CSE 301 Course Information

Course number:
CSE 301

Course title:
"History of Computing "

Course description:
A study of the history of computational devices from the early ages through the end of the twentieth century. Needs for computation in ancient times, development of computation through the 1800s, development of the first modern computer and its early uses. Creation of programming languages. Development of the microcomputer, emergence of the Internet and the World Wide Web.

Prerequisite(s):
Those interested in registering for CSE 301 should be aware of the following:
• You should be a student at the U2, U3 or U4 level that has taken at least one course in computer science or one course requiring significant use of computers.
• This course cannot be used to satisfy a technical elective requirement for CSE and ISE majors.
• This course cannot be used to satisfy the upper-level course requirement for CSE minors.
• This course can be used to satisfy DEC H requirements or to satisfy a free elective requirement for CSE and ISE majors.
• This course can be used to satisfy the minimum number of upper-level courses required by the university for graduation.

Number of credits:
3 hours lecture; 3 credits

Course Topics:

• Early Computational Devices and Number System, Charles Babbage and the Analytical Engine, Computing in the 1800s

• Analog computing, the development of formal computing models: Computing in the early 1900s, World War II and the Advent of Modern Computers in the 1940s

• Computers become a Business Tool, Mainframe Computing in the 1950s, Early history of software and programming languages, The computing industry in the 1960s, the rise of IBM.

• The impact of the microprocessor in the 1970s, Moore's Law, new CPUs, The personal computer, modern input devices, The Graphical Interface, the rise of Microsoft

• The Quest for Intelligent machines, Development of the Internet and the World Wide Web, Mobile and wireless computing emerges, Legal and Social Impacts of Modern Computing

Required Textbook:

Computer: A History of the Information Machine (2nd Edition)
by Martin Campbell-Kelly and William Aspray
Published by HarperCollins, 2004,
ISBN 0813342643

Course Objectives:  

At the end of the course you should have the following knowledge and skills:

• To study the historical, political, and social events that led to the development of modern computational devices
• To examine the lives of some of the most influential inventors, thinkers and entrepreneurs of the computer revolution
• To understand how computer hardware and software evolved based on social and economic forces in the 20th century
• To consider current social, legal and ethical issues in computer science and determine the factors that led to these modern problems

Grading:  

First test - 25%

Mid-semester test - 25%

End of semester test - 25%

Research project (essay and web page) - 25%

Course webpage:

http://www.mm.cs.sunysb.edu/301/

Instructor:
Tony Scarlatos

tony@cs.sunysb.edu

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
Read This! You may discuss the assignments in this course with anyone you like, however each student's submission must be his or her own work, and only his or her own work. Any evidence that a submission has been copied, shared, or transmitted in any way between students, or has been downloaded from the Internet, or has been written by others in previous semesters will be regarded as evidence of academic dishonesty. Additionally, any evidence of sharing of information or using unauthorized information during an examination will also be regarded as evidence of academic dishonesty.
The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences regards academic dishonesty as a very serious matter, and provides for substantial penalties in such cases, such as receiving an `F' grade, or expulsion from the University. For more information, obtain a copy of the CEAS guidelines on academic dishonesty from the CEAS office.
Be advised that any evidence of academic dishonesty will be treated with utmost seriousness. Those involved will be prosecuted to the fullest extent permitted by the University and College laws. If you have a situation that may tempt you into doing something academically dishonest, resist the urge and speak with your instructor during office hours for help.

SPECIAL ASSISTANCE
If you have a physical, psychological, medical or learning disability that may impact on your ability to carry out assigned course work, I would urge that you contact the staff in the Disabled Student Services office (DSS) in the ECC building (where the Computer Store used to be), 632-6748v/tdD. DSS will review your concerns and determine with you what accommodations are necessary and appropriate. All information and documentation of disability are confidential.
If you need general computer help, you can use the Computer Science Help Desk. Services offered include setting up an account on a department server, using Windows NT, using a browser, and connecting to the campus network. The Help Desk office is located in the SBCS Office - Room 2110.