Women in Computing

CSCI 126/GWS 126 Women in Computing - Fall 2009

Course Information

Lectures:

MWF 11:00 - 11:50 AM

Place: KH 238 (Computer Science Lab)

Professor:

Dr. Yana Kortsarts

Office: 266A Kirkbride Hall

Phone: (610) - 499 - 4367

e-mail:yanako@cs.widener.edu or/and ykortsarts@mail.widener.edu

homepage: http://cs.widener.edu/~yanako

Office Hours:

Place: Kirkbride 266A

Time:

Monday: 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 - 1:00 PM, 3:50 - 4:20 PM
Friday: 9:25 - 9:55 AM, 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Thursday: By appointment ONLY
M and W 9:30 - 9:50 - By appointment ONLY

yanako@cs.widener.edu

ykortsarts@mail.widener.edu

Text: No TextBook is Required

Course Description

In the history of computing, while women have served significant roles, their contributions have often been overlooked. This course will provide an opportunity for students to learn about pioneering women of computing and their contribution into computing field. The course will provide a tour through the world of computing by linking various computer science concepts to the specific contribution. Students will have an opportunity to explore different aspects of computer systems through fun and enjoyable hands-on activities. While introducing historical perspectives on women in computing, the course will also provide an opportunity to learn about modern trends and modern gender issues in computer science, and to learn about online communities for women and girls interested in technology and computing and different organizations of women in computing and technology.

Course Goals and Objectives

The course primarily consists of the independent learning activities and hands-on labs and provides an opportunity for students to learn about pioneering women of computing and their contribution into computing field. The course discusses books and research articles on women in computing and information technology. The course provides a journey through the world of computing and gives students an opportunity to explore different aspects of computer systems through hands-on activities. Course introduces various computer science concepts and linkes them to the specific contribution.

Tentative List of Topics

History of Computers
Women in Computing Contribution: Programming and Programming Languages
ENIAC Programmers
Introduction to HTML
Introduction to Alice Programming
Introduction to Python Programming
Cryptology and WWII, The Women of Bletchley Park, Women in Computing Contribution into Cryptology Field
Introduction to Steganography, Invisible Secrets
Women in Computing Contribution into Design and Analysis of Algorithms
Women in Computing Contribution into Game Design
Women in Computing Contribution into Robotics
Introduction to LEGO NXT Robotics

Policies

Attendance Policy

In this course ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED. Class Participation and Attendance is 25% of the final grade.

Academic Fraud

The Science Division strictly enforces the University's policy on cheating and other forms of academic fraud.

Student Academic Grievance Procedure

Division or Program Head
Dean of Arts and Sciences (Arts and Sciences Academic Council)
Provost of the University
University Academic Council

For Standards for Academic Integrity,Appeal Procedures for Student Academic Grievances, and Attendance Policy please see Student Handbook and Widener's Undergraduate Catalog:

Student Handbooks
Widener University Undergraduate Bulletin

Electronic Devices in the Classroom

NO CELL PHONES. Cell phones must be turned off for the duration of the lecture and lab.
All electronic devices except cell phones are permitted

Evaluation Criteria (Grading)

There will be: in class labs, homework and in class presentations. Attendance and class participation will have an importnat part in the final grade.
The weights of the labs and presentations in the final grade are as follows:

Final Grade
In class Laboratory Assignments 30%

Homework 20%

In class presentations 25%

Class Participation and Attendance 25%

Total 100%

Final Grade Table

A: 95 - 100

A-: 90 - 94

B+: 87 - 89

B: 83 - 86

B-: 80 - 82

C+: 77 - 79

C: 73 - 76

C-: 70 - 72

D+: 67 - 69

D: 60 - 66
F: 59 - 0

**Final Grade**
In class Laboratory Assignments	30%
Homework	20%
In class presentations	25%
Class Participation and Attendance	25%
Total	100%

COURSE MATERIAL
Lecture Activities, Homework and Labs

A:	95 - 100
A-:	90 - 94
B+:	87 - 89
B:	83 - 86
B-:	80 - 82
C+:	77 - 79
C:	73 - 76
C-:	70 - 72
D+:	67 - 69
D:	60 - 66
F:	59 - 0