CS 100 Syllabus

Course Overview

An introduction to science and engineering as a profession. Examines the problem-solving process used in engineering and science. Emphasizes the interdisciplinary and international nature of problem-solving and the need to evaluate solutions in terms of a variety of constraints: computational, financial, and social.

Course Objectives

Grade Breakdown

10%
Attendance
10%
Status Updates
25%
Class Discussion
35%
Assignments
20%
Research Paper

Attendance

Class attendance is mandatory. A sign-in sheet will be passed around at the beginning of each class (if you're late, it's your responsibility to make sure you sign it before leaving).

Two absences are automatically excused -- after that, each absence will reduce the attendance score by 10%.

Status Updates

Each student is to submit a status update every Friday with the following:

  1. A summary and opinion on some CS-related current event (for inspiration, see Reddit / Techmeme / Hacker News).

  2. A suggestion for the following week's debate topic (may or may not be related to (1), above).

  3. Any class-related concerns (CS 100 or any other class you're taking!)

Status updates will be submitted via this online form.

Class Discussion

Almost every week, a CS-related topic will be announced on Wednesday to serve as the focus of a short debate on Friday. Opposing views will be provided, and every student is to come to class prepared on Friday to argue either side. Debaters will be announced at the beginning of class on Friday (at least 5 students per side), and the rest of the class will observe and vote on the winning side.

Assignments

Individual assignments (coded, written, etc.) will be periodically announced in class, together with submission details.

Research Paper

A final paper, written as a formal survey of a topic selected from a curated list, and based on one or more published research papers, will be completed by each student. Each paper will be read and assessed by the student's peers using a set of fixed criteria.

Disability Resources

Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with documented disabilities. In order to receive accommodations, students must obtain a letter of accommodation from the Center for Disability Resources and make an appointment to speak with me as soon as possible. The Center for Disability Resources is located in the Life Sciences Building, room 218, 312-567-5744 or disabilities@iit.edu.