Using current literature in two courses

Abstract

In any computer science program, it is important to spend a large amount of time teaching students about the fundamental topics at the core of computer science. Everyone also acknowledges that certain topics in mathematics are essential. This paper deals with two other problems and how they can be handled. The two problems are keeping abreast of current issues in computer science and developing writing skills. I have identified two courses in the core curriculum where it is especially useful to treat these problems.

An interdisciplinary approach to the development of writing skills in computer science students

“…One approach was that of assigning writing on microthemes [11,21]. Others involved summarizing, analyzing, andlor critiquing research articles [2,8,24] or reports [13]. A third consisted of requiring a full research paper [10,19] counting for a significant portion of the course grade.…”