CIS 130, UNIX/Linux Shell Programming

Course Policy

Many college courses in UNIX system administration include shell programming, the reason being that the UNIX operating system is controlled and often maintained by shell scripted programs. If you are interested in learning about UNIX/Linux there are two primary reasons for taking this course: first, to learn how to read and interpret shell programs so that you can decipher what is happening in the many shell scripts that make up the UNIX operating system, and second, to learn how to write your own programs for modifying and customizing the operation of the system. These are my two goals for this class.

To aid you in studying for this course, this web site will contain the objectives of each lesson. Keep these objectives in mind during class to help you stay focused on what is important. In class, you will be introduced to programming topics in general, and shell techniques in specific, but it will be in your performing the labs that you actually learn these concepts.

Some students like to read the textbook chapters relating to a particular lesson before class; others wait 'till after. I think you get more out of the class lectures if you have done the reading in preparation; that way you can be ready to ask questions and pay closer attention to those areas that were confusing.

I will do the best I can to keep the room comfortable temperature wise and with minimal distractions.   Towards that end, you can help me by turning off your pagers (or setting them to inaudible) and by not surfing the web or playing games from your workstation which may distract students sitting near or behind you.

Most of the course materials (including this syllabus) are located on my website. You are responsible for reviewing these documents as necessary throughout the semester.

Textbook Information

Recommended Textbook:

Unix Shell Programming, by Stephen G. Kochan, 3rd edition.
This book is available at the college bookstore as well as amazon.com.
ISBN: 0-672-32490-3

Other texts:

Linux and Unix Shell Programming, by David Tansley
This comprehensive book is a practical, easy-to-use guide to programming and using the Bourne shell for beginners and experienced users. ISBN: 0-201-67472-6

Sams Teach Yourself Shell Programming in 24 Hours 2nd Edtion, by Sriranga Veeraraghavan
A good book for beginners to UNIX who would like a tutorial introduction to shell programming. ISBN: 0-672-32358-3

Grading Policy

Grades will be posted on the Internet using an assigned secret word later in the semester.

• Lab Assignments 50%
• Midterm 10%
• Group Project 20%
• Final Exam 20%
• Total 100%

Labs

Lab assignments are posted weekly on the website along with their due date. Most of your learning will take place by doing these labs. It's very important that you stay current in the course be doing all these assignments; that is why they are 50% of your grade.

Midterm

The midterm will be a robot programming task.

Group Project

Near the end of the term, you will work on a shell programming project within a small group. You will work together to build a menu user interface to UNIX/Linux.

Final

The final exam will be comprehensive and will be task oriented rather than memorization based. You will have to demonstrate that you can both interpret an existing shell program and perform a task by writing your own shell script.

The Credit / No Credit Option
By default you will get a letter grade (A, B, C, D, or F) for this class. However, you may choose to take the class for Credit / No Credit instead. If you take this class with the Credit / No Credit option, to receive a Credit you must complete this class with an average of 70% or more A No Credit grade is not included on transcripts and is not factored into determining a student's GPA.

Missing Classes
From page 28 of the Cabrillo Catalog:

Absence from class in excess of two weeks will constitute reason for an instructor to withdraw a student from a full-term course. It is the student's responsibility to officially withdraw from classes.

Make a commitment to yourself to attend every class. The worst thing about missing a class is falling behind because you missed a week's worth of material. If you know you will be missing some classes, please come and see me, so that arrangements can be made for recovering what you'll miss.

Help

We all have different study habits. Let me know if there is something I can do regarding the organization of this course that would help you learn the material better.
Please don't hesitate to see me if you need some help, have some questions, or just want to talk. You can speak with me after class or during my office hours. If you can't come during my scheduled hours I am happy to try to arrange another time for us to meet. You can call me at any time, my number is 477-3539. If I am not in, please leave a message letting me know what are the best times to call you back.

I encourage students with disabilities, including "invisible" disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning, and psychological disabilities, to explain their needs and appropriate accommodations to me during my office hours. Please bring a verification of your disability from the Learning Skills or DSP&S offices and a counselor or specialist's recommendations for accommodating your needs.
 

Other Places for Help

The Writing Center
A student who needs assistance in solving specific writing problems may drop in to receive individual help. Students should bring the paper or assignment with them. Interested persons may receive more information at the center, building 1000 (enter on opposite side of library), or by calling 479-6319.

Tutorial Center
The Tutorial Program offers individual and group assistance to students served by EOPS, Disabled Students Program and Services (DSPS), Migrant Education Teacher Preparation Program (METPP) or who are enrolled in certain vocational majors and have academic disadvantages. Interested persons may receive more information at the center, building 1000 (enter on opposite side of library), or by calling 479-6470 or 479-6126.

Disabled Students Program and Services
The Disabled Students Program and Services (DSPS) offers a variety of services to enable students with disabilities to function independently in the educational environment. The objective of DSPS services is integrate students with disabilities into general campus programs and activities. Interested persons may receive more information at the center, room 800, or by calling 479-6379 or 479-6370.

COOP Work Experience
The Cooperative Work Experience is designed to combine work experience with classroom instruction to assist students in acquiring the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to be successful in a chosen occupation. Interested persons may receive more information by calling 477-5650.

Counseling
Counselors are committed to providing students with up-to-date information and informed advice regarding their educational and career goals. For more information or to set up an appointment, call 479-6274.