In this class you will learn computer programming from an information systems perspective — by building your own online social networking business, which makes money through advertising. (see Wired News article on an early version of this class).

Specifically, you will learn the seven fundamental programming skills:

1. Assigning
2. Operating
3. Sequencing
4. Selecting
5. Iterating
6. Packaging, both functions and objects
7. Paging, which includes state-saving

... in the context of building the three main modules of your social-networking business:

1. User-contribution module (either a forum, blog, wiki, or *tube)
2. Registration and login module
3. E-mail advertisement module

... using the following technologies:

• MS-Access: to develop database design and SQL skills
• ASP.NET/C#: to develop server-side programming skills and server-side applications
• Java to develop basic programming skills and desktop applications

In my experience there is only one way to learn how to program well, namely, by constantly doing it.

I call my teaching method "Drilling the Fundamentals", viz., learning by constantly doing.

What this means is that regardless of what kind of application we develop or what type of technology we happen to be covering on a given week, every class will consist of a little bit of lecture followed by constant drilling of the seven fundamental programming skills listed above.

Download at least the first software package. The packages should be free, although some may require that you register your name and e-mail.

• Java SE Development Kit and NetBeans IDE Cobundle (JDK 6u4 / NB 6.0) (Accept the license agreement and then click the link to download the version for the Windows Platform)
• Microsoft .NET Framework 3.0 Redistributable Package
• Microsoft® Windows® Software Development Kit for Windows Vista™ and .NET Framework 3.0 Runtime Components
• Flash Player 9

Books:

There's no required book for the class because there's no single book that covers the 3 technologies that I plan to teach you: (1) html/css; (2) asp.net; and (3) java. But there are a number of helpful online reference:

• W3C Tutorials
• .NET Development Documentation
• Java™ Platform, Standard Edition 6 API Specification
  The Java Tutorials
  Java Platform Programming Code Samples

Web Hosting Provider:

You must register a domain name for your Web site and sign up with an internet service provider (ISP). I have arranged a deal with Infobahn in Pittsburgh (412-653-8050) to provide inexpensive Web site hosting. If you choose to go with them, you can register online securely using the following URL: Infobahn Secure Online Registration, You can also register via phone (note: long distance charge); mention "Hosting Special #1" when you call the number listed above. If you go with another ISP, you need to make sure they support:

• Active Server Pages .NET 2.0
• Microsoft Access Databases
• CDONTS mailing
• Web Services

It states quite clearly that all offers shall become null and void if...and you can read it for yourself in this photostatic copy:

• You must attend every class. Your grade goes down by 2% points for every class missed without a valid excuse. Medical excuses must be accompanied by a note from your physician. Having a job interview is not a valid excuse for missing class.
• You must bring your laptop to every class so that you can do the in-class programming drills, which we will have every class.
• No skipping class early. It's the same thing as not attending class (see penalty above).
• You must download the readings and homeworks prior to the start of the week's class. Due to the dynamic nature of the topics, readings and homeworks are not fixed. On the first Monday of each week I will post the new readings, lectures notes, and homework assignments.
• Homeworks are due before class. The due dates are printed on the assignments. The penalty for late homeworks is -2^(t+1)%, where t is the ceiling of the number of days late. For instance, if you're late by one day, the penalty is -4%. If you're 4 days late, the penalty is -32%. The penalty is in addition to any other points lost on your homework.
• If you are a qualified person with disabilities who might need appropriate academic adjustments, please communicate with me as soon as possible so that we may make appropriate arrangements to meet your needs in a timely manner. Frequently, we will need to coordinate accommodating activities with other offices on campus. Course materials can be made available in alternative formats.
• It is expected you will respect others by not using communication devices during the class period.
• Any violation of the Student Code of Conduct will be taken very seriously and appropriate sanctions will be applied. Violations include: plagiarism, exam misconduct, etc. Please refer to the UNM Pathfinder for additional information
• You have exactly 1 week after you receive your graded assignment or graded exam to address grading issues. You must submit to me both a detailed writeup (hardcopy, not electronic) of the grading issue, along with the original assignment or exam. I will not even consider regrading assignment or exams after this time period has elapsed.
• IMPORTANT: I reserve the right to drop any student that misses 2 classes in the first week of the course.
• IMPORTANT: All exams are closed book / closed notes. Retrieving any information created prior to the exam is considered cheating and a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
• IMPORTANT: All class-related networking traffic is subject to analysis for violations of the Student Code of Conduct.

I, the undersigned, shall forfeit all rights, priviledges, and licenses, herein and herein contained, etc. etc. fax mentis incendium gloria culpum, etc. etc. memo bis, punitor delicatum!

It's all there, black and white, clear as crystal!'