Comparative Languages
TTh 9:30am-10:45 am, 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) exposure 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.

Homework Assignments: All homework assignments are to be typed, 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 hand in a printed report documenting your program and its testing. Binders or large envelopes are unnecessary, as long as your report is securely stapled together. Programs will not be submitted electronically or run against a test suite for grading; instead, it is your responsibility to fairly and accurately represent the operation of your program through testing. Program reports are graded based on their documentation of your design, the source code you submit, and the test plan you create and carry out. Submission guidelines will be posted on the course web site describing the outline and grading of your program reports.

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 TA; 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.