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CSC 171: Introduction To Computer Programming (lecture)

4 credits

Develop a solid foundation in a modern programming language, concepts of programming such as variables, datatypes, functions, I/O, parameter-passing, assignment, classes, lists, arrays, conditionals, loops, and recursion. Understand techniques of analysis, design, testing, documentation, coding, and debugging.

Distribution Requirement

• Mathematics, Computing & Logic

Learning Goals

• Quantitative Reasoning

Students will program in the Python language using a program development environment  to carry out a design-code-test-debug cycle. Students will apply a procedural programming paradigm by writing small working programs that utilize variables, methods, classes, conditionals, recursion, and looping. Students will design solutions for written problems by using online tools such as myprogramminglab and codingbat. Students will trace the execution of programs by hand, tracing values of variables at different times both on paper and while debugging their own programs. Students will demonstrate fluency in the object-oriented programming paradigm by completing many small programs that use and create objects. The final game creation project will demonstrate proficiency in the use of spiral development methodology, which includes a sequence of testable versions. The game creation will require selection of test cases, solution design and implementation, testing and internal program documentation.

Sections Offered: Fall 2026

Sections Offered: Spring 2026