Course Syllabus

CITC 1310: Programing I

Course objectives and requirements.

Author

Chuck Nelson

Published

August 25, 2025

1 CITC 1310 Course Syllabus

Programming I
CITC 1310

Class Hours	Credit Hours	Laboratory Hours
3	3	0

1.1 Catalog Course Description

Introduction to the basic concepts of programming, problem solving, programming logic and design techniques using an object-oriented language. Topics covered include the language syntax, functions, return types and objects found in a current object-oriented programming language.

1.2 Textbook(s) and Other Course Materials

No textbook is required for this course.

You will need access to the following online documentation:

Required Materials: Removable storage device such as a USB flash drive; ear buds or earphones

Course Technology Needs

Students should keep the following requirements in mind when selecting a computer and a webcam to use during their program at PSCC Computer Information Technology programs. Systems purchased within the past two years will typically come with the following recommended features. To use PSCC’s online systems, a student must have the following:

Hardware Requirements

2 GHz processor or faster, i5 processor or better, High-speed Internet connection of 1.5 Mb/s or better,
8 GB RAM or greater, 256 GB Hard Drive or SSD or greater, Built-in or external speakers, Web Camera, Microphone, Windows 11 or higher

Unsupported Operating System(s):

Chrome OS

Apple IOS Google Chromebooks, tablets (Nexus, iPad, Tab, Note, etc.), Windows 10 S or Surface RT, and smartphones, are not supported.

Software Requirements

Your instructor will assist you in setting up a development environment to include the following:

Access to Microsoft Visual Studio Code (installed or online). The installed version is preferred.
Access to Github with a personal account.
Access to Java OpenJDK.
Access to Google Gemini with a personal account.
A markdown editor such as Marktext.

You will likely need the ability to run a virtual machine and OCI containers from your personal computer. Linux, macOS and Windows all have native hypervisors and all of them also support VirtualBox. OCI containers can be run in any OCI complient runtime environment such as Docker, Podman or locally on one of the many great Kubernetes platforms such k3s, microk8s, k0s, kind and minikube. Your instructor will help you if, and when these technologies are needed.

Supported Browsers

You can use the browser of your choice such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Microsoft Edge.

Note: PSCC strongly encourages up-to-date browser versions which incorporates security fixes and newer technologies, resulting in a better user experience. Additional Software As a PSCC student, you are required to use several third-party learning resources. System requirements for these resources vary widely by program and assessment and may differ greatly from those listed above.

Information Technology students may need to install specific applications that require a more powerful computer or a specific operating system. If you are concerned that your computer may not meet the minimum requirements for any third-party learning resource or specific application in your degree program, contact IT Service Desk for more information.

1.3 Knowledge and Skill Areas Covered

Learning Java and the Java programming environment is a process that requires practice and patience. This course will introduce you to the basics of Java programming and provide you with the tools and resources you need to succeed. We’ll cover topics like variables, operators, expressions, conditional statements, loops, character strings, methods, exceptions, testing and debugging, file input/output, exception handling and much more! By the end of this course, you’ll have a solid foundation in Java programming and be ready to take on more advanced projects.

Your Java learning journey will generally follow this timeline, however we will ensure everyone has the fundmenal skills to move into the next unit. This schedule is subject to change based on the needs of the class. We will interleave these Java learning topics with learning the Java programming toolchain along with professional programming best practices in a simulated work environment.

During this course, you will act as a Computer Programmer while devloping the following skills:

Milestone	Professional Skills	Java Language Skills
Milestone 0: Using a Terminal	Using a command-line interface (CLI) Navigating the file system Basic file & directory operations	No Java skills in this milestone
Milestone 1: Using an IDE	Setting up VS Code Version control with Git (cloning, committing) Understanding a Maven project structure Following coding standards	Introduction to Java Syntax Compiling & Executing Programs
Milestone 2: Writing Code	Git workflow (branching, merging) Unit Testing with JUnit Reading technical documentation Debugging and troubleshooting Submitting code for review	Variables, Literals, & Expressions Formatted Output Conditional Statements & Loops Using `String`, `Array`, `List`, `HashMap` Methods Basic Exception Handling
Milestone 3: Shipping Code	Writing technical documentation (Javadoc, README) Finalizing and packaging an application Comprehensive testing Final code delivery	Advanced Exception Handling File I/O (Input/Output)

1.4 Discipline Learning Outcomes, Program Learning Outcomes, or TBR General Education Outcomes

Computer Information Technology Program Learning Outcomes

Apply professional written or oral communication processes within an individual or team-based business environment.
Demonstrate proficiency in the use of computers, related equipment, and resources which are real-world based and represent current and emerging trends in the information technology employment field.
Apply terminology and numeric or system concepts associated with the information technology field.
Demonstrate the use of appropriate current application or system software.
Implement solutions in a computer programming or scripting language.
Demonstrate the process of planning, implementing, maintaining, and troubleshooting a computer system environment.

1.5 Expected Student Learning Outcomes

Note: Roman numerals after the Expected Student Learning Outcomes reference the Program Learning Outcomes listed above.

The students will:

Develop an algorithmic solution to solve a problem using sequence, selection, and iteration. (I, III, IV, V)
Demonstrate the skills necessary to correctly compile, debug, and test programs. (III, IV, V)
Demonstrate knowledge of how to create and use data types and variables. (I, III, IV, V)
Develop modular, algorithmic solutions for basic computing problems. (I, II, III, IV, V)
Demonstrate knowledge of how to utilize user-defined methods. (I, III, IV, V)
Design applications and/or applets that throw and catch expectations. (I, II, III, IV, V)
Design applications that use file I/O and/or database connectivity. (I, II, III, IV, V)

1.6 Evaluation

Testing Procedures: 40% of grade

At least two intermediate course deliverables will be presented to your instructor. Failure to submit deliverables or achieve a passing average score on deliverables will result in a grade of F for the course.

Laboratory Expectations: 40% of grade

At least six laboratory assessments will be given. Failure to make a passing laboratory average will result in a grade of F for the course

Field Work: N/A

Other Evaluation Methods: 20% of grade

You will work on a course project and deliver a complete application, including documentation and a working build process by the end of the semester.

1.7 College Policies

Syllabus Revision

The course syllabus sets forth the expectations for the course content, work, and grading as well as expectations for student performance and conduct. The syllabus does not constitute a contract between the student and the instructor or the College. The information contained in the syllabus is subject to change at any time. Students will be notified if any changes are made. Though changes are possible, it is expected that the course will be conducted as described in the syllabus.

Attendance Policy

Students are expected to attend and participate in all scheduled class, laboratory, or clinical sessions. Absences result in missed learning opportunities, lower grades, and, in many cases, failure for the course. Prompt and regular attendance enhances the likelihood of student achievement while also instilling habits that will prepare graduates for success in the workplace.

Each course syllabus will specify attendance requirements and the specific academic consequences entailed by those requirements.

Financial Aid recipients are responsible for meeting attendance requirements for institutional, State and Federal Aid in order to maintain eligibility.

Please see Pellissippi State Policy 03:11:01, Academic Standards, for the complete policy.

Academic Misconduct

Academic misconduct committed either directly or indirectly by an individual or group is subject to disciplinary action. Prohibited activities include but are not limited to the following practices:

Cheating, including but not limited to unauthorized assistance from material, people, or devices when taking a test, quiz, or examination; writing papers or reports; solving problems; or completing academic assignments.
Plagiarism, including but not limited to paraphrasing, summarizing, or directly quoting published or unpublished work of another person, including online or computerized services, without proper documentation of the original source.
Purchasing or otherwise obtaining prewritten essays, research papers, or materials prepared by another person or agency that sells term papers or other academic materials to be presented as one’s own work.
Taking an exam for another student.
Providing others with information and/or answers regarding exams, quizzes, homework or other classroom assignments unless explicitly authorized by the instructor.
Any of the above occurring within the Web or distance learning environment.

Please see the Pellissippi State Policy 04:02:00, Academic/Classroom Conduct and Disciplinary Sanctions for the complete policy.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

Students that need accommodations because of a disability, have emergency medical information to share, or need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated should inform the instructor immediately, privately after class or in her or his office. Students must present a current accommodation plan from a staff member in Disability Services (DS) in order to receive accommodations in this course. Disability Services may be contacted via Disability Services email or by visiting Alexander 130.

Grade Appeal

A student may only appeal a final grade if one or more of the following conditions exist:

Error in the calculation of the grade
Substantial deviation from the syllabus
Clear violation of Pellissippi State Community College and/or the Tennessee Board of Regents policies.

Students have a right to a clear explanation (from the instructor or dean, as appropriate) of actions taken by the instructor, such as how a grade was calculated. An appeal will not be considered because of general dissatisfaction with a grade, penalty, or outcome of a course. Disagreement with the instructor’s professional judgement of the quality of the student’s work and performance is also not an admissible basis for an academic appeal.

The first step in any appeal is to discuss the situation with the instructor. If no resolution is reached, the student’s next step is to consult the dean of the academic department, who may continue the informal process of discussion and/or may inform the student of the process for a formal appeal.

Please see Pellissippi State Policy 03:11:01, Academic Standards, for the complete policy.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Pellissippi State affirms that it will not tolerate discrimination or harassment against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, creed, ethnic or national origin, sex, pregnancy, disability, age (40+), status as a covered veteran, genetic information, nor any other category protected by federal or state civil rights law related to the College.

Similarly, the College will not subject any student to discrimination or harassment under any educational program and no student shall be discriminatorily excluded from participation nor denied the benefits of any educational program on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnic or national origin, sex, pregnancy, disability, age (40+), status as a covered veteran, genetic information, or other category protected by federal or state civil rights law related to the College.

Any Pellissippi State employee, applicant, or student who has reason to feel that they have been harassed or affected by discrimination, or who has any other concerns or questions about equal opportunity, should contact the following:

Executive Director of Institutional Compliance Title IX Coordinator/Equity Officer/Title VI Officer/ADA Officer Pellissippi State Community College Goins Administration Building, Room 258 10915 Hardin Valley Road P.O. Box 22990 Knoxville, TN 37933-0990 Office: (865) 539-7354

Questions about services and facilities for students with disabilities should be directed to the following:

Director of Disability Services Pellissippi State Community College Lamar Alexander Building, Room AL 136 10915 Hardin Valley Road P.O. Box 22990 Knoxville, TN 37933-0990

For questions or concerns, please contact George Underwood at gtunderwood@pstcc.edu or (865) 539-7354.