Is it normal to be overwhelmed at first?

I am in my 3rd week of an 8 week accelerated java course. Gradewise I'm doing fine but I feel like I am not retaining enough. Mainly I fond myself going through trial and error to get my programs to run. I have to constantly look up syntax and such. Is it normal to feel this overwhelmed or am I just not getting it. If I am to continue on I hope that things get smoother with repetition. Any tips or advice on how long it takes before it feels more natural?