Advanced Programming

Prerequisites: Geometry with A- or better or completion of Honors Geometry

This course helps students develop their computational thinking skills by applying the basic steps in algorithmic problem-solving and abstraction. Students are introduced to software design techniques and then develop a program that embodies their solution. Students learn to use techniques such as inheritance, methods and recursion to break complex problems down into smaller, more manageable sub-problems. Students not only gain an appreciation of elegant solutions but also experience the thrill of obtaining them.

Students explore virtual worlds (Karel worlds, GridWorld and game boards) while learning object-oriented programming skills such as creating classes, designing and implementing methods, and exploring inheritance. Students expand their programming skills by applying techniques like recursion to solve an adventure puzzle or game.

Advanced Programming is a fast-paced course and is a prerequisite for the student who has an intense interest in computer science and intends to follow up this course with Advanced Placement Computer Science with Data Structures. At completion, successful students may pursue AP Computer Science A (Harker students must also complete Algebra 2/Trigonometry to qualify for AP Computer Science A). Qualification for AP Computer Science with Data Structures requires earning an A or better in the summer Advanced Programming course (please see Course of Study for additional information). Currently, programming concepts are taught using the Java programming language.

• Textbook and laptop required (PC or Mac).
• Harker students entering grade 9: Honors Algebra 2/Trigonometry needs to be completed in grade 8 to be eligible for AP Computer Science in grade 9.

Course load for summer for-credit math classes:

• A full semester’s worth of material in 29 class days delivered over four weeks.
• Will cover approximately three weeks of material every week of the summer.
• Includes an abundance of program work daily, and nightly homework and study time is typically one to three hours.
• Students have tests/quizzes two or three times a week.

To earn course credit for this class students must:

• Maintain and earn an overall grade of 70% or better.
• Have no more than two absences during the six-week session.
  • Students will be dropped from any for-credit course without refund once maximum absences have been taken.
  • Any late arrival or early departure of 30 minutes or more is a marked absence.

Fri., July 4 is a holiday; no classes will be held.