from our book that I
recommend, and go ahead and do even more from our book and possibly others.
Q. I was sick and missed an exam/quiz/assignment. What should I do?
The first answer is what not to do. Do not give documentation
such as medical forms, etc. to me (the professor). Such materials are
private and
should not be shared with the professor. Instead, you should contact
the Dean of Students and work with their office to potentially seek an
excused absence. If their office determines that this is appropriate,
they will contact and inform me about it.
Q. Can I work together with another student on the HWs?
No, the code you create for a HW assignment should be your own
creation. It is OK to discuss high-level course concepts and ideas
with other students in class, but what you turn in on HWs or exams
should be from your own effort. For more
details about this, please see the course
information page.
Q. How do I get to Prof. Stasko's office?
Directions
Q. I had a really diffciult semester and I worked very hard on this
course, but I came up just short of the grade I wanted. Can you bump
me up to the next grade?
No. Students earn their grade through all the assignments during the
term and the final average they achieve. That is how we are fair to everyone.
Q. Can I do extra credit work after the term to help raise my grade?
No.
Q. Can I have a meaningful and successful career if I earn a 'B' in
this course?
Yes, you can.