History of Computing Course ID 15292 Description This course traces the history of computational devices, pioneers and principles from the early ages through the present. Topics include early computational devices, mechanical computation in the 19th century, events that led to electronic computing advances in the 20th century, the advent of personal computing and the Internet, and the social, legal and ethical impact of modern computational artifacts. This course also includes a history of programming languages, operating systems, processors and computing platforms. Students should have an introductory exposure to programming prior to taking this course. Key Topics Early computational devices and inventors, mechanical computation in the 19th century and their inventors, people and events that led to electronic computing advances in the 20th century, the advent of personal computing and the Internet, and the social, legal and ethical impact of modern computational artifacts. A brief history of programming languages, operating systems, processors and computing platforms. Required Background Knowledge Fundamental skills in programming in any of these languages: Python, Java, C, C++, SML Course Relevance This course gives students perspective on why modern computing is where it is today. This course also shows how national and global events and culture spur the growth of computing devices and applications. Course Goals At the end of this course, students should be able to identify the contributions of the major inventors of computing devices and applications. Students should be able to identify events going on nationally or globally that led to or influenced the development of new computing devices and why these devices were needed to address the events that were occurring. Students will develop simulations for several computing devices and use simulations to work with other computing devices to understand the capabilities and limitations of early computing breakthroughs. Learning Resources Gradescope, Autolab, Piazza, Canvas, Textbook: Computer: A History of The Information Machine (3rd Edition) by Martin Campbell-Kelly, William Aspray, Nathan Ensmenger and Jeffrey R. Yost, additional free online readings, numerous YouTube videos highlighting computing history events Assessment Structure Film Questionaires: 10%, Quizzes: 30%, Term Paper: 10%, 4 Short Computing Projects: 15%, Final Exam: 35% Extra Time Commitment One visit to the Special Collections in the Hunt Library to see the computing artifacts in the archive.
