Languages and Machines
25420/01 Fall 1999

Instructor: Paul R. Zuckerman
Office: JFT 612
Office hours:
M & W 3:45 - 4:45 P.M.
T & H 6:30 - 7:30 P.M.
Other times are possible by appointment.
Phone: 257-3516
E-mail address: zuckerman@mcs.newpaltz.edu
Web page: http://www.mcs.newpaltz.edu/~zuckerma

This is a course in theoretical Computer Science. It is concerned with the description and classification of languages, the capabilities of programmable machines, and the relationships between languages and machines. These subjects are interesting in their own right because they are related to the foundations of Mathematics. They are useful because they give insight into the problem of creating algorithms that process programming languages.

Text.
Linz, Peter, An Introduction to Formal Languages and Automata, Second Edition, D.C. Heath and Company, ISBN 076370296X. You can purchase this book in the College Book Store.

Attendance.
During the class meetings we will discuss some topics and examples that are not in the textbook. You should plan to attend each class.

Problems.
I will frequently assign problems that give you an opportunity to improve your understanding of the concepts we will be studying.

Examinations.
During the semester I will give three in-class exams on dates that I will announce in advance.

The time for the final exam is Monday, December 20, 12:30 - 2:30 P.M.

I do not give make-up exams for those exams missed during the semester. I can excuse you from an in-class or final exam only if you present substantial documentation of a serious illness or personal emergency that prevented attendance.

Grades.
I will compute your grade from a course average with the following weights:
Three in-class exams - 20% each.
Final exam - 40%.

Class material on the Web.
At the first class meeting I am giving you a copy of this document and additional material. As the semester progresses, I will post assignments and additional material for each class on my web page.

Go to my home page at http://www.mcs.newpaltz.edu/~zuckerma and follow the Course Information link to the material for this course.

Notice.
I do not permit my classes to be recorded.
I enforce the College policies that prohibit eating and drinking in classrooms. Please cooperate by respecting these regulations.