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 majors.
• This course cannot be used to satisfy the upper-level course requirement
for CSE minors.
• This course can be used as a technical elective for the ISE major and the ISE minor.
• This course can be used to satisfy DEC H requirements.
• 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:
Test 1 - 25%
Test 2 - 25%
Test 3 - 25%
Test 4 - 25%
Attendance and class participation (no more than 2 unexcused absences)
Course webpage:
http://www.cvc.sunysb.edu/301/
or
http://130.245.140.250/301/
Academic Integrity:
Each student must pursue his or her academic goals honestly and be personally accountable for all submitted work. Representing another person's work as your own is always wrong. Any suspected instance of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Academic Judiciary. For more comprehensive information on academic integrity, including categories of academic dishonesty, please refer to the academic judiciary website at http://www.stonybrook.edu/uaa/academicjudiciary/
Special Assistance:
If you have a physical, psychological, medical, or learning disability that may impact your course work, please contact Disability Support Services at (631) 632-6748 or http://studentaffairs.stonybrook.edu/dss/. They will determine with you what accommodations are necessary and appropriate. All information and documentation is confidential.
Students who require assistance during emergency evacuation are encouraged to discuss their needs with their professors and Disability Support Services. For procedures and information go to the following website: http://www.sunysb.edu/ehs/fire/disabilities.shtml
Help Desk:
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.
Instructor:
Tony Scarlatos
tony@cs.sunysb.edu