CIT 131 - Online

Introduction to C Programming
CIT 131 - 1001

Required: zyBook, "Beginning C Programming", zyBook ISBN: 979-8-203-14367-9 Recommended: Kernighan & Ritchie, "The C Programming Language, Second Edition", 978-0131103627

Note: At the end of the first week of classes, all teaching faculty MUST verify ACTIVE student participation. Any student who doesn't participate during this time will be administratively dropped from this course.

Failure to participate in class during the first week of the semester will result in an administrative withdrawal.

Course Information

 An introduction to the C programming langauge. Topic will include C data types, output, operators, decision and looping statements, functions, and the C library.

Learning Outcomes

1. Solve problems using the fundamental syntax and semantics of the C programming language.
2. Use generally accepted principles of good programming style and documentation.
3. Develop programming algorithms.
4. Translate algorithms into C programs using modularization and appropriate looping, decision and data structures.
5. Debug C programs.

All work must be completed and submitted by October 18th at 11:59pm.

All due dates are also indicated in Canvas as well. There are assignments due each period. Please review the due dates regularly.

This course is an introduction to Programming using the C language. The course consists of lessons, interactive work, labs, a Final Test and a Final Project. All interactive material is in the zyBook. All due dates are located in Canvas as well. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with the due dates. Please also read the class Orientation Document. All work must be done through Canvas. Please contact me if you have any questions.  

The zyBook is online material hosted by zyBook. You can purchase the needed code from the bookstore or directly from zyBook. Purchasing directly is less expensive. To purchase directly you will need to access the book's TOC through the Important Information Module in Canvas. You will then be asked for the code or to purchase (subscribe). All coding is done in the zyBook platform through Canvas. No other development platform and compiler are needed.

This syllabus is subject to change as deemed appropriate by the instructor with notification. 

No exceptions will be made on the deadlines.

Late Work Policy
Late work may be submitted. A 5% penalty will be deducted for each day late for four days. Five days and after the highest score possible will be 75% of normal. The penalty will be deducted from the scores submitted.

Please note:

1. It is the responsibility of the student to purchase the correct zyBook. Failure to purchase and use the correct material will result in a F grade.
2. Class content and material is accessed through Canvas. 
3. **End of Day means 11:59 PM.
4. Please review the contents of the IMPORTANT INFORMATION folder

Your grade will be determined as follows:

Interactions	15%
Challenges	20%
Labs	30%
Midterm	10%
Final Project	10%
Final Test	15%

Use of outside Resources or using material not covered at the time of the assignment – Cheating in any form via use of AI tools, copying work from another source (close collaboration with another student), and using material not yet covered at the time of the assignment is prohibited. On the first offense, a score of -100 (or the maximum score for an assignment) is assigned until the student contacts me and we can discuss the concern. On the second offense, a student is reported to the academic integrity violation committee. Note that the same policy applies to any lab assignments. For the lab assignments, the point deduction will be -20 (or the maximum score for the lab assignment) points.

Grade Scale

100 - 94  A     90 - < 94 A-      87 - < 90 B+     84 - < 87 B    80 - < 84  B-    77 - < 80  C+     74 - < 77  C    70 - <74 C-    67 - <70 D+    64 - < 67 D    60 - < 64 D-    0 - < 60   F

Important Note - If you have any concerns about this course and/or me, please contact me first. If I cannot resolve your issue, please contact the CIT Department Office at 702-651-5976. You will be directed to the appropriate Program Director or the Department Chair. You will remain anonymous, if possible, and all communication will be strictly confidential. Please DO NOT wait until the last minute to make your concerns known to me and/or to the CIT Department.

 CSN Student email - All students enrolled at CSN have a CSN Student Email account. All information from the college will be sent to your CSN-issued student email address (enrollment information, financial aid information, cashier information, college events, etc.). It is extremely important that you check your student email daily. You can access your student email through GoCSN (go.csn.edu). Once you validate your student email address you will have access to Microsoft Office 365 for up to five devices and 1TB of OneDrive storage. Visit the CSN Information web site for additional information.

 Attendance Policy - College assumes maturity, seriousness of purpose, and self-discipline for meeting the responsibilities associated with each course.  If you need the instructor to sign documents testifying to your attendance, YOU must come to the instructor after each class you attend to let them know you were there. Class participation is a strong aspect of this course, and your participation is always encouraged.

Please make yourself familiar with the CSN’s Student Academic Integrity Policy (AI Policy). There will be zero tolerance for plagiarism and cheating. Using artificial intelligence, copying and pasting from the Internet or paraphrasing a few words is not an acceptable practice in college. Not knowing the rules for plagiarism will not be an acceptable excuse. If you are unsure about what it is and is not plagiarism, you can learn more about it by speaking to staff at a CSN campus writing center or library or consulting the CSN Library Services’ Plagiarism guide: https://libguides.csn.edu/research-101/cite. The minimum sanction for plagiarism is an F on the particular assignment; repeated offenses carry an F for the class as the minimum penalty.

My responsibilities:

1.      I will reply to your e-mail messages in a timely manner. Replying to phone calls may take more time.

2.      I will try my best to resolve any course-related issues.

3.      I will return feedback and grade on assignments and exams within one week of the due date.

 Your responsibilities:

1.      You will stay active in classroom discussions and activities. Let me know if you find any discrepancies in the syllabus, course material, or activity due dates, as soon as possible.

2.      You will monitor the deadlines for projects and exams and ask questions.

3.      You will do your best in class and will not hesitate to ask for help.

4.      You will review my feedback on your assignments and exams and let me know of any questions or concerns as soon as possible.

The following dates are for 16-week sessions for Fall 2026: The complete schedule is available at: https://www.csn.edu/calendar-catalog-schedule - Look for the “Fall 2026 Semester Calendar” tab.

 Withdrawal Policy - Instructors do not have the option of withdrawing students. For official withdrawal dates and other IMPORTANT college dates, look at the online schedule at the CSN Calendar and locate the calendar for the current semester.

You are strongly encouraged to discuss your decisions with an academic counselor, academic adviser or success coach AND Student Financial Services, because these decisions may affect your financial aid and Satisfactory Academic Progress. Students receiving financial aid may find their awards reduced.

 If you wish to receive a W in lieu of a grade, you MUST withdraw yourself officially from the class. Once you have withdrawn (dropped), you must discontinue attending class. Alternatively, you may wish to change from Credit to Audit and continue to attend the class.

 Change to Audit – You will need to print out the correct form, fill it out, check the boxes, then sign and date. Submit the completed form in person at the Registrar’s Office. Or you may scan or photograph the signed form and send it, using your CSN student email, along with a clear color copy of your state ID to MyCSN.Updates@csn.edu

 All course material is available online in Canvas. While the design of this course allows flexibility in your scheduling, please realize that the deadlines are just as strict as any other course. You should check the calendar and allocate your time accordingly to complete the readings and to be prepared for the exams. Due dates will be strictly adhered to. You will use the mail and discussion features of Canvas to contact me or ask questions.

Online section offers flexibility where you need to manage your time to achieve success. It is extremely simple to ignore due dates and fall behind which I hope we can seriously avoid!.

 A rule of thumb for a 3-credit class is that you attend class about 3 hours a week and study a minimum of 6 hours a week outside of the classroom.

Internet Access - Internet access is your responsibility. This class can be accessed from any computer with Internet access. Therefore, excuses such as “My computer is not working” or “My provider was down” are not acceptable. If you find yourself in a real jam, you may drive to any CSN site and use one of the computers in the CSN open computer labs.

 Computer Labs – CSN provides access to computers at many physical locations. For Computer labs hours and locations, visit the Computer Lab

Networking Lab - The networking lab will be available on August 24, 2026. For location/date/time information, please visit the CIT Information Web site. Click on Networking and Software Lab Hours.

Course Contract -

This syllabus is a course contract for the duration of the semester. By continuing with this course students agree to the terms set forth in this syllabus and will adhere to all the rules and policies outlined.   

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work and attendance policies, may be subject to change without advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor. 

 Disclaimer - This syllabus is subject to change with notice. Notices will be posted in the online forum. It is your responsibility to stay informed.

CSN Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement and current Disability Resource Center (DRC) Contact Information - CSN is committed to equal opportunity and access in education for all students, including those with disabilities. The CSN Disability Resource Center provides support to students with documented medical, mental health, or learning disabilities and students who need support due to pregnancy.  To register with the DRC, students should complete the new student application in the AIM DRC tile in GoCSN. Students are encouraged to register with the DRC as early as possible in or prior to the start of the academic term. The granting of any accommodation will not be retroactive and cannot jeopardize the academic standards or integrity of the course. Please Note - Instructors are not allowed to provide classroom accommodation for a student until appropriate verification from the DRC has been provided. If you have questions, please contact the DRC directly (702-6515644) or visit https://www.csn.edu/disability-resource-center for additional information.

Student Rights & Responsibilities - When you choose to become a student at CSN, you accept the rights and responsibilities of membership in CSN’s academic and social community.  You can find policies covering students such as the Student Conduct, Students’ Right to Know, Students’ Academic Integrity, and Disruptive and Abusive Student in the following locations:

·         Catalog and Student Handbook (Catalog Web Page) in the Policies and Procedures section.

·         CSN Website (Student Policies) under the heading “Student Policies.”

 College Library Services - CSN Libraries provides support for students completing assignments that require research and the use of information. Librarians are available to students for one-on-one assistance locating and citing quality information either online at the Library information or at one of our campus libraries. Find more information on our main website at the Library main page.

 Objectionable materials - Instructors have the responsibility to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior appropriate to the discipline and method of instruction. No objectionable materials or language will be used during this class. This includes all possible modes of the class: online and in person. The instructor will make the final determination regarding any objectionable materials or language. Students may not engage in activity the instructor deems disruptive or counterproductive to the goals of the class. Instructors have the right to remove offending students from class.

 Pregnant Students

 CSN prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities. This prohibition on discrimination extends to pregnancy and related conditions—including childbirth, lactation, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, and recovery therefrom—as well as to parental and family status. If you are pregnant or have a pregnancy-related condition, and you are in need of accommodation because of your pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, you must contact Dr. Armen Asherian, Title IX Coordinator, at titleixcoordinator@csn.edu or 702-651-7481, or the Disability Resource Center at 702-651-5644 for West Charleston, 702-651-3795 for Henderson, and 702-651-4045 for North Las Vegas to explore reasonable accommodation.

Sex-Based Harassment and Discrimination - CSN is committed to creating a safe and open learning environment for all students. In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, CSN prohibits unlawful sex-based harassment against any participant in its education programs or activities. Sexual-based harassment includes quid pro quo (this for that) harassment, a hostile environment, and criminal sexual violence (including sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, and stalking.) This prohibition applies to CSN students, employees, and visitors. Incidents of sex-based harassment or discrimination should be reported to CSN’s Title IX Coordinator, Dr. Armen Asherian, at titleixcoordinator@csn.edu, or 702-651-7481 or University Police Department at 702-895-3669 to report a crime.

 Academic Advising

Academic Advisors help students assess academic strengths and limitations, learn academic success strategies, explore careers, declare a major, navigate the educational system, access campus and community resources, and connect to campus life. Contact Information: Charleston Campus: Building D – Student Services Area : 702–651–5670, North Las Vegas Campus: Student Services Area : 702–651–4049, Henderson Campus: Building B – Room 120 : 702–651–3165. For more information visit Academic Advising

Canvas Computer Instructions & Technology Help Desk 

 The Canvas Student Quick Start Guide be found at Canvas web site.  The entire Student Guide may be found on web site.  Telephone Support for Distance Education students having problems logging into a course, using course web site tools, or other technical problems can be found by contacting the CSN Technology Help Desk locally at 702–651–4357, or via 1-800–630–7563 toll-free, 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.

Centers for Academic Success (CAS) - Centers for Academic Success (CAS) provides quality DROP-IN academic assistance to all students enrolled in for-credit courses at CSN. Tutors are available for most general education courses and many other historically challenging courses. Academic learning support includes drop-in assistance with learning strategies, Canvas, online tutoring, Microsoft Office, writing, oral presentations, math, and science. CAS tutors also facilitate study groups for courses (e.g., biology, math, and chemistry). CAS is open Monday through Sunday. Hours for all locations are Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Friday – Sunday,11:00 am to 4:00 pm. You may visit www.csn.edu/centers-academic-success for more details about CAS services. You may also contact us at one of our offices: Charleston Centers 702-651-5732, North Las Vegas Learning Commons 702-651-4232, Henderson Learning Commons 702-651-3125.

 TutorChat - TutorChat is a free, live, online chat service accessible by CSN students at https://csncentersacademicsuccess.libanswers.com/ or in the navigation menu of your Canvas courses. TutorChat is designed to answer your quick questions, help you form successful study habits, and show you how to use Canvas and other resources for student success, such as online tutoring and MyCoyoteSuccess workshops, accessed in GoCSN. Quick questions are defined as assistance with topic formulation, proper MLA or APA citation formatting, and development of outlines including thesis statement, introduction clarity, and appropriate conclusion. TutorChat staff can start audio video sessions and give you information on how to connect with a Centers for Academic Success tutor, which is an in-person service FREE to you. For more information, you can chat with us or submit a question. TutorChat is open to all enrolled CSN students. 

 *If you need assistance outside their normal business hours (11-4, Monday thorough Sunday), please submit a question at TutorChat. They usually respond within 24 hours.

 Brainfuse – Offers free online tutoring, writing services and homework assistance 24/7.  Certified Brainfuse tutors provide live, on-demand tutoring and assignment help in a variety of subjects. Brainfuse tutors meet students where they are at in order to effectively help students of all skill levels. To access services, students can log into their GoCSN account and then into Canvas. Students can choose a listed course on the left and then click on Brainfuse Online Tutoring.  Call 702-651-5619 for additional information.

 Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) - The Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers short-term, problem-focused counseling to CSN students who may feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of college, work, family, and relationships. Clinicians are available to help students cope with stresses and personal issues that may interfere with their ability to perform in school. The service is provided confidentially and free to currently enrolled students. To schedule an appointment, please call CAPS at West Charleston 702–651–5518, or at North Las Vegas 702–651–4099, or at Henderson 702–651–3099. 

Feeling anxious, stressed, or burned out? 
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) has free, confidential therapy.  
Get support at csn.edu/mentalhealth360

 Printing @ CSN - Printing in CSN classrooms, computer labs and libraries falls under Print Wise. Print Wise provides each CSN student with a $10 credit toward printing at the start of each semester, which will provide for up to 200 black and white copies at 5¢ a page, or 40 color copies at 25¢ a page. After that, you may put money into your account online or at the CSN Cashier’s Office to purchase additional prints at the same rate. It is your responsibility to maintain your printing accounts to cover printing expenses during each semester. More information about the Print Wise system may be found at the Printwise Information.