CSC297: Great Ideas in Computer Science
Spring 2025

Course Information

This course will explore important topics in computer science through student (and other) presentations.

Credit hours: 4.0

Prerequisites: Four of the six core CSC courses; no exceptions

Class: Tue-Thu 940-1055 Gavett 312

Web: BlackBoard and www.cs.rochester.edu/u/ferguson/csc/297/Spring2025/

If changes to this syllabus are necessary, they will be announced in class.

Instructor Information

Prof. George Ferguson <ferguson@cs.rochester.edu>

Office: Wegmans Hall 2103 (see instructor website for office hours)

Course Goals

This course is all about great ideas in computer science. It isn’t a history course, but it is true that all the ideas that we already know to be great were necessarily developed in the past. Some recent ideas with the potential to be great may also be explored. We will try to explore as many great ideas as possible rather than spend a long time on any of them.

Course Mechanics

We will explore the great ideas using a combination of student presentations, instructor presentations, and third-party videos. Presentations by outside speakers are also a possibility. Students will also review and give feedback on the presentations of others.

Course participation is expected and attendance in class is REQUIRED.

There is no textbook for the course. Readings will be assigned where appropriate.

There are no exams in this course.

Grading

The following grading scheme is subject to change:

Changes to this grading scheme will be announced in class.

Letter grades will follow the Official University of Rochester Grading Scheme.

Assessment and Student Support

Learning Outcomes

Students who complete this course shall be able to:

Academic Support Services

Policies

Academic Honesty

All assignments and activities associated with this course must be performed in accordance with the University of Rochester’s Academic Honesty Policy. More information is available at: www.rochester.edu/college/honesty

Disability Resources

The University of Rochester respects and welcomes students of all backgrounds and abilities. In the event you encounter any barrier(s) to full participation in this course due to the impact of disability, please contact the Office of Disability Resources. The access coordinators in the Office of Disability Resources can meet with you to discuss the barriers you are experiencing and explain the eligibility process for establishing academic accommodations. You can reach the Office of Disability Resources at: disability@rochester.edu; (585) 276-5075; Taylor Hall.

Students with an accommodation for any aspect of the course must make arrangements IN ADVANCE through the Disability Resources office. Then, as instructed by the office, contact the instructor to confirm your arrangements. Do not leave this until the last minute.

Attendance

Attendance is required.

Credit Hours

This course follows the College credit hour policy for four-credit courses, including class time and presentation preparation.

Excuses

Students who are unable to attend or complete any part of the course due to illness should contact the instructor AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Please note that the University Health Service (UHS) does not provide retroactive excuses for missed classes. Students who are seen at UHS for an illness or injury can ask for documentation that verifies the date of their visit(s) to UHS without mention of the reason for the visit.

Students with extended or severe illness should contact the College Center for Advising Services (CCAS) for advice and assistance.

Students with an appropriate excuse for missing any exam or project deadline must make arrangements IN ADVANCE.

Incompletes

This course follows the College policy regarding incompletes:

Undergraduate students may request an incomplete notation (I) for a course when there are circumstances beyond the student’s control, such as illness or personal emergency, that prevented the student from finishing the course. Students are expected to contact their instructors directly, and as soon as possible, when these situations occur. [...] Awarding an incomplete is always at the discretion of the instructor.

[...]

Under no circumstances can an incomplete notation be requested for a student who:

[...] If significant amounts of work have been missed, an incomplete is not reasonable or possible, and alternative options should be considered. [...]

Other Policies

Please also note Section V.B.7 of the College’s Academic Honesty policy regarding “Unauthorized Recording, Distribution or Publication of Course-Related Materials.”