Miscellaneous things you might be wondering

  - What to call me?
    Up to you -- Professor Terveen or "Loren", if you're comfortable
	         with that 
  - I will call on groups at random to come up to present their
    results  

  - Prereqs for sucess
    - You don't have to know Java in advance... but it does make your
      job easier. 
    
  - Java 
    - syntax/details - how will you learn them?
      - I'll present examples of basic programs and constructs in
        class, starting today
      - I'll call out new details and syntax
      - And you must read, too
    - How much Java?
      - Basics/Core 
        - You *will* be able to "program Java" by the end of the
	  semester - remember the learning objective: 
	    Solve moderately complex real-world problems using the
	    Java language. You will be able to use basic control
	    structures and data types. You will be able to construct
	    models of data using fundamental object-oriented concepts
	    such as classes and objects, methods, encapsulation,
	    inheritance, and polymorphism.  
      - *Much* we won't cover
	... including (alas) UIs, web programming

  - Programming assignments
    - You choose your partner to work with on assignments 1, 3, and 5.
    - You must do assignments 2 and 4 alone.
    - *Highly recommended* that you actually work together.  Trying to
      divide the task, work alone, then integrate the results is much
      more likely to fail and certainly reduces the learning benefit.
      Read about pair programming:
      	   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pair_programming 
    - Can do assignments on whatever computers you want: ITLabs, your
      home machine, laptop, etc.  However, we'll run them onIF TIME ITLabs 
      machines. 
    - You don't have to use Eclipse, but I strongly recommend it
    - You can submit remotely
    - Assignments will be time-consuming, esp. after the first one
    - The last assignment will be the hardest (note that you've got 4
      weeks for that one)

  - Tests and Grading
    - Quizzes are in class: the *last* 25 minutes of the session
    - Format of quizzes: number, difficult of questions
      - Will provide samples by Wednesday Feb 6
      - Will spend some time in class on Feb 6 discussing types of
        questions to expect (and that you should write)
    - Grade distributions
      - Intention: With sufficient work, it should be relatively
	easy to get a B. Getting an A should be a real achievement.
	Previous offerings:
	A and A-	About 25%
	B+, B, B-	About 40%
	C+, C, C-	About 22%
	Less than C-	About 13%

  - Labs
    - No grades, no extra credit: you just have to complete (the
    required parts of) 10 out of 14

  - Lecture notes are available on the course web site

Readings - Appendix A and online references as indicated in the notes