CS705
Scholarship in Computer Science

Instructor

David W. Embley

      Office: TMCB 3332
      Phone:  (801) 422-6470
      Email:  embley@cs.byu.edu
      Office Hours: TTh: 9:30-10:30
    

Course Objectives and Content

• Course Objectives:
  1. Successfully conduct and disseminate scholarly work in computer science.
  2. Improve ability to
     • read and evaluate CS literature,
     • understand and use CS research paradigms,
     • write research proposals, theses/dissertations, papers, and funding proposals,
     • teach computer science course material,
     • present CS research work, and
     • evaluate the research work of others.
  3. Raise the bar—increase expectations for quality research, publications, and presentations.
• Classroom Objectives:
  1. Meet student expectations.
     • What are your expectations regarding the class material?
     • What are your "big, overarching questions" about the class material?
  2. Be "edified and rejoice together" (D&C 50:17-22)
  
  
• Text: Writing for Computer Science Second Edition, by Justin Zobel
  
  
• Papers: See the papers referenced in the course schedule.
  
  
• Reference Material:
  • Elements of Style
  • Memos, short exerpts from books, ... (See the course schedule.)
  
  
• Topics:
  • For a short list, see the topics listed under Course Objective 2 above.
  • For a complete list, see the topics listed in the course schedule.

Course Requirements & Grading

• Prerequisite: Students should have a faculty advisor (this is your TA for the course) and should be currently writing a significant document, e.g., a thesis/dissertation proposal or a paper for publication (this is the writing project for the course).
  
  
• Preparation (~100 points)

Up to 5 points per regular class day for thoughtfully and appropriately doing the assigned reading and for jotting down some interesting thoughts & insights to share. To be ready at the beginning of class.


• Attendance and Participation (~100 points)

Up to 5 points per day for a one-sentence, pithy take-home message; for a lingering question; and for your contributions during the class period. To be handed in at the end of class or sent by email soon after class.


• Homework (120 points)



• Writing Project (150 points)

Write a thesis/dissertation proposal or a paper for publication. For more information about thesis/dissertation porposals, see the instructions in the department's graduate handbook. For specification information about writing a paper for publication, see the instructions in the call for papers or in the journal's instructions for authors.

Alternative for anyone who is not currently writing a real thesis/dissertation proposal or paper: Write a summary page and a project description for a "fundable" NSF proposal (11 point font, single spaced, 15 pages). For more information see How to Prepare Your Proposal and click on "Grant Proposal Guide." For an example, see our TANGO project web site and click on "Proposals" and then on "Summary.pdf" and "ProjDescr.pdf" for the "New Tango Proposal."

Grading: 150 points for completing the project; minus up to 25 points for not adhering to the guidelines for good writing.



• Presentation (50 points)

Do a presentation on your writing project (15-25 minute presentation). The audience for the presentation is the class—a bright, educated group of computer scientists. Gear your presentation appropriately.

Grading: 45 points for adhering to the guidelines for making good presentations; minus up to 10 points for not adhering to the guidelines; plus up to 5 points for any outstanding aspects of the presentation.



• Final Exam (50 points)

Succinctly write a paragraph explaining your "philosophy" for each of the following: (a) reading and evaluating CS literature, (b) doing CS research, (c) writing-up CS research, (d) teaching CS topics, (e) presenting CS research, and (f) evaluating the research work of others. Add a title, an introductory paragraph, and possibly a summary paragraph, so that the the whole becomes a well written essay.

Grading: 45 points for completing the essay; minus up to 10 points for not adhering to the writing style guidelines; plus up to 5 points for outstanding aspects of the essay. Pay particular attention to the summary guidelines in the writing wrap-up slides.

Time limit: Spend approximately the amount of time you would typically take to prepare for a major final exam (10 hours?) plus the time you would normally spend taking a final exam (3 hours). Break these hours up so that you can edit your essay a few times with sufficient breaks between edits.

Due: by midnight of the day scheduled for the final exam.

                A  93.3-100%    A- 90-93.2%
B+ 86.7-89.9%   B  83.3-86.6%   B- 80-83.2%
C+ 76.7-79.9%   C  73.3-76.6%   C- 70-73.2%
D+ 66.7-69.9%   D  63.3-66.6%   D- 60-63.2%
		E  Below 60%
I, W: according to University Policies                
	

Standard Department/University Policies

Disabilities

Children in the Classroom

Zero Tolerance

Be sure you know and comply with the Computer Science Department "Systems Abuse" Policy and the university's honor code and sexual harrasement policies.

• Honor Code Standards. In keeping with the principles of the BYU Honor Code, students are expected to be honest in all of their academic work. Academic honesty means, most fundamentally, that any work you present as your own must in fact be your own work and not that of another. Violations of this principle may result in a failing grade in the course and additional disciplinary action by the university. (Faculty members in the Department of Computer Science are encouraged to report academic dishonesty to the honor-code office.) Students are also expected to adhere to the Dress and Grooming Standards. Adherence demonstrates respect for yourself and others and ensures an effective learning and working environment. It is the university's expectation, and my own expectation in class, that each student will abide by all Honor Code standards. Please call the Honor Code Office at 422-2847 if you have questions about those standards.
• Preventing Sexual Harassment. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination against any participant in an educational program or activity that receives federal funds. The act is intended to eliminate sex discrimination in education and pertains to admissions, academic and athletic programs, and university-sponsored activities. Title IX also prohibits sexual harassment of students by university employees, other students, and visitors to campus. If you encounter sexual harassment or gender-based discrimination, please talk to your professor; contact the Equal Employment Office at 801-422-5895 or 1-888-238-1062 (24-hours), or http://www.ethicspoint.com; or contact the Honor Code Office at 801-422-2847.

Exceptions

Extenuating circumstances may cause alterations to the course schedule and procedures. If extenuating circumstances arise in your life, see your instructor.