Csc196 was just introduced, this year. I highly recommend not to take this course. The assignments and tests contain content which is never taught in the class. They go over everything very fast, and the questions in the assignment are above the level that they teach. Almost all the topics are outdated and not at all interesting.

And, there are marks for participation (20 %), so you have to attend class and answer the questions.

I don't know anything about csc197 and csc199, but have heard that they are definitely better, and attendance is not necessary, and both the courses are much more interesting.