IT 123 Introduction to Computational Reasoning
Summary
IT 123 – Introduction to Computational Reasoning will introduce computational reasoning, a problem solving process that includes problem decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithmic thinking. Students will learn to formulate a problem statement, then plan and implement a solution.
The course will include a high-level introduction to the Internet, the World Wide Web, and Web application development. Students will create interactive web pages by writing HTML and CSS and by programming in JavaScript. Topics will include the origins and evolution of computers and of the Internet/World Wide Web, the roles and operations of web browsers and web servers, design principles for web sites, creating content for distribution on the Web, and development of interactive Web applications.
IT 123 will also include an introduction to computational tools in a second technological environment (Python). Students will learn the basics of that technological environment and will demonstrate the ability to create original artifacts in that environment.
Students will demonstrate an enhanced knowledge of computational reasoning by comparing and contrasting the work they have done in both technological environments.
Students will demonstrate the ability to discuss the potential harms and benefits of computing in a number of contexts.
Texts
Abelson, H., Ledeen, K., & Lewis, H. R. (2008). Blown to bits: Your life, liberty, and happiness after the digital explosion. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Addison-Wesley.
Assigned readings (in pdf format) are posted to D2L in each module.
The full text of the book (third printing, corrected) is available for download under a Creative Commons license
Blown to Bits: Your Life, Liberty, and Happiness After the Digital Explosion is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.
Download available at http://www.bitsbook.com
You do not need to purchase a copy of this book
Grading
Based on 1000 Possible Points Grades Mapped to Points Earned:
• A 930 and above
• A- 929-900
• B+ 899-870
• B 869-830
• B- 829-800
• C+ 799-770
• C 769-730
• C- 729-700
• D+ 699-670
• D 669-600
• F 599 and below
Prerequisites
This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.
Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course
content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The
evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely
separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation.
Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.
This course will be subject to the university's academic integrity policy. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/ If you
have any questions be sure to consult with your professor.
All students are expected to abide by the University's Academic Integrity Policy which prohibits cheating and other misconduct in student coursework. Publicly sharing or posting online any prior or current materials from this course (including exam questions or answers), is considered to be providing unauthorized assistance prohibited by the policy. Both students who share/post and students who access or use such materials are considered to be cheating under the Policy and will be subject to sanctions for violations of Academic Integrity.
All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar. Information on enrollment, withdrawal, grading and incompletes can be found at http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/Current%20Students/Pages/PoliciesandProcedures.aspx.
Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that
you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at:
Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd.
Phone number: (312)362-8002
Fax: (312)362-6544
TTY: (773)325.7296