Description: This course teaches fundamental concepts of programming using manipulation of digital media as application domain. Basic software engineering principles and programming skills are taught with Python, a programming language that supports object-oriented programing. Simple data types, control structures, array and string data structures and algorithms, testing and debugging are all covered.
Upon successful completion of this course:

• students will be able to read, understand, modify, and assemble from pieces programs that achieve useful communication tasks: Image manipulation, sound synthesis and editing, text (e.g., HTML) creation and manipulation, and digital video effects;
• students will be able to explain what Computer Science is about, especially data representations, algorithms, encodings, forms of programming;
• students will know useful computing skills, including graphing and database concepts.

Previous experience in Computer Science or programming is not required. As a matter of fact, if you are curious aobut Computer Science and have never had a programming course, this class is for you.

Textbook: Introduction to Computing and Programming in Python: A multimedia approach, Marc Guzdial, Pearson Prentice-Hall, 2005.

Prerequisites: Math 1205 or Math 1526 or consent of the instructor

Sections:

• CRN 16718: M.A. Perez-Quinones, TR 12:30PM - 1:45PM, restricted to GE majors only.
• CRN 16758: S. Harrison, TR 2:00PM - 3:15PM, open to non-GE majors.

Contact:

• For questions about this course, contact Dr. Pérez-Quiñones (perez@cs.vt.edu)

Resources:

• Promotional flyer for the course,
• Georgia Tech's site - where this course was originated

Frequently Asked Questions:

I am interested in Computer Science, but my high school didn't offer a Computer Science class. Can I take this class?

Absolutely, this course will give you the basics to get started as a Computer Science student.

Is it necessary to have a background in programming in order to succeed in this class?

No, this course teaches programming assuming you don't have any background in programming

What are the differences between CS 2984 and CS 1705?

The differences are: CS 1705 uses Java to teach programming; CS 2984 uses Python and media computation (manipulation of images, sounds) to teach programming. At the end of the semester, they both provide you with the same level of programming expertise so you can continue to CS 1706.

If we use Python in CS 2984, how can I survive in CS 1706 next semester?

The last three weeks of the semester will provide a Java background so the transition to CS 1706 is not an issue.

The GE-majors (16718) section is full, will you do force-add?

No. You can come to class the first day of classe to see if other students have dropped the class, but if the course is full, no more students will be added.

Can I take the non-GE majors section, even if I am a GE major?

The non-GE majors section (16758) is open only for non-GE majors. After all non-GE students have been registered, if there is still any space left, then we will allow some GE-majors to force add to this section. But this decision will be done during the force-add period (1st week of classes).