Computer Science Honors

This course is an introduction to Computer Science Honors, covering the basic concepts and elements of the Java programming language and introducing object-oriented programming. Students will gain experience writing programs that are well documented according to industry standards and will have the opportunity to create Java Applets and learn about Graphical User Interface programming with Swing. Additionally, the students will be encouraged to work both independently and collaboratively to solve practical problems that illustrate application-building techniques.

This course is intended to teach and reinforce crucial academic skills to help students strengthen their background in computer science prior to taking an Advanced Placement course.

**Please Note: This course may not be appropriate for students with specific accessibility limitations as written. Please refer to the VHS Handbook policy on Special Education/Equity for more information on possible modifications. If you need additional assistance, please let us know at service.goVHS.org.

*This course may be appropriate for Gifted and Talented middle school students that meet all course prerequisites.*

One year of Algebra. This course is not intended for students who have completed the course “Computational Science and Engineering Using Java” or an Advanced Placement course in computer science.

1. Develop a working knowledge of Java, including object-oriented programming and user interface design.
2. Gain experience writing Graphical User Interface (Swing) programs
3. Learn how to develop a Java Applet
4. Develop project-construction skills.

Please refer these requirements to your school's technology staff prior to registering for the course. Schools must install and allow student access to the resources listed here, in order for a student to participate in the course.

Please see software manufacturers' websites for further information and system requirements.

In addition to VHS system requirements:

Software used: latest versions of the Java Development Kit (JDK) using Standard Edition (SE) and the Netbeans Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
Specific URLs accessed: multiple addresses at domains “oracle.com,” “netbeans.com,” “greenteapress.com”