Readings

Readings are not required this semester, but they are useful and fun resources related to each week’s topic. You are welcome to discuss the readings or watchings with course staff.

Week 2 Reading

• Main: Learning to Code
• Discussion 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

• Main: Introduction to Abstraction
• Discussion 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 4 Reading

• Main:
  • 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 5 Reading

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

Week 6 Reading

• Main:
  • Connected, but alone?
• Optional:
  • Cogs in the Machine of Our Own Lives

Week 7 Reading

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

Week 8 Reading

• Main:
  • Humans Need Not Apply

Week 9 Reading

• Main:
  • Why Python is a Great First Language

Week 12 Reading

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

Week 13 Reading

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

Week 14 Reading

• Main: The Secret History of Women in Coding