CSci 4651 Programming Languages.

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History of programming languages, formal specification of syntax and semantics of programming languages from a variety of paradigms (procedural, functional, logic-programming, object-oriented, and parallel paradigms), modern language features. 4 credits.
Prerequisits: 3601, or consent of instructor.

On this page you will find information about:

Class meetings

When: M,W,F 11:45am -- 12:50pm
Where: Sci 2185.
Occasionally all or a part of a class meeting will be held in a computer lab. If the class meets in the lab, an announcement will be made during the previous class meeting.

Instructor

Elena Machkasova
Office: Sci 2325, Phone: 6308
Office hours: M,F 1:30-2:45pm, Tu 12:15-1:30pm
e-mail: elenam@morris.umn.edu

Textbook and other resources

John Mitchell "Concepts in Programming Languages" (available at the University bookstore).
This is a new book on the subject. It received excellent reviews from those who used it in their programming language courses.

In addition to the book I will assign extra reading material, such as papers and articles that give general, or "top-level", view of the issues discussed in class, and handouts that give more details, or "low-level", view of the material. I will try to make all of these materials available online, on the resources page of the course web site. If an article is large, I will also provide xerox copies in class.

Grading

The grade for this course will be based (approximately) on the following:
Problem sets 35%
Midterm exam 25%
Final exam 35%
Class participation 5%
Class participation portion of the grade includes questions asked during the class, participation in discussion of the assigned reading materials (the textbook and the articles), and answering the instructor's questions during the class.

Grading policies

Basic Grading Scheme: (100-90)% A; (90-80)% B; (80-70)% C; (70-60)% D; below 60% F. Small adjustments may be made for particularly good final exams, class average and other signs of individual effort.

Official Grading Policies:
Grades:
A achievement that is outstanding relative to the level necessary to meet course requirements.
B achievement that is significantly above the level necessary to meet course requirements.
C achievement that meets the course requirements in every respect.
D achievement that is worthy of credit even though it fails to meet fully the course requirements.
S achievement that is satisfactory, which is equivalent to a C- or better (achievement required for an S is at the discretion of the instructor but may be no lower than a C-).
F (or N) Represents failure (or no credit) and signifies that the work was either (1) completed but at a level of achievement that is not worthy of credit or (2) was not completed and there was no agreement between the instructor and the student that the student would be awarded an I (see also I)
I Incomplete. Assigned at the discretion of the instructor when, due to extraordinary circumstances, e.g., hospitalization, a student is prevented from completing the work of the course on time. Requires a written agreement between instructor and student.

Other class policies

No make-up tests will be given unless prior arrangements have been made.

For policy on late problem sets please see the syllabus.

Problem set collaboration policy:
The solution of a problem set represents your individual work. While it's perfectly OK and greatly encouraged to discuss general approaches to problems with other students, you have to work out all the details on your own. All helpful discussions with other students (or anyone else) as well as use of sources other than the textbook and the handouts given in class must be acknowledged in the beginning of the problem solution.

Academic dishonesty:
Academic dishonesty in any portion of the academic work for a course shall be grounds for awarding a grade of F or N for the entire course.

Credits:
One credit is defined as equivalent to an average of three hours of learning effort per week (over a full semester) necessary for an average student to achieve an average grade in the course. For example, a student taking a four credit course that meets for three hours a week should expect to spend an additional nine hours a week on coursework outside the classroom.

It is University policy to provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities. This publication/material is available in alternative formats to persons with disabilities upon request. Please contact the instructor or the Disability Services office, 589-6178, Room 362 Briggs Library to discuss accommodation needs.