CHum 240 Syllabus

Course Content and Requirements

CHum 240 is one of a series of courses dealing with computer technology in the Humanities. This class is focused on using and programming databases for Humanities applications.

CHum 240 covers the basics of database programming using Structured Query Language (SQL) and resolving issues that influence database design. Students learn the basics of SQL and database design through in-class tutorials and building projects with the help of the instructor.

Grading

Assignments (30% of grade)

Due dates are shown on the course schedule, but are subject to change with notice. Late assignments lose 20% per class day.

1. Flat-file Database (100 points)

Produce a text file that catalogs a small personal collection (music, photos, books etc.) in a form that can be searched by a computer program for specific entries.

2. SQL Select Command (100 points)

Demonstrate knowledge of simple SQL Select statements by retrieving specific information from a given database.

3. SQL Tables and Joins (100 points)

Create tables suitable to hold given information, insert the information into the database, then demonstrate how results from two or more of the tables may be combined into a single result.

4. SQL Grouping and Other Joins (100 points)

Show how to combine tables with incomplete information or one-to-many relationships. Also show how to group aggregate results.

5. SQL Database Design (100 points)

Given a database consisting of several tables, indicate how it might be normalized; also select appropriate keys and indexes to enhance access.

Exams (30% of grade)

1. Database Principles, SQL (100 points)

Covers database history and basic SQL statements.

2. Database Design (100 points)

Covers design and creation of databases.

3. Final exam (100 points)

Comprehensive coverage of SQL and database design.

Projects (30% of grade)

1. Searching and Reporting (100 points)

Add SQL statements to an otherwise complete program that will retrieve data based on user input.

2. Design and Data Entry (100 points)

Given a database specification, create the database and supply SQL statements to a program so that data can be modified and added to the database.

3. Specification and Design (100 points)

Specify and design a database for your area of emphasis. Must need at least 7 tables, use indexes, and produce reports.

Daily Preparation (10% of grade)

Quizzes (20 x 5 points each = 100 points)

Learning to program is a cumulative process. It is not possible to skip some parts and expect to understand everything that comes later. Therefore I will expect that you come prepared, and that you participate. At the beginning of each class there will be a short quiz (3-5 questions) covering the major points of the last session.

Penalties for Late Assignments and Projects

Paper-based assignments are to be turned in before 6:30 p.m. on the day they are due. The point value of the assignment decreases by 20% per class day thereafter unless other arrangements have been made with the instructor.

Projects must be demonstrated during the class period on which they are due. Late projects are subject to the same penalties as paper-based assignments.

Attendance

I do hold students responsible for the information presented in class, whether they were present or not. It is the student's responsibility to make necessary arrangements for missed lectures. Regular attendance contributes considerably to comprehension and

mastery of course content. Weigh your choices carefully and be prepared to

accept the consequences.

If you fail to attend class on the day of an in-class exam, you will not be allowed to take those exams unless you have made prior arrangements with the instructor. Exceptions will be extremely rare, usually involving loss of life or limb.

The final exam must be taken on the date and time listed in the university calendar, and no exceptions are allowed by university policy.

As a corrollary to this, you are expected to contribute to the learning environment in a positive manner. Distracting activities such as answering phone calls, instant messaging, typing e-mail, and internet browsing during the lecture are categorically forbidden. Please be considerate.

Materials

Software (Required)

Most of the SQL tutorial will be done in-class using a freely available, public-domain program called SQLite. It is available for Windows, OS X and other operating systems, and may be download from the sqlite.org website.

To complete the projects you will need access to the Internet and a computer with a web browser that supports Javascript. (Almost all do.) You will also need a simple text editor such as TextEdit or Notepad. Word processing applications, such as Word, will not work correctly.

Hardware Policy

You are strongly encouraged to bring your laptop computer, with SQLite installed, to class so that you can immediately use what you learn there. If you do not have access to a laptop, you will be paired with a classmate that does.

You may use the HTRSC Macintosh lab (1133 JFSB), Windows lab (1131 JSFB), or HLRC (1141 JFSB) for class homework and assignments. You are authorized to use these labs for work for this course only. If you use them for other purposes (e-mail, browsing, chatting, etc.) or for other courses (religion, geography, etc.), then your privileges may be revoked and you will have to find other means to complete your assignments. The hours for these labs are posted near their front doors.

Regarding all the lab computers you use, you are to use them solely for the purposes of this course. All activities must be in compliance with the university acceptable use policy. Any person misusing or abusing privileges or violating university policy will have all computer privileges revoked and will be referred to the Honor Code office.

Honor Code Standards

In keeping with the principles of the BYU Honor Code, students are expected to be honest in all of their academic work. Academic honesty means, most fundamentally, that any work you present as your own must in fact be your own work and not that of another. Violations of this principle may result in a failing grade in the course and additional disciplinary action by the university.

Students are also expected to adhere to the Dress and Grooming Standards. Adherence demonstrates respect for yourself and others and ensures an effective learning and working environment. It is the university's expectation, and my own expectation in class, that each student will abide by all Honor Code standards. Please call the Honor Code Office at 422-2847 if you have questions about those standards.

Preventing Sexual Discrimination or Harassment

Sexual discrimination or harassment (including student-to-student harassment) is prohibited both by the law and by Brigham Young University policy. If you feel you are being subjected to sexual discrimination or harassment, please bring your concerns to the professor. Alternatively, you may lodge a complaint with the Equal Employment Office (D-240C ASB) or with the Honor Code Office (4440).

Students with Disabilities

If you have a disability that may affect your performance in this course, you should get in touch with the office of Services for Students with Disabilities (1520 WSC). This office can evaluate your disability and assist the professor in arranging for reasonable accommodations.