CSC 141 Computer Science I

2026-Fall Course Website

Course Overview

Instructor: Si Chen · schen@wcupa.edu

Meeting: Tuesday / Thursday, 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM · Mitchell Hall 102

Term: Fall 2026 (Aug 24 – Dec 12, 2026) · CRN: 34650

An introduction to programming using Python. Topics include basic program design; program flow with decisions, functions, and loops; command-line and file input/output; variables and types; and string and sequence processing. No prior programming experience is assumed — the course emphasizes problem decomposition and program design as well as Python syntax.

General-Education Attribute: Science Distributive.

Expected Background

Textbook & Tools

Required textbook: None. Readings, examples, starter files, and practice materials are posted in D2L.

Slides & Schedule

#DateTopicSlidesSupporting Materials
1Aug 25, 2026Introduction; computational thinking; Python environment; expressions; print() Class01.pdf Follow along in playground (Class 1); Class-1 check-in; Syllabus (PDF); Class code (.zip)
2Sep 1, 2026Computational thinking; values & types; expressions; print() and input() Class02.pdf Follow along in playground (Class 2); Class-1 check-in; Class code (.zip)
3Sep 3, 2026Variables & assignment; numeric & string types; operators; f-strings (formatted output) Class03.pdf Programming Assignment 1 assigned (due Thu Sep 17, 11:59 PM, D2L — extended). Follow along in playground (Class 3); Class code (.zip)
4Sep 8, 2026Boolean expressions & comparison operators; if / else; comparing strings; and / or / not Class04.pdf Follow along in playground (Class 4); Class code (.zip) · Schedule change: PA1 now due Thu Sep 17, 11:59 PM; Quiz 1 moved to Tue Sep 15
5Sep 10, 2026if / elif / else; nested decisions; flags & truthiness; conditional expression; program design & boundary testing Class05.pdf Follow along in playground (Class 5); Class code (.zip) · No quiz today — Quiz 1 is Tue Sep 15 (Classes 1–5); PA1 due Thu Sep 17, 11:59 PM
In-class activity: Pokémon Python Lab · Class Pokémon World
6Sep 15, 2026Quiz 1 (first 15 minutes); nested decisions; indentation; tracing; branch selection Class06.pdf Class code (.zip) · Editable slides (.pptx) · Quiz 1 (11:00–11:15 AM, Classes 1–5) · Quiz practice
Python Playground (Class 6) · PokéLab Phase II (07–09)
7Sep 17, 2026Boundary tests; syntax, runtime, and logic errors; systematic debugging; guided practice Class07.pdf Class code (.zip) · Editable slides (.pptx) · PA1 due tonight at 11:59 PM in D2L · PA1 guide
Python Playground (Class 7) · PokéLab Phase II (10–12)

Assignments & Deadlines

AssignmentAssignedDue (D2L)PointsHandout
Programming Assignment 1 — Variables, Types, Expressions & Formatted OutputThu Sep 3, 2026Thu Sep 17, 2026, 11:59 PM100CSC141_PA1.pdf

Programming Assignment 1 — what is in it

  • Part A (20 pts): predict values and types, trace a short program, explain a TypeError — answers go in partA.txt.
  • Part B (10 pts): write pseudocode before coding Program 2.
  • Part C (60 pts): four programs — time_convert.py, bill_split.py, name_tag.py, free_fall.py.
  • Part D (10 pts): find and fix three bugs in an AI-written program (debug_me.py).

Everything you need is in Classes 1–3: print(), input() + int()/float(), the arithmetic operators, and f-strings. Read the full handout for exact output formats and the grading rubric.

How to submit

  1. Put these six files in one folder: partA.txt, time_convert.py, bill_split.py, name_tag.py, free_fall.py, debug_me.py. Every .py file starts with the header comment (name, date, description) shown in the handout.
  2. Compress the six files into a single ZIP named Lastname_Firstname_PA1.zip (e.g. Lovelace_Ada_PA1.zip). Do not zip the whole folder tree and do not submit screenshots or Word documents.
  3. Upload the ZIP to D2L → CSC 141 → Assignments → Programming Assignment 1 before Thursday, September 17, 2026, 11:59 PM. You may resubmit as many times as you like before the deadline; only the last submission is graded.
  4. Check the D2L confirmation email. The D2L timestamp is authoritative.

Late work: no credit unless a valid excuse is communicated before the deadline (see syllabus). Partial credit: a program that does not fully work still earns points if a comment at the top says what works, what does not, and what you tried. Individual work: you may discuss concepts, but not exchange or co-write code; AI tools may explain concepts and error messages but may not write your solution. You must be able to explain every line you submit.

Questions? Office hours Tue/Thu 12:30–2:00 PM (by appointment), Wed 1:00–3:00 PM, 25 University Ave. Room 131, or email schen@wcupa.edu with the program name, the exact error message, and what you already tried.

Tutorials & Supporting Materials