General Information

• Textbook: "The Art and Science of C" by Eric S. Roberts, Addison Wesley 1995.
• Contents: CSE 1341 teaches fundamental concepts in Computer Science as well as programming in the C language. The class assumes that you have had some programming experience (if not, you should take CSE 1340 instead).
• Homework: Homework is an important part of the class providing you with hands-on programming experience using C. The only way to master a programming language is to use it. Weekly programming assignments will be given.
• Exams: The exams test your understanding of programming concepts, problem solving skills and the programming language C.
• Grading: The approximate weight assignment is as follows:

  Homework Exam #1 Exam #2 Final Exam

  30% 20% 20% 30%

• Webpage: Class webpage, with online information and useful links, is located at http://www.seas.smu.edu/~tian/1341.
• Computers systems: The computer systems for this class are the following DEC Workstations: hyper, turbo, quick, rapid, blaze. They are accessible from your Lab (Patterson 214), and open terminal area (SIC 3rd floor).
• Operating systems and frequently used commands: All the above computers run BSD UNIX operating systems. Some commonly used commands include:
  • passwd, logout,
  • ls, cat, cp, mv, rm,
  • pwd, mkdir, rmdir, cd,
  • mail, pine,
  • xcoral, vi, emacs,
  • netscape,
  • lpr, finger, man, who, xterm&.
• Compiler: We will be using a special library that accompanies the textbook. For this reason we will be using the GNU C compiler running under UNIX on the NCD X terminals in Patterson 214 and on the third floor in the SIC building (gccx). Homework is evaluated on how they run on these machines.
  If you want to run the gccx compiler at home, you can download the appropriate files here.
  Note that we are not going to help you with this. If you can't get the compiler to work then you should use the labs on campus.
• Computer accounts: You need to get both an SEAS-S NT domain account (for lab computers) and a SEAS/UNIX account (for all programming needs) to run your programs and submit homework electronically. You account name and password (same for both of your accounts) will be given to you in the first lab by your TA.

Rules, Policies, and Responsibilities:

• Class attendance: Class attendance will be recorded and monitored by the professor.
• Lab attendance: You must show up for the assigned lab sections. Your TA will be present during these lab sections to help you you with basic UNIX commands, and general questions about your homework.
• Homework submission: Homework must be submitted electronically to your TA via e-mail (we will explain how to do this later), by midnight of the due date, with an optional copy to the instructor.
• Late homework: Homework that is handed in late will not be graded, and will receive no point. If you have valid reason (in medical situations bring a note from your doctor) for not being able to turn in your homework on time, you need to let your professor know before it is due and make an alternate arrangement for turning in your homework.
• Cheating: Cheating will not be tolerated. The homework and tests that you turn in for grading must be your own work. If you hand in work which is not your own, you will receive an F grade for the class and will be reported to the Dean, who can decide to impose further punishment.
• Account: Read carefully the UNIX user's agreement that you sign to get a SEAS account. Allowing other people access to your account (by letting them know your password) is an offense against the SEAS' rules that could result in you losing your computer account.
• Special requests: If you have special requests, for example, you will be absent for a class, can't make an exam, need special accommodations or assistance, come see your professor ahead of time and we will try to accommodate your needs.