History of Computing

Instructor

• Office: Steinmetz Hall 221
• Email: tartaroa@union.edu
• Office hours: TBA or by appointment

General Information

• Meeting time: Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:55-3:40
• Meeting place: Olin 106
• Class format: Interactive lectures, discussion, class presentations, papers, in-class writing workshops, midterm & final.

Book

A History of Modern Computing, 2nd Edition, Paul E. Ceruzzi, MIT Press, 2003. (Available at the bookstore.)

Computer: A History of the Information Machine, 2nd Edition, Martin Campbell-Kelly & William Aspray, Westview Press, 2004. (Available at your favorite bookstore website.)

The Code Book, Simon Singh, Anchor Books, 1999. (Available at your favorite bookstore website.)

Assignments & Grades

There are a number of readings each week. Those labeled required are, as expected, required. Most of the readings labeled articles should be "skimmed." What does that mean? It means you should look over the article to get a sense of the argument the author is making, though not necessarily the details of the evidence they are using to support that argument. Everything should be read by class on Tuesday.

Each student will give one presentation and lead a discussion on an article. The presentation should be about 20 minutes (including discussion) and prepared by Tuesday's class (although it may be given on Thursday, depending on the schedule for that week). In general your presentation should include: the author's argument; an overview of the evidence the author uses to make this argument; reflection on how the article relates to other things we've read in the class; and discussion questions. I may also provide you with some more questions to help you with your presentation. It is STRONGLY recommended you meet with me during office hours, or schedule an appointment, to go over your presentation prior to class. We will select which week you will be giving your presentation during the first class. You are welcome to find an article on your own that you would like to present, though this is not required. However, your article must be approved in advance. Otherwise, I will assign an article by Tuesday the week prior to your presentation. YOU are responsible for ensuring that you receive your article assignment.

You will submit a 1-page (single-spaced) article reflection on one article every two weeks (weeks 2&3, weeks 4&5, weeks 6&7 and weeks 8&9). Article reflections are due the Tuesday following the two week period. You can select any article from those two weeks. Similar to the presentations, your reflection should include: the author's argument; an overview of the evidence the author uses to make this argument; reflection on how the article relates to other things we've read in the class; and questions you have after reading the article. In addition, you should evaluate the strength of the article - how well does the evidence provided support the author's argument? The week you give your presentation, your article reflection should be on the article you presented and include a reflection on the class discussion.

There will be two papers: a "period paper" that discusses important topic and issues in computing during one year; and a final paper on the history of some aspect of computing. You will receive more detailed requirements and guidance for both these papers. Each paper has two due dates in the schedule. For the first deadline, you should have a completed paper (not a draft). We will do peer reviews and you will receive comments from me, and then you will submit a revision of your paper. Please read each assignment carefully as there will be additional deadlines.

There will be a midterm and a final.

Finally, class attendance and participation is a critical component of the course. Your participation should demonstrate that you have completed and thought about the required reading for the course. There may also be short, easy (if you did the reading) pop-quizzes that will count towards your participation grade.

Handing in assignments: You will turn in both a hard copy of your papers and reflections and submit them electronically on blackboard through the "Send File" option of the "Digital Drop Box" (on the "Control Panel"). Files must be sent on blackboard PRIOR to class on the day they are due, and hard copies handed in at the START of class. You may be asked to bring more than one hard copy to class - read assignment instructions carefully for details.

Grade Allocation

• Presentation: 10%
• Article Reflections: 10%
• Paper 1: 15%
• Paper 2: 20%
• Midterm: 15%
• Final: 15%
• Participation: 15%

Policies, etc.

Basic Course Requirement

In order to pass the class you must earn a passing grade. In addition, you must meet the following basic requirement. Before the final exam time for the course, you must submit both papers (fulfilling the minimum requirements) and take both the midterm and final exams. In other words, you cannot blow off an entire paper or exam and pass the class! Note that this basic requirement is necessary but not sufficient to pass the class.

Attendance

Class participation is a critical component of the course and attendance is mandatory. Please discuss any necessary absences (eg. athletics, religious holidays, emergency, illness) with me PRIOR to class. You may be asked to make up for missed material. You will not receive credit for make-up material if you did not discuss your absence with me prior to class.

Late Assignments

Late presentations will not be allowed. Papers turned in late will drop your grade for the paper 10% per day. For example, projects worth 100 points handed in after 1:55 on the due date, but before 1:55 the next day have a max grade of 90 points.

Students with Disabilities

It is the policy of Union College to make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. I encourage students with disabilities to make an appointment to meet with me as soon as possible to discuss accommodations that might help facilitate your learning. You will need appropriate documentation from the Student Support Office. All discussions will remain confidential.

Academic Integrity

Scholastic dishonesty is misrepresenting someone else's work as your own, which is a form of stealing, and will not be tolerated. You are responsible for reading and understanding Union's policies regarding Academic Conduct in the student handbook (http://www.union.edu/offices/dean/handbook/index.php). If you need help understanding how and when to cite sources, please see me.

Schedule

Note: Subject to change. Be sure to check for updates at: http://cs.union.edu/csc80/.

Readings not from the required books or not linked below are available on Blackboard.