RD: Readings and Class Discussions
Readings and class discussions are an important part of the senior seminar. They are intended to provide you with exposure to, and the chance to discuss, topics in software engineering as well as computing related social, legal and ethical issues. Our coverage of software engineering topics complements provides exposure to concepts and processes that you should be aware of but that are not covered elsewhere in the curriculum. The coverage of computing related social, legal and ethical issues provides you with the opportunity to examine multiple perspectives on complex issues, form opinions, discuss them and write about them.
The main course schedule will provide links to all of the readings for the class discussions. Note that readings will be added as the course progresses but will always appear at least one class meeting prior to the discussion day.
Discussions
Discussions provide an opportunity for you to refine your understanding of the topic by listening to others and responding to them, and by expressing your thoughts and hearing others responses to them. We will at times discuss issues that are sensitive, contentious, current and unsettled. Some individuals may have strong opinions or beliefs about these issues, while others may still be shaping their understanding and forming their opinions. The best discussions occur when everyone feels free to raise points, ask questions and try out new ideas. Creating a space where that can happen requires that we approach all discussions with a generous mindset, assuming that everyone is always speaking with the best intentions of exploring ideas and learning. It is acceptable to respectfully challenge a thought, idea or view that is expressed, but personal attacks against the person expressing them will not be tolerated. Any explicitly disrespectful, offensive, or hateful speech is not welcome and will be referred to the Dickinson Bias Education and Response Team (BERT).
Preparation
By class time on the discussion date you must:
- Complete the assigned readings.
- Prepare a page of notes to aid your participation in the discussion.
- These notes should summarize your thoughts on the discussion questions and highlight the points that you would like to make during the discussion.
- AI use is not permitted in the creation of these notes.
- Print your notes. Unless otherwise specified, no electronic devices will be permitted during the discussions.
- These notes will be collected at the end of class and returned in the following class.
Scores
Scores for class discussion will be assigned as follows:
| Score | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 3 | Clearly well prepared. Contributed meaningfully to discussion. Submitted thoughtfully prepared notes. |
| 2 | Nominal Score (neither 3 nor 1). |
| 1 | Present and attentive. Did not make meaningful contributions to discussion. Did not submit adequate notes. |
| 0 | Unexcused absence. |
If at any time you receive a score that you feel does not accurately reflect your preparation and contributions, schedule a meeting with the instructor to discuss to discuss expectations.
Resources
- If you find class participation challenging, the following resources have some good advice on increasing or improving class participation:
- Ways to Improve Your Class Participation Experience: A short list of suggestions from Students from the Bureau of Study Counsel in the Center for Academic and Personal Development at Harvard University.
- Class Participation: More Than Just Raising Your Hand: A longer tutorial that may help you assess strengths and weaknesses and formulate a plan for improving your class participation.
- Talk with your instructor about strategies that can be used specifically in this course.
All textual materials used in this course are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License
All executable code used in this course is licensed under the GNU General Public License Version 3 or later