CS 1100
Freshman Leap Seminar
Fall 2008

Th 3-4:00, locations for sections below
Large Group: location CCB 16
http://www.cc.gatech.edu/classes/AY2009/cs1100_fall/

Instructors: Colin Potts, potts@cc 339, Technology Square Research Building, 894-5551 Section A, Molecular Sciences & Engineering 1201a John Stasko, stasko@cc 342, Technology Square Research Building, 894-5617 Section B, Molecular Sciences and Engineering 1224 Jonathan Giffin, giffin@cc 3140, Klaus Advanced Computing Building, 385-1060 Section C, Molecular Sciences and Engineering 1222 Constantine Dovrolis dovrolis@cc 3346, Klaus Advanced Computing Building, 385-4205 Section D, Sustainable Education 316 Richard Fujimoto, fujimoto@cc 1320, Klaus Advanced Computing Building, 894-5615 Section E, ES&T L1118

Thad Starner, starner@cc 239, Technology Square Research Building, 385-0816 Section F, Howey (Physics) S106 Alex Orso, orso@cc 2342, Klaus Advanced Computing Building, 385-2066 Section G, CCB 16 Merrick Furst merrick.furst@cc College of Computing Building Building, 894-4223 Section H, CCB 52 Charles Isbell, isbell@cc 224, Technology Square Research Building, 385-6491 Section I, CCB 101 Nate Clark ntclark@cc 2340, Klaus Advanced Computing Building, 385-3302 Section J, Klaus 1456

Freshman Leap is a one-credit course that introduces new CS students to a variety of foundational, motivational and topical subjects for the computationalist. This is realized in two ways: a series of introductions on Threads, the mechanism by which one obtains a BS in CS in the College of Computing; and a series of small group discussions led by one or more faculty members.

Objectives

There are three primary objectives for the course:

• To explore the computing degree in the College of Computing

• To expose students to a broad survey of Computing

• To introduce students to the resources available to them in the College, including some of the faculty and the academic advisors

The goal, really, is to place the computing degree at Tech in a larger framework of what it means to think like a computationalist and to pursue a career that involves computing. Hopefully, as a result, it is easier to plan for one's experiences in the College.

Grading

Due to the nature of this course, grading is relatively simple: participation. Participation requires, at a minimum, attendance. So, you should come to all the meetings. There, that was easy.

You will also find that the experience will be much better for you if you also actively participate in the course. Ask questions, become involved.

Large and Small Sections

Speaking of attendance, you are actually enrolled in a particular section of this course. The sections will meet as a large group ten times this term, and as individual sections the rest of the time.

In the large groups, you will hear about threads and other degree-oriented material, explained by faculty and staff who are experts in each area. In the smaller groups, you will meet with your individual faculty leader and do, well, whatever s/he wants to do. It is a great opportunity to meet with world-class faculty and talk about whatever you want to talk about. Do take advantage of it.

Please look at the schedule often to make sure you know whether you are attending a large or small section. The schedule may change occasionally. In particular, we may have to move around the large and small sections.

Disclaimer

I reserve the right to modify any of these plans as need be during the course of the class; however, I won't do anything capriciously, anything I do change won't be too drastic, and you'll be informed as far in advance as possible.