CS 159
Distance Education
C Programming — Summer 2026 Online Offering
Last updated April 27, 2026 · Enrollment limits subject to available instructional staff.
Course Overview
CS 159 teaches fundamental C programming concepts and structured problem-solving. The summer distance offering covers the exact same content as the fall/spring semester — compressed into 8 weeks.
- Unable to enroll? Submit your request through the scheduling assistant via the Computer Science Course Access & Request Policy.
Is This Format Right for You?
Good fit if you…
- Never let assignments go incomplete
- Proactively communicate with instructors and partners
- Thrive with self-directed, daily study habits
- Can commit 15–20 hours/week for the full 8 weeks
- Have a reliable, high-speed Internet connection
Reconsider if you…
- Are still developing good academic habits
- Plan to take a vacation during the 8 weeks
- Will be working a full-time internship simultaneously
- Have intermittent or slow Internet access
- Need to repeat CS 159 and want an easier path
Required Materials
Textbook
Computer Science: A Structured Programming Approach Using C
Forouzan & Gilberg — Third Edition
ISBN: 0-534-49132-4
C Programming Course Packet
Spring 2026 edition — contains sample code and guides for on-line demonstrations.
Available at the University Bookstore website or Stipes Publishing.
Vocareum License
The platform used to write, test, and submit all programming assignments. You will need to purchase a license for the course.
Respondus LockDown Browser & Monitor
Required for all three midterm exams. This software locks down your browser during proctored exams and uses your webcam to monitor the session.
Time Commitment and Pace Comparison
- 23 days between lectures 1 and 8
- 1 homework + 1 lab by week 3
- 14 weeks of lecture content
- Only 9 days between lectures 1 and 8
- 3 homework + 2 labs by week 3
- Under 7 weeks of lecture content
Can I work ahead on assignments?
No. Assignments are released progressively as the summer advances — typically 5–7 days before the due date. You cannot front-load your work at the beginning of the term.
Can I take a family vacation during the course?
Firm deadlines apply throughout the 8 weeks. Being away from daily participation is strongly discouraged in the accelerated format — treat it the same as asking during a fall or spring semester.
Can I work a full-time internship at the same time?
Some students have managed it, but be realistic. The 15–20 hour weekly commitment on top of a full-time role will limit your ability to fully experience a new internship location and company.
I'm new to programming — how much time will I need?
Students with less experience will need more time early in the course. Eventually, the material challenges everyone equally. Students with minimal experience have succeeded — but it requires strong commitment to daily learning.
Online & Computer Requirements
Internet Connection
A reliable, high-speed connection is required. Daily quizzes, collaboration with partners, and proctored exams all depend on it.
Computer
Your computer must be able to run:
- A Brightspace & Vocareum-compatible browser
- Respondus LockDown Browser
- Respondus Monitor (webcam required)
Daily Availability
Most students are engaged with CS 159 work every day, including weekends. Instructor and TA availability is limited during evenings and weekends, so productive weekday time is crucial.
Exam Proctoring
Exams require Respondus Monitor (webcam + fast connection). Do not rely on public Wi-Fi for exam sessions — it may not meet the speed or stability requirements.
Programming Assignment and Exam Schedule
Assignments are released 5–7 days before their due date. All deadlines are firm.
| Week of | Monday | Wednesday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 15 | Homework #1 | ||
| June 22 | Lab #1 | Homework #2 | Homework #3 |
| June 29 | Lab #2 | Homework #4 | Homework #5 |
| July 6 | Lab #3 | Midterm #1 | Homework #6 |
| July 13 | Lab #4 | Homework #7 | Homework #8 |
| July 20 | Lab #5 | Midterm #2 | Homework #9 |
| July 27 | Lab #6 | Homework #10 | Homework #11 |
| August 3 | Lab #7 * | Midterm #3 |
* Lab #7 is officially due Sunday August 2 but accepted without penalty until Monday August 3 at 11:00 PM.
Daily quizzes are due Mon–Thu, starting June 17 through August 4, released ~24 hours before the due time.
How Grades Are Determined
Points by Category
| Category | Points |
|---|---|
| 55 | |
| 235 | |
| 40 | |
| 35 | |
| 35 | |
| Total | 400 |
Grade Cutoffs
The instructor may lower minimum scores after the final exam — never raised. This will not be announced until after the final.
Exams
Course Resources
Textbook & Course Packet
Readings from the C programming text will be assigned throughout the course. The course packet provides sample code and guides for on-line demonstrations.
Ed Discussion (edstem.org)
A message board for questions, technical challenges, and peer discussion. Expect faster replies from classmates than waiting for a single instructor. Private posts to course staff are also supported. An invitation to join will be posted on Brightspace before the course begins.
Demonstration Videos
Lecture-style videos are released throughout the semester. Some are planned in advance; others are created in response to common struggles, message board discussions, or student requests for specific topics.
Instructor & TA Office Hours
Coding assistance sessions via Teams or Zoom. Course staff aim to respond to private Ed posts within one business day. Availability is more limited evenings and weekends.
Academic Integrity & AI Policy
Programming Assignments
- Labs are collaborative — only your assigned group members may work on them together.
- Homework is an individual effort — no sharing with others.
- All submissions are checked for similarity. If others can find an external solution, so can the similarity checker.
- Referencing external sources for solutions is prohibited.
Consequences
Academic integrity violations carry severe consequences:
- A failing grade for the course
- Referral to the Office of the Dean of Students for further disciplinary action
Review the full academic integrity policy in the course syllabus.
🤖 Generative AI & LLMs
Tools like ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot are not permitted for any portion of an assignment.
This course teaches foundational programming thinking. Using AI-generated logic — even partially — is considered a violation of academic integrity expectations, regardless of how the code is used or modified.