Course Description
Digital computers arguably represent the most important technological development of the last fifty years, impacting nearly every aspect of life in some way or another. This course will introduce students to the inner workings of computers, from individual circuits on up. Along the way we will also consider the history of computers and some of the theory behind their application. There are no prerequisites for the course other than a desire to explore the world of the computer, and students from all majors are welcome. No previous computer experience will be assumed.
Through the material presented in this course, students will be introduced to:
- A brief history of computers
- Binary numbers, and understanding how and why computers use them
- The mighty transistor - the basic building blocks of computers
- Assembly programming - communicating with the computer in its native language
- Javascript programming - which you may find you'll like to use beyond this course!
- The purpose and use of many standard applications (such as word processors, text editors, spreadsheets and databases)
- A better understanding of how the computer does everything you direct it to do.
A great number of topics are discussed in this seven week period, with the purpose not to explore any one topic fully or in depth. Rather the purpose is to provide a high level view of how a computer works - from the most fundamental hardware component (the transistor) through the sophisticated programs we all use every day (such as word processors). Hopefully this first look at all these topics will allow students to identify areas that are of most interest for further study.
Look here for a detailed list of topics by week.
Recommended Textbooks
The Most Complex Machine, A Survey of Computers and Computing, by David Eck, AK Peters Publishing (recommended resource)
How Computers Work, (9th ed.) by Ron White, Que Publishing (secondary resource)
Dated, but still recommended as a good read: The Cartoon Guide to the Computer, by Larry Gonick and Mark Wheelis
Requirements
Weekly homework assignments expand upon the class material and develop students' expertise with related topics. Homework should be submitted via Moodle, and is due before the beginning of class (9:00am) on the day indicated.
A weekly quiz will emphasize basic facts and foundational skills, and serves as a rapid assessment of material presented in the readings and in class. Quizzes are open-book and open-notes, and will be administered via Moodle.
As a culminating activity in this class, each student has the choice to either complete a take-home final exam, or to independently research a topic of current interest relating to the internet. If you choose to write a research paper, then you will present the fruits of your research as a 4-6 page paper (1000-1500 words) and in an oral presentation to the class. All research topics must be approved in advance; if a student has not submitted an approved topic by the deadline (typically in the second week of the course) then she must take the final instead.
Collaboration Policy: You may freely use internet resources and your course notes in completing assignments and quizzes for this course. You may not consult any person other than the professor when completing quizzes. (Clarifying questions should be directed to the professor.) On assignments you may collaborate with others in the course, so long as you personally prepare the materials submitted under your name, and they accurately reflect your understanding of the topic. Any such collaborations should be indicated by a note submitted with the assignment. If in doubt about any aspect of this policy, please ask the instructor in advance of the proposed collaboration.
Grading
Grading for this course emphasizes the experience gained by successfully completing the homework and other assignments. Specific weighting of different course components are listed in the table below. The class participation element includes both regular attendence, asking questions in class, and evidence of preparation for class discussions.
| Assignment | Weight |
|---|---|
| Homework sets | 50% |
| Class participation | 20% |
| Final Exam/Paper | 30% |
Students are encouraged to review the instructor's general grading policies.
Late policy: All homework assignments are to be submitted at the beginning of class. Late assignments handed in before 5 pm on the due date will be penalized by half a letter grade; after that the penalty will be a full letter grade. Late assignments will not generally be accepted once the on-time papers have been graded and returned.
Schedule
Lecture: Monday & Wednesday, 2:40-4:00 PM, Ford Hall 241.
This course meets during the first half of the semester only. Last day: October 20.
Staff
Instructor: Nicholas R. Howe
Teaching Assistant: Lucia Villagra, lvillagr@smith.edu
Roaming TAs (available to all CS courses): Alex Cheng, acheng@smith.edu
Consulting Hours
TA hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 8-9 PM, Ford Hall 241
Office hours for Professor Howe are available here.