CSC 100: The Beauty and Joy of Computing
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Readings and Videos

This page contains links to readings and videos that students are expected to read or watch.

Major Readings for Discussion

CSC 100 includes required readings on technology and society from the book Blown to Bits by Abelson, Ledeen, and Lewis. We will follow a two-week schedule for each chapter, which includes reading and individual reflection time (1 week - personal reflection due in Blackboard on the final day), on-line discussion time (1 week), and a brief in-class recap at the end of the two weeks. Participation in the on-line discussion is required for all students, and will count as part of your homework grade. The basis for your grade includes the depth of your comments (i.e., not just throw-away comments so that you have said something) as well as your professionalism and care you have taken in presenting your comments (grammar, clarity, etc.).

Reading Reading Period
Reflection due on final
day at 10:00 A.M.		 On-line Discussion
(closes at 10:00 A.M.)
Chapter 1
Digital Explosion		 Aug 20 - Aug 27 Aug 27 - Sept. 3
Chapter 2
Naked in the Sunlight		 Sept 3 - Sept 10 Sept 10 - Sept 17
Chapter 3
Ghosts in the Machine		 Sept 17 - Sept 24 Sept 24 - Oct 1
Chapter 4
Needles in the Haystack		 Oct 15 - Oct 22 Oct 22 - Oct 29
Chapter 5
Secret Bits		 Oct 29 - Nov 5 Nov 5 - Nov 12
Chapter 6
Balance Toppled		 Nov 12 - Nov 19 Nov 19 - Nov 24
(5 day discussion period)

Other Readings

There will be a variety of other, shorter, readings that will be assigned throughout the semester. Nothing needs to be turned in for these readings, but they will be discussed in class at the appropriate time, and you are expected to be prepared for those discussions. Fair warning: I have been known to give pop-quizzes when it seems that students are not doing the expected reading.

Week 1

Week 2