Course Description:
Computer Science is frequently presented as a set of theories and practices without much attention

to their creators and development. This course will focus on selected, paradigmatic events and

individuals within computing, analyzing the dynamics of the advances and their implications for

computing and society as a whole.

 

Although we will be approaching these issues through an interdisciplinary perspective, students are

reminded that this is a computer science course. Basic knowledge of computational theory, architecture

operating systems and programming will be expected. Students who are not computer science majors

should request additional assistance in these areas when needed.

 

The course will be conducted as a seminar at the graduate level. Students are expected to read every

assignment and to be prepared for discussion. Attendance at each class is presumed. Three or more

unexcused absences will result in the loss of the class participation score.

 

Our topics and schedule may be changed with the availability of guest speakers and the interests of

the class. Please check the online syllabus for updates and revisions.

 

Texts:

Daniel Hillis, The Pattern on the Stone: The Simple Ideas that Make Computers Work (Perseus Books Group (November 1, 1999)

John Von Neumann, The Computer and the Brain, 2d Ed. (Yale University Press, 2000)

Online Materials located at this site

Reserve Materials

 

Class Policies:

Attendance is presumed. Three or more unexecused absences will result in loss of class participation score.

All materials submitted must be in typed, analog form and stapled. No email assignments accepted.

Students must maintain backup copies of all course work for the semester.

 

Evaluation:

50%  Topic Assignments

30%  Subject Matter Quizzes (closed book)

20%  Class Participation

 

Evaluation Criteria for Written Assignments:

40%  Use of Course Material

40%  Comprehensiveness & Clarity

20%  Creativity & Originality