Comparative Languages
MW 2:30-3:45 pm, McB 209

This course provides an in-depth study of current and historical issues in the design, implementation, and application of programming languages. Topics will vary from basic to advanced in areas such as syntax, semantics, binding, data abstraction, exception handling, concurrency, and functional, logic and object-oriented programming. Some programming will be required to help you get the feel for different types of languages. In particular, you will be expected to develop programs in two new paradigms with which you may not be familiar.

Among the primary goals of this course are (1) to give you the background to be able to evaluate the appropriateness of a programming language to an application, (2) to expose you to different types of languages, and (3) to get you to the point where learning a new programming language is not an effort to be feared.

Grading for the course is on a 1000-point scale as shown below. If you have questions about the way an assignment was graded, you should ask the GTA first and then consult the instructor.

Homework Assignments: Your solutions for each homework assignment must be prepared with a word processor (e.g., LaTeX or Word), and are due at the beginning of class on the due date specified unless otherwise noted on the assignment itself.

Programs: For each assignment, you will submit an electronic copy of your program to the Curator for automated testing, as well as a hardcopy printout for grading by the TA. Your hardcopy printout must match the highest-scoring submission sent to the Curator earliest. In other words, you may not submit your program until it works, go back and add comments and documentation, and then make a final submission of the printable version of your program. Once you receive full credit from the Curator on a submission, that is the version you must print and hand in. Full submission guidelines are posted on the course web site describing Curator submission and grading criteria.

Homework Assignments: Late homework assignments may be submitted before the end of class on the specified due date for a 10% penalty. No other late homework assignments will be accepted.

Programs: Late program assignments may be submitted before the end of class on the specified due date for a 10% penalty. In addition, late programs will be accepted up to 2 days late for a penalty of 20% per day (personal catastrophes should be discussed with the instructor); additionally, you must arrange in advance (i.e., the day the program is due) with the instructor where/when to turn in your late program assignment.

Never slide work under my door, expect to turn it over to a secretary, or expect to give it to the GTA; I will not accept it. All assignments are to be submitted in class unless you have made prior arrangements for submission with the instructor. Make-ups for exams will only be given when prior arrangements have been made with the instructor.