Syllabus – Fall, 2024

Course Description:

Assembly Language allows the programmer to fully utilize all of the special features of the computer in the most efficient manner. It also aids the high-level language programmer in writing subroutines.  The student will write Assembly Language programs and test and debug them.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Design and create applications using Assembly language for the Intel Pentium architecture and apply the Assembly language for the Pentium architecture to solve specific programming problems.

2. Understand how high-level-language concepts such as control flow, looping, conditional statements, procedural abstraction, recursion and arrays are handled by Assembly language instructions.

Text/Materials:

Text:

Software:

You will be using shareware software specifically targeted for Pentium CPU-based computers.  To use a Mac, you will need to have an Intel-based Mac that is running MacOS Mojave or earlier.  Due to the end of support for 32-bit applications in MacOS Catalina, Macs with the newest operation system version cannot natively run HLA, the software we are using in this class.  Students who have upgraded their Macs to Catalina have two choices:

1.   Use the Windows machines either in the computer lab or in the cloud remotely via Remote  Desktops.  I know, I know.  It's a major bummer.  But this is choice I recommend. We refer to this configuration as VCL (Virtual Computer Lab).  Further directions will be made available to students in the Canvas course shell

2.   Purchase and install Parallels Desktop ($79.00).  This software allows you to create a virtual machine on your Mac where you can run an older version of MacOS.  Inside this virtual machine running MacOS Mojave, you will load and run HLA.  Due to the cost and the complications, I honestly never recommend Parallels.  I would like to strongly encourage Catalina users to use the computer lab remotely via VCL – Option #1 above.  We refer to this configuration as VCL (Virtual Computer Lab).  Further directions will be made available to students in the Canvas course shell.

It is very important that you acquire and install the software right away to iron out any potential issues with the hardware you intend to use in this class.  I have had great success with the software, as students have used it with Linux, Windows 3.1, Windows/Japan and all the other flavors of Windows known to mankind.  If you are not all the good with your computer or have a slow connection to the Internet, please consider purchasing a program CD from me, as it will let you work quickly and easily on any computer with a CD-ROM drive.  The software can also be installed in a portable fashion using a flash memory drive so that you can work from any computer with an available USB port.

Course Format:

This course is being offered in a online format. We will be covering an entire class in just 12 weeks. As a result, this kind of class format requires a diligent and motivated student. A course website has been created with content, slides and sample code. Be forewarned that this programming class is fairly challenging. As a result, I would like to stress that you work thru each sample coding example provided.  In addition to reading the online content, homework will be assigned.

All quizzes and the final exam must be taken online via the course website software. There will be multiple versions of each exam so cheating really will not do you much of any good. For those of  you who have not taken a course with me in the past, there is a sample exam online which you can take to familiarize yourself with the course website testing software.

Overall, this kind of course format requires a very diligent, self-motivated learner who can commit to the course schedule and format.  With the beginning of class, all the homework assignments have been released, so students can work at their own pace (just please, not any slower than the released calendar at the end of this document…).  Students can turn in assignments whenever they choose; however, I will only be grading what is currently due.  Exams will be released a few days before their assigned calendar dates.

Coursework:

In addition to reading assignments, homework will be assigned.YOU ARE ADVISED THAT THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT READING COMPONENT TO COMPLETING THIS ONLINE CLASS SUCCESSFULLY.  Students are also expected to participate in online chats and discussions, as requested by their instructor.  Homework is to be submitted by midnight on the due date.  LATE HOMEWORK WILL NOT RECEIVE FULL CREDIT.

Electronic Submission:

It is your responsibility to make certain that all files that are submitted electronically can be easily accessed from your submission folder.  Following the naming conventions described in class is the  best way you can ensure that you receive the highest grades for your assignments. Files that cannot be opened will receive a lower grade.  It is very good idea to make a backup copy of your assignments and keep them until the end of the semester!