Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Adam Ackerman received his BS in Computer Science from The University of Oklahoma and is currently finishing up his Masters in Science in MIT. Before joining the MIS faculty, Adam worked as a software developer who also taught adjunct for the MIS department since the Fall of 2015. Adam was born and raised in Norman OK and enjoys watching the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Oklahoma Sooners.
Course Details
For a list of course activities, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Course Prerequisites
MIT 5602, or concurrent enrollment
Course Materials
- Al Sweigart, Automate the Boring Stuff with Python, 2015, No Starch Press, ISBN-10:1593275994.
- A free online edition of the textbook is available under a Creative Commons license
- PyCharm Educational License
- You can apply for a PyCharm Educational License using your OU email or a copy of your student ID.
- Microsoft Teams
- We will use our own Teams channel to actively communicate during the course.
- You can download OU-licensed Microsoft Teams using your OU ID.
- Microsoft Teams Join Code : tbzp3va
Grades
Breakdown
| Activity | Description | Points/Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Live Session Participation | Participation in the weekly Live Sessions and in-class coding activities. | 7 @ 10 pts each / 20% |
| Homework Assignments | Python coding tasks based on the module course topics. | 7 @ 20 pts each / 25% |
| Code Review Presentations | Video presentations explaining coding choices on Homework Assignments. | 6 @ 15 pts each / 15% |
| Python Vocabulary Quizzes | Concept check quizzes for key Python syntax. | 7 @ 10 pts each / 10% |
| Group Library Project | Group research and video presentation on a Python Library. Includes process-based checkpoints. | 100 pts / 30% |
| Total | 425 pts / 100% |
Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90–100% | A |
| 80–89% | B |
| 70–79% | C |
| 60–69% | D |
| Below 60% | F |
Course Components
Live Session Participation
Our Live Sessions will be interactive coding demonstration workshops. You will be expected to code alongside the instructor and work in small groups to accomplish coding tasks.
Homework Assignments
You will use Jupyter Notebook to complete specific Python coding tasks related to the module course content.
Code Review Presentations
There are many paths to completing coding tasks, so explaining your choices will showcase your coding critical thinking. You will explain your coding choices for each Homework Assignment in recorded video presentations. Your presentation should explain your coding to two different audiences: a managerial audience, which is not technical, and a peer audience, which is technical.
Python Vocabulary Quizzes
These brief quizzes will check your understanding of key coding concepts introduced in the readings and lectures in each module.
Group Library Project
Groups will research a Python Library that isn't used in the course to showcase the purpose, use-value, and applications of that Library in business contexts. This group project will include process-based checkpoints to help keep your group on track throughout the course. You will present your research in a recorded video presentation to share with the class.
Course Policies
Communication
Please contact me through our course's Teams channel. I do not typically reply to messages on weekends.
You can call me Mr. Ackerman. During our Live Sessions, I will demonstrate a lot of tools that you will apply to different problems. My goal is to teach you how to problem solve using the tools that are available to you. As such, I encourage you to ask questions to check your understanding of our course content.
Feedback
I typically provide feedback and grades within one week of the assignment due date.
Late Policy
Any assignments turned in within 24 hours of the due date will receive a 20% deduction off of the total earned points. Assignments turned in 24 hours past the due date will receive 0 points. If there are extenuating circumstances, you will need to discuss those with me as soon as possible.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Land Acknowledgement
Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.
We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations. Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgment is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.
Course Catalog
Search the OU Course Catalog.
Student Handbook
Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.
Student Support Services
OU offers a variety of services to support students. For more information, please refer to the Student Support Module in your Orientation course.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Copyright Statement and Privacy Information
Sessions of this course may be recorded or live-streamed. These recordings are the intellectual property of the individual faculty member and may not be shared or reproduced without the explicit, written consent of the faculty member. In addition, privacy rights of others such as students, guest lecturers, and providers of copyrighted material displayed in the recording may be of concern. Students may not share any course recordings with individuals not enrolled in the class or upload them to any other online environment.
Academic Integrity
As a member of the OU community, it is your responsibility to protect your educational investment by knowing and following the rules. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.
Academic honesty is incredibly important within this course. Cheating is strictly prohibited at the University of Oklahoma, because it devalues the degree you are working hard to get. Should you know of someone else engaging in academic misconduct, please report it to your instructor or directly to the Office of Academic Integrity. Your instructor has a professional obligation to report academic misconduct.
In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook.
Religious Observance
It is the policy of the University to excuse the absences of students that result from religious observances and to reschedule examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays, without penalty. [See Faculty Handbook 3.15.2].
Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities
The Accessibility and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is committed to supporting students with disabilities to ensure that they are able to enjoy equal access to all components of their education. This includes your academics, housing, and community events. Please review OU's Accessibility Policy.
If you are experiencing a disability, a mental/medical health condition that has a significant impact on one or more life functions, you can receive accommodations to provide equal access. Possible disabilities include but are not limited to learning disabilities, AD(H)D, mental health, and chronic health. Additionally, we support students with temporary medical conditions (broken wrist, shoulder surgery, etc.) and pregnancy.
To discuss potential accommodations, please contact the ADRC at 730 College Avenue, (phone) 405-325-3852, or adrc@ou.edu.
Title IX Resources
Anyone who has been impacted by gender-based violence, including dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, harassment, and sexual assault, deserves access to resources so that they are supported personally and academically.
The University of Oklahoma is committed to offering resources to those impacted, including: speaking with someone confidentially about your options, medical attention, counseling, reporting, academic support, and safety plans. If you would like to speak with someone confidentially, please contact OU Advocates (available 24/7 at 405-615-0013) or another confidential resource (see "Can I make an anonymous report?").
You may also choose to report gender-based violence and discrimination through other means, including by contacting the Institutional Equity Office (ieo@ou.edu, 405-325-3546) or the police (911).
Because the University of Oklahoma is committed to the safety of you and other students, I, as well as other faculty, Graduate Assistants, and Teaching Assistants, are mandatory reporters. This means that we are obligated to report gender-based violence that has been disclosed to us to the Institutional Equity Office. This includes disclosures that occur in class discussions, writing assignments, discussion boards, emails, and during Student/Office Hours.
For more information, please visit the Institutional Equity Office.
Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues
Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.
Mental Health Support Services
If you are experiencing any mental health issues that are impacting your academic performance, counseling is available at the University Counseling Center (UCC). The Center is located on the second floor of the Goddard Health Center, at 620 Elm Rm. 201, Norman, OK 73019. To schedule an appointment, call 405-325-2911. For more information, please visit the University Counseling Center.
Final Exam Preparation Period
Pre-finals week will be defined as the seven calendar days before the first day of finals. Faculty may cover new course material throughout this week. For specific provisions of the policy please refer to OU's Final Exam Preparation Period policy.
Required Policies for Students On Campus
Emergency Protocol
During an emergency, there are official university procedures that will maximize your safety.
Severe Weather: If you receive an OU Alert to seek refuge or hear a tornado siren that signals severe weather:
- Look for severe weather refuge location maps located inside most OU buildings near the entrances
- Seek refuge inside a building. Do not leave one building to seek shelter in another building that you deem safer. If outside, get into the nearest building.
- Go to the building’s severe weather refuge location. If you do not know where that is, go to the lowest level possible and seek refuge in an innermost room. Avoid outside doors and windows.
- Get in, Get Down, Cover Up.
- Wait for official notice to resume normal activities.
Additional Weather Safety Information is available through the Department of Campus Safety.
Severe Weather Preparedness Video
Armed Subject/Campus Intruder
If you receive an OU Alert to shelter-in-place due to an active shooter or armed intruder situation or you hear what you perceive to be gunshots:
- Avoid: If you believe you can get out of the area without encountering the armed individual, move quickly towards the nearest building exit, move away from the building, and call 911.
- Deny: If you cannot flee, move to an area that can be locked or barricaded, turn off lights, silence devices, spread out, and formulate a plan of attack if the shooter enters the room.
- Defend: As a last resort fight to defend yourself. For more information, visit:
OU's Emergency Preparedness site
Shots Fire on Campus Procedure
Fire Alarm/General Emergency
If you receive an OU Alert that there is danger inside or near the building, or the fire alarm inside the building activates:
- Leave the building. Do not use the elevators.
- Know at least two building exits
- Assist those that may need help
- Proceed to the emergency assembly area
- Once safely outside, Notify first responders of anyone that may still be inside the building due to mobility issues.
- Wait for official notice before attempting to re-enter the building.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|