CS456 - Interactive Systems

This course provides an introduction to implementing graphical user interfaces. The goal is to understand the software architectures of modern graphical user interfaces. Students will write programs in Java. In addition, the basic principles of user interface design and 2D computer graphics will be covered.

The goal of this course is not so much the content as learning how to learn new systems in graphical user interfaces. Because of this we will only spend a limited amount of time on Java. Students will be taught general concepts and then introduced to the way in which Java implements those concepts. It will be up to the student to find out the details necessary to complete the programming assignments

• All text materials are online as PDF files. They can be accessed also through the class calendar.
• The Java API documentation. 
• The Java/Swing online tutorials

Exams 50%

• 2 Midterm Exams 12% each
• Final Exam 26% - half of the exam covers the final third of the course and half is comprehensive

Programs:

• Program 1 - Model View - Due Sep 22
• Program 2 - Essential Geometry - Due Oct 1
• Program 3 - Simple Interaction - Due Oct 20
• Program 4 - Multiple Views and Widgets - Due Nov 3
• Program 5 - Drawing - Due Nov 17
• Program 6 - Transformations - Due Dec 12

Computers:

It does not matter what machine you use to implement your assignments. However, your code must be passed off on a Windows PC. Java is supposedly portable but is actually not in subtle ways. DO NOT WAIT until the last minute to make certain your code runs under Windows.

Passoff

All programs are turned in through Blackboard. There is a mechanism to upload files attached to each assignment. You must submit a zip file containing the source code, the compiled class files and any other files necessary to run your program. Your zip file should be named [programnumber][lastname][firstinitial].zip. All submissions should contain a README.TXT file that contains: your name, your email address and the command line to run your program from your root directory.

Late Policy

Programs are due 1/2 hour before class starts on the day the assignment is due. Program loose 10% per week up to a maximum of 40%. There is no way to pass the class by putting everything off until the end. Employers want to know that you can get stuff done on time. Your grade will reflect that.

• ALL PROGRAMS ARE DUE BY NOON ON THE LAST DAY OF CLASS. No late submissions after that time.

Cheating Policy

All programming assignments (unless specifically indicated otherwise) are individual projects. They are designed to test your individual mastery of the material.

Students are encouraged to talk to each other, to the TAs, to the instructor or to search online for ideas and understanding that will help solve the programming assignment. However, the code should be your own. Copying from anyone else or from the internet is a violation of the Honor Code and will be dealt with as such.

 

TAs are in room 3329 TMCB

Hours

Monday 11-1

Tuesday 12-2

Wednesday 11-1

Thursday 9-11

Friday 11-1

Role of Teaching Assistants

Teaching assistants are provided to help you with your assignments and to do grading. They cannot debug your programs. They can answer questions and give explanations but your code is generally too complex for them to help much.

If you have a problem with how one of your assignments was graded, contact the TAs first and if you are not satisfied, talk to the instructor. If you have a question about requirements for a problem email the instructor. To prevent confusion, theTAs have been asked not to interpret requirements.