Overview

In this course, you will explore topics in computer science by reading and presenting research papers. In addition, you will write a survey paper on a topic of your choice. For those of you doing a senior project, the paper will help prepare you for your project in the spring. In addition, to pass senior seminar you must attend 12 Computer Science Colloquium over the year.

There are four sections of this class. This is the page for Sections 3 (Tuesdays 11:10-12:25pm) and 4 (Thursdays 11:10-12:25pm), both taught by me (Prof. Chen) and both meeting in Edmunds 114. Sections 1 and 2 are being taught by Professor Osborn. The main senior seminar page is here.

Framework

There is more detail in the administrivia under the Resources section on the Sakai page, but the following are the basics:

You will each present twice during the semester, typically with a partner. These presentations should be about 20 minutes long and must end with 2-3 discussion questions. If you are presenting, you (together with your partner, if you're presenting with someone else) should:

1. read the paper(s) at least 3 days before your presentation
2. schedule a meeting with me at least 2 days before your presentation to go over your plans for the presentation. Make sure you've read the papers before we meet!
3. at least 24 hours before your presentation post in the appropriate week’s Sakai forum under the topic “For Class” the 2-3 discussion questions that will be on your last slide. At least one question must be technical and at least one must reflect on societal/ethical/cultural issues.
4. give your presentation and lead a discussion in class
5. schedule a meeting with me 1-3 days after your presentation to discuss/debrief

Most weeks you won't be presenting so you should:

1. read the paper(s)
2. during the 24 hours before class, look for the "For class" topic on the Sakai forum and post a response to one (or more) of the questions and/or a question about the readings
3. come to class and contribute to the discussion
4. during the 24 hours after class, look for the “After Class” topic on the Sakai forum and post a reflection on the topic/presentation/ discussion.

Concurrently you will be meeting deadlines for your final paper. Deadlines are noted in the calendar below. Everything will be turned in under Assignments on the Sakai webpage.

If you are potentially interested in doing a senior project you have one additional deadline: by 9/17 you must turn in a list of ranked advisor/topic pairs for your proposed senior project.

Schedule - Section 3 (Tuesday)

This is a high-level outline of the planned syllabus for section 3, which meets on Tuesdays. For more details, including links to papers, see the class Sakai page.

Schedule - Section 4 (Thursday)

This is a high-level outline of the planned syllabus for section 4, which meets on Thursdays. For more details, including links to papers, see the class Sakai page.