Computing

Requirement

A student's program should include at least one course that is designated as emphasizing problem solving for computer solution and/or the creation of models to implement solutions in computer software or hardware. To satisfy this requirement students must achieve proficiency in one of two areas. The areas are designated as

1. algorithmic literacy  and
2. technology literacy.

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Goals

The goals of the cross-areas requirement in computing are for students:

1. to exercise and enhance problem solving skills, to develop an understanding of and to explore technology within a disciplinary/interdisciplinary context and to analyze the results critically,
2. to utilize the computing knowledge and skills they master as vehicles to personal and professional growth,and
3. to understand the limitations and range of application of those technologies they study and to appreciate the impact of technology on our lives.

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General Criteria

1. The student should be required to use multiple technologies/software tool(s), to develop some level of facility in their use, and to integrate these skills into graded work.
2. The expectation of the intensity of the computing experience should satisfy at least one of the following:
   1. comprise at least 20% of the course grade
   2. average at least one hour per week of the total time expected for course work both in and out of the classroom
   3. related activities should comprise at least 20% of the course syllabus
3. An approved course should include
   1. instruction on the use of the technology/software tool(s)
   2. a discussion of the appropriate use of the technology/software tool (the types of problems it is intended to address) and its limitations
   3. a large project or a collection of assignments that provide the student the opportunity to achieve an appropriate degree of mastery of the technology/software tool(s)