$ cat README.md
Syllabus
CMPSC 100.00: Computational Expression — Fall 2026, Allegheny College. See theSchedule page for the week-by-week course calendar.
Instructor & Meetings
- Course
- CMPSC 100.00
- Instructor
- Dr. Janyl Jumadinova
- Office
- Alden Hall 110
- Phone
- 814-332-2881
jjumadinova@allegheny.edu- Discord
@jjumadinova- Office Hours
- janyljumadinova.com/schedule
- Class Sessions
- MWF 9:00–9:50am, Alden 101
- Lab Sessions
- Fri 2:30–4:00pm, Alden 101
Course Description
An introduction to the principles of computer science with an emphasis on creative expression through the medium of a programming language. Participating in hands-on activities that often require teamwork, students learn the computational structures needed to solve problems and produce computational artifacts which address these problems in real-world contexts. Students also learn how to organize and document a program's source code so that it effectively communicates with the intended users and maintainers. Additionally, the introduction includes an overview of the discipline of computer science and computational thinking. During a weekly laboratory session students use industry-grade technology to complete projects, reporting on their results through both written documents and oral presentations.
Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
- Apply Python programming fundamentals to execute and explain computer code that implements interactive, novel solutions to a variety of computable problems.
- Implement code consistent with industry-standard practices using professional-grade integrated development environments (IDEs), command-line tools, and version control systems.
- Analyze and suggest revisions to existing Python language code to add functionality or repair defects.
- Evaluate the practical and ethical implications of writing computer code and discuss the contexts, perceived effects, and impacts exerted on and by computer code as a cultural force or artifact.
- Design, describe, and implement original projects incorporating industry-standard practices and Python language fundamentals.
Distribution Learning Outcomes
Modes of Expression (ME)
Explores individual and/or collective modes of expression, focusing on the ways these modes create meaning and communicate thoughts, emotions, or beliefs to others, through active engagement with language, visual arts, and/or performance. Course outcomes 1, 2, 4, and 5 satisfy this requirement.
Scientific Process & Knowledge (SP)
Conveys an understanding of what is known or can be known about the natural world, applies scientific reasoning toward the analysis and synthesis of information, and builds scientifically literate citizens who can engage productively in problem solving. Course outcomes 1, 2, 3, and 5 satisfy this requirement.
Program & Institutional Learning Outcomes
Beyond its own course outcomes, CMPSC 100 also contributes to program-level (PLO) and institutional-level (ILO) learning outcomes tracked by the CIS department, across the programs its outcomes feed into. Not every course outcome develops every program's outcomes — expand a program below to see which course outcomes connect to which program outcomes, and which institutional outcomes those in turn connect to.
Computer Science
| Course Outcome | Program Outcome(s) Developed |
|---|---|
| CLO1 | PLO1 · IntroducedPLO2 · IntroducedPLO4 · Introduced |
| CLO2 | PLO2 · Introduced |
| CLO3 | PLO2 · Introduced |
| CLO4 | PLO2 · IntroducedPLO4 · Introduced |
| CLO5 | PLO1 · IntroducedPLO4 · Introduced |
Connects to Institutional Learning Outcomes: ILO1, ILO2, ILO3, ILO4
- PLO1: Demonstrate and be able to communicate the knowledge of data types, algorithms, and mathematical principles behind discrete objects.
- PLO2: Use scientific and theoretical methods to design, implement, evaluate, deploy, improve, maintain, and document software and hardware systems.
- PLO3: Apply and articulate key concepts from a specialization area where the interconnection between software and hardware is important and evident.
- PLO4: Able to communicate technical details of the produced software and hardware artifacts both in writing and orally.
Data Science
| Course Outcome | Program Outcome(s) Developed |
|---|---|
| CLO1 | PLO1 · IntroducedPLO4 · Introduced |
| CLO3 | PLO1 · IntroducedPLO2 · Introduced |
| CLO4 | PLO4 · Introduced |
| CLO5 | PLO4 · Introduced |
Connects to Institutional Learning Outcomes: ILO1, ILO2, ILO3, ILO4
- PLO1: Effectively collects, organizes, analyzes and interprets both structured and unstructured datasets from diverse sources.
- PLO2: Can effectively and ethically use statistical data analysis techniques, modern machine learning algorithms, and state-of-the-art software tools and programming environments to design, build, evaluate, and deploy new predictive models.
- PLO3: Develop competency in the theories, methods, and practices of domains that apply data science techniques.
- PLO4: Can clearly and persuasively communicate the results of data analysis including critical examination and reflection on the ethical implications of such analysis.
Informatics
| Course Outcome | Program Outcome(s) Developed |
|---|---|
| CLO1 | PLO2 · Introduced |
| CLO4 | PLO1 · Introduced |
| CLO5 | PLO2 · IntroducedPLO4 · Introduced |
Connects to Institutional Learning Outcomes: ILO1, ILO2, ILO3, ILO4
- PLO1: Demonstrates and articulates the distinct concerns of computational approaches to understanding information as cultural, political, and economic material.
- PLO2: Produce and present disciplinary findings in digital, artistic, oral, and/or written format.
- PLO3: Develop competency in the theories, methods, and practices of informatics techniques and apply them to a given knowledge domain.
- PLO4: Able to design scholarly projects and clearly and persuasively articulate their outcomes.
Software Engineering
| Course Outcome | Program Outcome(s) Developed |
|---|---|
| CLO1 | PLO1 · Introduced |
| CLO2 | PLO1 · Introduced |
| CLO3 | PLO1 · Introduced |
| CLO5 | PLO1 · IntroducedPLO4 · Introduced |
Connects to Institutional Learning Outcomes: ILO1, ILO2, ILO3, ILO4
- PLO1: Effectively design, implement, evaluate, improve, and document a solution to a problem delivered as a maintainable software system.
- PLO2: Demonstrate competency in the theories, models, and practices of project domains that require the engineering of software.
- PLO3: Can effectively manage and predict the cost, scope, and deadline of a software engineering project.
- PLO4: Use effective oral and written communication methods to explain both the technical and product-use details of a software artifact.
ILO1: Think critically and creatively · ILO2: Communicate clearly and persuasively as speakers and writers · ILO3: Invoke multiple ways of understanding to organize and evaluate evidence, and to interpret and make sense of their experiences and the experiences of others · ILO4: Apply knowledge and learning to engage in informed debate, and to analyze and solve problems
Required Materials
Laptop
A department-approved laptop, with an adequate charge, is required in every class session. See thelaptop requirements. If yours doesn't meet spec, you can request a loaner viathis form— the department has a limited supply, so request early.
Textbook(s)
There are no physical textbooks for this course. Any texts or articles used will be available online or distributed in class.
Grading
| Category | Points | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Labs | 36 | 8 labs × 4.5 pts |
| In-Class Activities | 10 | averaged across the semester |
| Code Reviews | 24 | ongoing, GitHub-issue-template based |
| Concept Checkpoints | 12 | 4 checkpoints × 3 pts |
| Final Project | 18 | pitch, dev, code review, presentation, portfolio |
| Total | 100 |
Labs (36 points)
Eight hands-on programming assignments where you write Python code for a specific application (Lab 2 runs across two weeks and covers both your hardware introduction and your first loop-driven project). After the first lab, you will work on the Pico 2W, with each subsequent lab building on previous work and developing skills toward your final IoT project. Points are based on correct functionality, code clarity, and a short reflection explaining your approach.
In-Class Activities (10 points)
Engaging exercises done during class, including mini coding challenges, debugging tasks, and short ethical or design discussions. These activities help you practice new concepts, collaborate with classmates, and get immediate feedback.
Code Reviews (24 points)
During lab sessions, you will verbally explain your own code or a peer’s code, guided by a structured GitHub issue template specific to each lab. In addition to describing what the code does and how it works, you will answer conceptual questions related to your code to demonstrate understanding of underlying programming concepts. Some labs (e.g. team-based hardware labs) require code review as a structural part of the git workflow itself — you cannot merge your work without it.
Concept Checkpoints (12 points)
Four short, low-stakes in-class checks spread across the semester (roughly every three to four weeks), each covering the material since the previous checkpoint.
Final Project (18 points)
A culminating IoT system using the Pico 2 W (or a software-only project by arrangement). You’ll present a mid-semester project pitch, submit a working prototype with documentation, complete a comprehensive final code review (including a whiteboard walkthrough), and give a final oral presentation with an accompanying portfolio.
Gatorgrade
Gatorgrade is a tool developed by the Allegheny College CIS department to automatically grade assignments and give you immediate feedback. Gatorgrade results are preliminary — your final grade for these assignments is determined by the professor. If you suspect Gatorgrade made a mistake, let the professor know.
Grade Scale
| A | 95–100 |
| A- | 90–94.9 |
| B+ | 87–89.9 |
| B | 83–86.9 |
| B- | 80–82.9 |
| C+ | 77–79.9 |
| C | 73–76.9 |
| C- | 70–72.9 |
| D+ | 67–69.9 |
| D | 63–66.9 |
| D- | 60–62.9 |
| F | ≤59.9 |
Policies
Communication
GitHub and Discord are the main digital channels used in this course for communication. You're responsible for regularly checking both so important messages aren't missed.
Attendance
This course follows the CIS department's attendance policy: as a general guideline, you cannot miss more than two weeks of class in total during the semester without a letter-grade reduction. For this course specifically, that meansno more than 8 sessions (counting both lecture and lab meetings — this course meets four times a week: Monday, Wednesday, Friday lecture, and Friday lab). Being marked late to class three times counts as one absence.
Late Assignments
Late assignments aren't accepted unless a token is applied, ideally before the deadline — apply one viathis form. Tokens are no-questions-asked, meant to cover emergencies, illness, or athletic events. You get 4 tokens for the semester; each one either extends an assignment's deadline by two weeks, or allows resubmission of one project two weeks after grading (only if an on-time attempt was made — started the assignment and tried at least half the objectives). Tokens can't be used on the final project.
Extra Credit
No extra credit is offered in this course. If you want to improve a grade on an eligible assignment, use one of your late tokens to redo it (see Late Assignments above).
Artificial Intelligence in Class
Because this is a 100-level class where practice is critical, using AI to generate code isn't permitted unless an assignment explicitly says otherwise. You'll be asked to supply verbal explanations of your code to supplement it. In Week 13, the course includes a dedicated, guided unit on generating and testing code with LLMs. Use of AI tools before that point, outside of an assignment that explicitly permits it, isn't part of building the foundational skills this course is designed to teach.
Department & College Policies
This course follows the CIS department's policies, with the course-specific applications described above, and the College'sAcademic Policies.
Allegheny College Policy and Awareness Statements
Expand any statement below for the full text.
Statement of Community
Allegheny students and employees are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful and safe residential learning community that will actively confront and challenge racism, sexism, heterosexism, religious bigotry, and other forms of harassment and discrimination. We encourage individual growth by promoting a free exchange of ideas in a setting that values diversity, trust and equality. So that the right of all to participate in a shared learning experience is upheld, Allegheny affirms its commitment to the principles of freedom of speech and inquiry, while at the same time fostering responsibility and accountability in the exercise of these freedoms.
Academic Integrity
Allegheny College has a student-run Honor Code designed to promote individual responsibility and integrity in academic affairs. Each student pledges: "I hereby recognize and pledge to fulfill my responsibilities, as defined in the Honor Code, and to maintain the integrity of both myself and the College community as a whole." Your professor will educate you about what academic integrity means in this course specifically. Seehere for more details.
Midterm Grades
Midterm grades will be submitted for all students in this course by Monday, October 19, 2026, but won't appear on academic transcripts. They offer an early indication of your performance so you can make adjustments if needed before the end of the term.
Assistance with Course Concepts
If you're struggling with the material, meet with the instructor during office hours (above), or see the Technical Leaders' office hours schedule.
Academic Accommodations
Students with disabilities who believe they may need accommodations should contact Student Accessibility and Support Services (SASS) at (814) 332-2898, located in Pelletier Library, as early as possible. Seehere for more details.
Religious Observance
Students whose religious observances conflict with scheduled class meetings or final examinations are responsible for notifying the instructor in advance to arrange a reasonable accommodation. Such requests should be submitted with sufficient notice to allow for appropriate planning. Students may also contact the Office of Spiritual, Religious, and Personal Wellbeing (srpw@allegheny.edu) for guidance and support in coordinating accommodations related to religious observance. Seehere for more details.
Academic Alerts
Allegheny College uses an Academic Alert system to send progress notices to faculty advisors, coaches, cohort advisors, and class deans. The progress notices are not punitive. They are an opportunity to connect you with professionals who can offer additional support and suggest resources if you need assistance.
Mental Health and Wellness
Course deadlines, absences, and accommodations for mental health are subject to this syllabus's policies. Communicate with the professor as soon as possible if your mental health is affecting your work.
Allegheny has partnered with ECPS (Edinboro Counseling and Psychological Services) for in-person therapy on campus — call (814) 734-3975 to schedule, or email the Manager of Student Wellness Services atwellness@allegheny.edu. All students also have free access to the TimelyCare Telehealth platform (up to 6 therapy sessions/year plus 24/7 TalkNow phone support) — register attimelycare.com/allegheny with your Allegheny email.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Public Safety (814-332-3357), or 911 — all available 24/7/365.
Gator Success Grants
The Gator Success Grantprogram is designed to provide students with additional financial assistance to offset the total cost of college attendance and to encourage successful on-time degree completion. Currently enrolled students who have an unanticipated need are invited to apply. Grants are usually from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the request and the student's need. Direct questions toacademicsuccess@allegheny.edu.
Writing and Speaking Consultants
Experienced peer writing and speaking consultants help writers and speakers make academically responsible choices and determine strategies for effective communication at any stage in the writing or speaking process, for assignments in any discipline, or for writing and speaking situations unrelated to coursework (e.g., personal statements, cover letters, interviews, conference presentations). Both appointments and drop-in sessions are available in the Tutoring Center on the main floor of Pelletier. To view hours and make an appointment, seehere.
Gator Day, Declaration Day, and Scholar Symposium
In each semester, we have at least one day set aside for programming, with no classes. Fall Gator Day is held on the first Tuesday in November — for Fall 2026 this is the All-College Programming Day, Tuesday November 3. Spring Declaration Day is held on a Monday in early April. Additionally, in the Spring, during the Richard J Cook – Teresa M Lahti Scholars Symposium (the day immediately after classes end and before exams begin), we gather to celebrate student research, scholarship, and creative activities on campus. All students are encouraged to participate.
Class Deans
The Office of Class Deans in Pelletier Library serves as a place for students to begin seeking assistance and answers to their questions related to college life. If you have a question and don't know who to ask – ask a class dean. If you want advice – talk to a class dean. Aacha Brown-Gregg is the First Year Class Dean, Amy Stearns is the Second Year Class Dean / Director of Transfer Advising, and Carene Shipley is the Third/Fourth Year Class Dean. Please contact them individually or throughacademicsuccess@allegheny.edu.
The Well
The Center for Wellbeing, Life Design, and Community Engagement (The Well) empowers students to live meaningful, connected, and balanced lives at Allegheny College. The Well brings together Life Design, Spiritual, Religious, and Personal Well-Being, Bonner, RISE, Community Engagement, and Sustained Dialogue to support students as they explore purpose, build community, care for their wellbeing, develop as leaders, and connect their Allegheny experience to the world around them.
The Well provides multiple ways for students to connect and engage. Students are encouraged to visit The Well in the Campus Center and Pelletier Library to learn more about these opportunities and meet the people who are here to support them. For more information, contactthewell@allegheny.edu.
Recording Policy
Audio, video, or cell phone recording of any class is prohibited unless prior written permission of the instructor has been obtained and all students and guest speakers have been informed recording may occur (or the recording is an approved educational accommodation). Recordings may not be reproduced, uploaded publicly, or distributed for any purpose beyond individual or group study without express written permission. See Section 9.8 of the Faculty Handbook for the full policy.
Harassment, Discrimination, and Sexual Misconduct Reporting
Allegheny College prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, and disability, and prohibits sex-based harassment, sexual violence, intimate partner violence, and stalking, as required by Title IX.
Trae Yeckley, Dean for Student Life and Title IX Coordinator — 814-332-3085 (direct line), titleix@allegheny.edu, Student Life Suite, Campus Center. You can access support and resources even if you don't want to take further action.
Faculty are Responsible Employees with Mandatory Reporting Obligations: unless otherwise identified by policy, all Allegheny faculty, staff, and administrators are mandated reporters and must notify the Title IX Coordinator of any incident of discrimination or harassment disclosed to or known to them. If you need confidential support instead, the options below are exempt from mandatory reporting:
On Campus:
- Meadville Medical Center @ Winslow — (814) 332-4355 — walk-ins welcome, M–F 10am–3pm (last check-in 2:30pm) while classes are in session
- ECPS (Edinboro Counseling and Psychological Services) partnership — (814) 734-3975 — call to schedule
- Wellness in Student Life —
wellness@allegheny.edu— (814) 332-2782
Off Campus:
- Meadville Medical Center Emergency Room, 751 Liberty Street — (814) 333-5500
- Meadville Crisis Line — (814) 724-2732
- Women's Services, Inc. — (814) 724-4637 (office)
- 24-hour Hotlines — (814) 333-9766 or (888) 881-0189
- More on the College's Harassment, Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct Policy: sites.allegheny.edu/titleix
- Resources | Title IX | Allegheny College
This syllabus is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.