FAQ: I have lots of programming experience, but I've never studied Java before.

Can I start with CIS 2151, or should I take CIS 1500?

Answer: Students taking CIS 2151 are expected to know all of the material covered in CIS 1500. CIS 1500 is both:

• an introduction to programming, AND
  
• an introduction to the Java language and the Java libraries (how to create GUI components such as scrollbars and buttons, and how to handle events, etc.).

As an experienced programmer, you have the first item covered but not the second. If you want to skip CIS 1500, you will have to make sure you know all of the Java topics covered in CIS 1500 BEFORE the start of CIS 2151. Knowing C++ or Visual Basic is NOT adequate experience.

If you read all of the material in the first 14 chapters of "Object-Oriented Program Development Using Java" (OCC Bookstore), and can do the end-of-chapter exercises in those 14 chapters, then you are ready for CIS 2151.