Readings

This page will be updated with links to readings throughout the semester.

Week 2 Reading (for RQ 1)

• Required: Learning to Code
• Reading Quiz Question: Why is learning how to code important? Are you convinced about the importance of computer science in the world today? Include at least one point made in the video, ‘Code Stars’. (Expected length: 2 - 4 sentences).

Week 3 Reading (for RQ 2)

• Required: Introduction to Abstraction
• Reading Quiz Question: Why is a car a good example of abstraction? Using this example, give one reason why abstraction is helpful and then also give one reason why abstraction can do more harm than good. Finally, what is an example of abstraction in your daily life? (Expected length: 2 - 4 sentences).

Week 5 Reading (for RQ 3)

• Required:
  • What is an Algorithm?
  • How Algorithms Shape Our World
  • Algorithms are Great and All, But They Can Also Ruin Lives
• Optional:
  • Hacker News: Comments on “Algorithms are Great and All, But They Can Also Ruin Lives”
  • The 10 Algorithms That Dominate Our World

Week 6 Reading (for RQ 4)

• Required:
  • Blown to Bits: Chapter 1
  • Big O Notation — Simply explained

Week 7 Reading (RQ 5 Cancelled)

• Optional:
  • Connected, but alone?

Week 8 Reading (for RQ 6)

• Required:
  • These are the sneaky ways apps like Instagram, Facebook, Tinder lure you in and get you ‘addicted’

Week 9 Reading (for RQ 7)

• Required:
  • Humans Need Not Apply

Week 11 Reading (for RQ 8)

• Required:
  • Why Python is a Great First Language

Week 12 Reading (for RQ 9)

• Required:
  • StarCraft II-playing AI AlphaStar takes out pros undefeated

Week 13 Reading (for RQ 10)

• Required:
  • What is Data Science?
  • How to Start Thinking Like a Data Scientist
  • Spurious Correlations

Week 14 Reading (for RQ 11)

• Required: The Secret History of Women in Coding