Computer programming can be tedious and time consuming, but there is a CS class available at UT-Dallas where students don’t even have to write a single line of code.
CS 3385 is a great alternative for ATEC students who are not a fan of computer programming. In this class, students will study computer ethics, business law and the challenges and implications of computer technology.
About CS 3385
Eric Bennett said “it’s a comp out class for students who don’t like coding.”
Instead of listening to a lecture about pseudocode and syntax rules, students will learn more about how technology has challenged laws and ethics in society and also shaped today’s culture. If you decide to take this course, be prepared to write. Eighty percent of your final grade derives from two case studies due at the end of the semester. Instead of challenging your technical skills, Professor Cong uses his case studies to make students question how technology has impacted society.
Lauren Jungmichel said “the teacher is pretty funny and it isn’t a bad class overall.”
Professor Cong has been teaching this course since Fall 2001. There are no prerequisites for the class, but it’s not offered every semester. Eric and many other ATEC students learned that this course could cover their upper-level CS requirement by talking to their advisers and friends.
ATEC Students’ Views of Required CS Classes
Eric said “I don’t want to deal with the technical side.”
If he had a choice, he would rather invest his time in more artistic-based computer courses. Many ATEC students side with Eric but the ATEC program requires students to complete at least three computer science courses.
Lauren said “I can understand having to take a basic programming class because that makes sense for an ATEC degree” but “there are many other classes that I would have rather taken.”
Computer programming does not come naturally to everyone. ATEC students can’t avoid taking Java at the beginning, but there will be less coding in their future if they decide to take this class.
Published: January 27, 2009