CSci 1001 is an entirely new introduction to Computer Science built on four important principles:
You don't need to be a scientist or engineer to appreciate many of the great ideas in Computer Science. CSci 1001 requires no background in programming, mathematics, or other particular subjects. Instead, you learn advanced concepts from the ground up. This course was designed specifically to cater to students from other colleges, though many IT students may find it valuable as well.
Computer Science and information technology are increasingly relevant to public policy and civic issues. Whether you're looking at electronic voting, databases of personal information, or robots that can help the elderly and disabled, being informed about technology can make you a better citizen. CSci 1001 devotes a third of the class time to studying applications of technology and the public policy and ethics issues raised by them.
Computer Science is more than just programming. Traditional introductory courses start by having students learn a single skill--computer programming--in depth. CSci 1001 provides a broad overview of Computer Science, introducing highlights from across the entire field and presenting them in relation to real-world problems. I like to think of it as a "greatest hits" album.
Learning is about interaction. CSci 1001 combines interactive class sessions with hands-on laboratory sessions. Each week includes one full-class discussion session on a topic of civic importance.
For more detail about the course contents itself, please see the course syllabus.
For information about Prof. Konstan, see his web site.
Yes! There are no prerequisites for this course. If you managed to use the computer well-enough to register for the class, we'd love to have you take it.
That depends a lot on what you bring in. If you know very little about computing, you should leave with a deeper understanding of many of the challenging issues in computing, and insight as to how they relate to public policy issues. If you're experienced with computers, but a novice in Computer Science, you'll get a survey of specialized topics in Computer Science such as networking, databases, artificial intelligence, and human-computer interaction. Even someone with some Computer Science experience will learn new things about how technology relates to public policy.
As far as your academic program is concerned, CSci 1001 fulfills the CLE requirements for Mathematical Thinking and for Citizenship and Public Ethics.
Please send them directly to me, and I'll send responses by e-mail. I'll also post general interest questions and answers here.
The views and opinions expressed in this page are strictly those of the page author.
The contents of this page have not been reviewed or approved by the University of Minnesota.