CS 1000
Explorations in Computing

Course objectives:

This course has the following objectives for students majoring in or thinking about majoring in computing disciplines:
1. Prepare students to succeed in the computer science major
2. Prepare students to succeed in their career as a computing professional

Course catalog description:

An introduction to the study of computing: fundamental concepts and skills; opportunities at Michigan Tech; career opportunities; social and ethical issues.
Credits: 1.0

Instructor

Dr. Nilufer Onder
Office: 309 Rekhi CS Hall
Phone: (906) 487 1641
Office hours: Tuesday between 2:00pm-3:00pm.
Office visit policy: You are welcome to use the times I'm available: most times a short visit is very helpful to clarify misconceptions. I understand that the listed office hour times will not fit everybody's schedule. Feel free to stop by or send email for questions. If you'd like, you can set up an appointment by sending me an email message. Make sure to include the times you can meet.

Textbook

This course doesn't have a textbook. All the material needed will be supplied.

Computer use in the classroom

The use of personal computers and smart devices in the classroom is not allowed. All such devices should be turned off or silenced and put away.

From several years of teaching experience, I found it useful to to implement this policy due to two reasons. First, the class in session forms a community of students where each individual should participate fully. Second, the interaction of a student with a device causes an unfair distraction to others. It is a basic right of every student to have a distraction free learning environment.

Required Background

This course does not require a background in computer science. The presenters and instructor will take care to deliver material in a way that college students understand.

Grading scale

Attendance	28%
Assignments	40%
Alumni report	32%

Grading policies

Attendance: You are expected to attend all classes. A roster will be taken at each class. We have 14 classes, each class is worth 2 attendance points adding to a total of 28%.

Please send me an email message if you know that you are going to miss a class (excused absence) or if you have missed a class due to unforeseen circumstances.
Put "[CS1000 attendance]" in the subject line.

Assignments: In general, each credit for a course requires 2-3 hours of work outside of class. This course has a similar workload.

There will be two types of assignments. The first type is attending an event or seminar that is relevant to improving your academic or career skills in computing. The second type is short, written assignments, typically due the next class session. There might be assignments with different due dates but all dates will be posted on the assignment and on Canvas.

Unless specified otherwise, all the assignments are to be completed individually. When an assignment is done in collaboration with other students in the class, credit MUST be given to all collaborators. If you talk with anyone about the assignment, that person's name must be listed on the assignment as a collaborator.

Assignments will either be entered online using Canvas or must be typed and turned in as a pdf file using Canvas. No late submissions will be accepted.

Alumni conversations: You will be paired with a Michigan Tech alumnus from the Department of Computer Science, have an email conversation with him or her, and report on what you find. The alumni job descriptions from your reports will be posted. You will then browse these descriptions and look for matches that are a good fit for you, and write a report. These assignments are to be done on an individual basis; you can talk with other students about what you've learned from your alum, but your report must be written by you alone.

Calculating the letter grade: The final grade will be calculated from your score as follows. No AB, BC, or CD grades will be given.

       90-100    A (4.0)   excellent
       80-89     B (3.0)   good
       70-79     C (2.0)   average
       60-69     D (1.0)   inferior
       00-59     F (0.0)   failure
  

An I (Incomplete) grade will only be given when a student is unable to complete a segment of the course due to circumstances beyond the student's control. If you encounter such a situation, talk to me and we will work on a solution together.

Academic Integrity:

If copying, plagiarism, or unauthorized collaboration is suspected, the case will be turned to the Dean of Students' office with supporting evidence. After this, the decision is made by the Dean. The procedure is explained in the Office of Academic and Community Conduct web pages (this is required reading!). More tips and information can be found at the Dean of Students' page and the MTU Senate page. Note that we have a departmental policy of reporting the suspected cases to the Department Chair's office.

University policies:

• Affirmative Action ( MTU affirmative action site )
  
  
• Disability Services ( MTU disability information )
  
  If you have a disability that could affect your performance in this class or that requires an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please see me as soon as possible so that we can make appropriate arrangements. The Affirmative Action Office has asked that you be made aware of the following:
  Michigan Tech complies with all federal and state laws and regulations regarding discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you have a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for equal access to education or services at Michigan Tech, please call the Dean of Students Office, at 487-2212. For other concerns about discrimination, you may contact your advisor, department head or the Affirmative Action Office, at 487-3310.
  
  
• Equal Opportunity Statement ( Board of Control Policy )