Syllabus CISC-179 Aug 2025
Syllabus CISC-179 Aug 2025
Computer and Information Sciences (CISC) 179 - Intro to Python Programming
Instructor: Hobson Lane (he/him)
Instructor email: dlane@sdccd.edu
Course of Record Number (CRN): 11081
Description
This is an 8 week introductory course in Python programming where you will learn the fundamentals of the Python programming language and how to design, debug and test computer programs.
You will learn how to:
- Analyze user needs and requirements
- Design Python applications including interactive games
- Write functions to accomplish tasks or transform data
- Read and write files containing data that controls program flow
- Test and debug your Python programs
- Document Python programs using “doctests”
- How AI works “under the hood” and why you shouldn’t trust it
Important dates
- 2025-08-25 : 1st 8-Wk: Session Begins
- 2025-08-30 : Refund Date: Deadline to drop classes and be eligible for refund of Enrollment Fee and/or all applicable fees.
- 2025-09-03 : 1st 8-Wk: Student Add: Deadline to add class with Permission Number and pay Enrollment Fee &/or all applicable fees.
- 2025-09-01 : LABOR DAY (Campus Closed)
- 2025-09-03 : 1st 8-Wk: Student Drop: Deadline to drop class with no “W” recorded.
- 2025-09-04 : 1st 8-Wk: Instructor Drop/Census: All drops must be submitted by noon.
- 2025-09-05 : Primary Add/Drop/Refund Deadline
- 2025-09-08 : Instructor Census Drop Deadline - by NOON (Primary Session)
- 2025-09-26 : 1st 8-Wk: Withdraw: Last day to withdraw from classes and receive a “W”. No drops accepted after this date. Thereafter, a student must receive a letter grade.
- 2025-10-18 : 1st 8-Wk: Session Ends
- 2025-10-20 : 2nd 8-Wk: Session Begins
- 2025-10-25 : 1st 8-Wk: Grades available.
Prerequisites
High School Algebra (functions and variables)
Course learning outcomes (CLOs)
As a minimum, you will achieve the following learning outcomes:
- CLO #1 Understand from a Python perspective the control of program flow based on the conditional evaluation of a Boolean expression.
- CLO #2 Use Python to provide an if…else structure as a solution to a software problem.
- CLO #3 Understand from a Python perspective the control of program flow with a looping structure.
- CLO #4 Use Python to provide a looping structure as a solution to a software problem.
AI
You are allowed to search the internet for answers to questions about python or programming or using your computer. It would be difficult to avoid, now that most search engines have incorporated dumb AI into their search results, in order to keep you engaged in their advertisements longer. For questions about this course, Python, Runestone, Canvas, or computers in general, you may find it is more fun and faster to interact with your fellow students in the always-on FAQ discussion for this course.
However, you are not allowed to copy any text or code from any outside source to complete your assignments in this course. You may not copy a fellow student’s code nor text generated by AI nor search engine results nor any other programs or text found elsewhere on the Internet. In order to train your fingers and your mind to think and write in Python, you must learn the language as you would any other language, by practicing typing it in messages to those that understand it (a Python interpreter).
Grades
Your final grade will be the weighted average of your accumulated scores on reading assignments, quizzes, programming assignments (projects) and exams.
- 18%: Six Runestone assignments (3 points each)
- 12%: Six Canvas assignments (2 points each)
- 15%: Midterm exam in Runestone
- 15%: Midterm project (programming assignment)
- 20%: Final exam in Runestone
- 20%: Final project (programming assignment)
| Week | Week Start | Due 10PM | Runestone | Points | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2025-08-25 | 2025-08-30 | Ch 1 & 2 | 5 | Writing your first programs |
| 2 | 2025-09-01 | 2025-09-06 | Ch 3 - 5 | 5 | Reading and debugging your code |
| 3 | 2025-09-08 | 2025-09-13 | Ch 6 - 8 | 5 | Sequences (list), looping (for), and conditions (if) |
| 4 | 2025-09-15 | 2025-09-20 | Midterm exam | 30 | Midterm exam and project |
| 5 | 2025-09-22 | 2025-09-27 | Ch 9 - 11 | 5 | Files and Dictionaries |
| 6 | 2025-09-29 | 2025-10-04 | Ch 12 & 13 | 5 | Functions and tuple packing and unpacking |
| 7 | 2025-10-06 | 2025-10-11 | Ch 14, 15 & 17 | 5 | Advanced functions, iteration, and data |
| 8 | 2025-10-13 | 2025-10-18 | Final exam | 40 | Final exam and final project |
Your Safety
Mesa is committed to maintaining a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment where every student, regardless of immigration status, is supported in their educational journey. We recognize that the current political climate may cause uncertainty and anxiety. You are a valued and essential part of our academic community and we are committed to protecting you. We encourage you to take full advantage of the resources available to you on campus, including but not limited to counseling, legal assistance, financial support, and more. The Dreamers Resource Center and other support networks on our campus are available to assist with any concerns you may have during this time. The entire San Diego Community College District is committed to providing a safe and equitable learning and working environment for all students and employees. SDCCD does not tolerate sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and any other sex-based or gender-based misconduct. If you or someone you know has been impacted by sex-based or gender-based harassment, sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, stalking or sexual exploitation, please visit sdccd.edu/students/TitleIX to access resources and support. Any incident committed on District property or at a District-sponsored event or activity may be reported directly to the Title IX Coordinator, who will determine the appropriate response and who may offer supportive measures, regardless of whether a formal complaint is submitted. Title IX contact: Amber Eckert, aeckert@sdccd.edu, 619-388-6504.