Welcome to GISAT 160 - Problem Solving Approaches in Science and Technology

Course Description: This course examines issues in modern science and technology as a means to introduce, develop, and enhance critical thinking and problem solving skills. Our focus will be on issues dealing with computing and computing technologies and their impact on society. Current scientific and technological research and applications will be introduced to reinforce problem solving, instruction in systems thinking, and critical inquiry. The course provides opportunities for using both oral and written communication in a variety of learning activities.

Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites to this class.

Cluster One Objectives:

• Evaluate claims in terms of clarity, credibility, reliability, and accuracy;
• Demonstrate the ability to identify, analyze and generate claims, arguments, and positions;
• Identify and evaluate theses and conclusions, stated and unstated assumptions and supporting evidence and arguments; and
• Apply these skills to one's own work and the work of others.

General Policies for this class (See link at left for a full list of instructor policies):

• Much of this class will involve in-class activities. Participation in class (not just attendance) is mandatory.
• We may be discussing issues that are controversial to some. Always treat your colleagues in the classroom with respect.
• Missed or late work cannot be made up for credit, unless PRIOR arrangement is made and confirmed by me. Do not assume an e-mail explanation of your absence is sufficient...always get confirmation.
• You are responsible for any class lecture or activity material. Review the day's posted notes and see me or a colleague for missed work.
• Office hours are a good way to get extra help with any material with which you feel a weakness. They are not the only time. I also use IM and e-mail to converse with students during off times.
• You will get the most out of this class by coming to class each day prepared with the day's reading or other assignments.
• Blackboard is where you will find class notes, grades, and all assignments posted.

Course Schedule: See link at the left for the course schedule. This schedule will be updated periodically to reflect adjustments based on class needs.

• Participate (not just attend) class each day and do assigned in-class activity.
• Complete all assignments before the start of class.
• Submit assigned papers, journals, and other activities on time.
• Participate in free choice assignments.
• Take both exams, the midterm and the final.

Textbook and Required Material

M. Neil Browne, Stuart M. Keeley. (2010): Asking the Right Questions - 9th edition. Pearson Prentice Hall. ISBN: 978-0-205-506682

Reference books (that will be placed on reserve at the East Campus Library at appropriate times) include:

• A Rulebook for Arguments, Anthony Weston
• Cyberethics:Morality and Law in Cyberspace, Richard A. Spinello
• Nonsense: Red Herrings, Straw Man and Sacred Cows: How We Abuse Logic in Our Everyday Language, Robert J. Gula

We will also make use of the Preface readings throughout the semester.

Grading

In-class attendance and participation - sign the attendance sheet each day	15%
Minor assignments (class prep)	15%
Major assignments - (experiments and reflection)	10%
Free choice assignments - (outside speakers or events)	10%
Research project	10%
Mid term exam	20%
Final exam	20%

My grade ranges follow a traditional 10 point scale. For example, an A is anything from 90 - 100, B is 80 - 89.999, F is less than 60. +/- grades may be awarded within those ranges for high or low performance.

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Course organization: This course is loosely organized into three primary areas of study. They are:

Critical Reasoning/Logic - Students learn basic practical critical reasoning skills and methods primarily through the analysis of language in scientific and technological articles, and how this approach to thinking is central to application in science and technology.

• Clarity of writing, ambiguity and vagueness, accuracy, detail, specificity, authorial intent
• Analysis of arguments
• Constructing arguments

Evaluating Non-Print Media - This section will apply critical reasoning skills to examine non-print media, focusing especially on the web. Students will learn how to evaluate web sites for legitimacy and appropriate use in other academic work. Video, audio, and other related media will be explored.

• Web "information"
• Evaluating advertising claims
• Evaluating lectures, radio and other audio information
• Exploring the public "persona" on the web including chat, blogs, and facebook entries.

Problem Solving Techniques and Problem Solving with Technology - This section will include a formal treatment of problem solving techniques and explore the use of computers in solving problems. Differentiation between the kinds of problems computers can solve and those they cannot solve will be explored. Problem solving techniques will also be woven throughout the other two sections.

Problem solving techniques include but are not limited to:

• Structured problem solving
• Algorithm development
• Brainstorming
• Writing as thinking
• Free writing
• Reflection
• Modeling and Simulation
• Decision trees

As a part of this problem solving, throughout the semester we will examine the impact of technology on ourselves and society.

A thread throughout this course will be meta-cognition or thinking about thinking. As such, we will be conducting experiments throughout the semester designed to help you to think about how you think and to understand impediments in your own lives to deep thinking.

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Students with Disabilities: If you are a student with a documented disability, who will be requesting accommodations in my class, please make sure you are registered with the Office of Disability Services, Wilson Hall, Room 107 (568-6705) and provide me with a copy of your Access Plan letter outlining your accommodations. I will be glad to meet with you privately during my office hours to discuss your special needs. The sooner you can do this, the better I can assist you in meeting your learning goals in this course.

Student Responsibility: Student are responsible for adding and dropping courses via e-campus. The last day to add a course for the Fall 2010 semester is Thursday, Sept 16, 2010 (signatures required after Tuesday, Sept 7, 2010). The last day to drop a course for the Fall 2010 semester with a "W" grade is Thursday, Oct 28, 2010. I do not give "WP" or "WF" grades to students requesting a drop for poor performance after the deadline.

Absence Accommodation: Students who are unable to attend class due to religious observance or sanctioned JMU activity (such as sports competition, band performance, etc) may request deadline extensions BEFORE the expected absence. I will do my best to accommodate your special circumstances.

Inclement Weather: In the event of inclement weather cancelling school, see the Blackboard site for information about making up classes and alteration of assignment due dates.

Honor Code: All work turned in for credit must adhere to the JMU honor code provisions. Most work done outside of class will be individual assigments. Assignments on which you may collaborate with others will be identified as such in the assignment. Proper citation of references is required on all written work. If you have any question about application of the honor code to work in this class, please see the instructor before turning such work in for credit.

For clarification of these and other instructor policies please refer to the policies link.

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Department of Computer Science

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