Informatics 161 — Social Analysis of Computerization

Spring, 2009

Who, When, Where

Instructor Dan Frost frost @ uci.edu office hours Tu. 10:00-10:50 (DBH 5058)
TA Steve Abrams sabrams @ ics.uci.edu office hours TBD
Reader Vrishti Gulati vrishtigulati @ gmail.com  
Lectures M W F 2:00-2:50 (37100) ICS-1 180  
Discussions W 12:00-12:50 (37101) ICS-1 253
W 1:00-1:50 (37102) ICS-1 253

About the course

There is no textbook for the course. Readings will be online, or photocopies will be handed out.

The grade will be based on the overall average, using a standard "straight" scale: 90's are As, 80's are Bs, 70s are Cs, 60s are Ds, and below 60 is Failing. We reserve the right to change the precise cut-off points. The components of the overall average are:

Except for the Participation components, scores are based on the quality of the work turned in, not on the time spent or the effort expended.

Homeworks

  1. Homework 1, due before 2:00 pm, Wednesday, April 1.
  2. Homework 2, due before 2:00 pm, Friday, April 3.
  3. Homework 3, due before 2:00 pm, Monday, April 6.
  4. Homework 4, due at start of discussion, Wednesday, April 8.
  5. Homework 5, due before 2:00 pm, Friday, April 10.
  6. Homework 6, due at start of discussion, Wednesday, April 15.
  7. Homework 7, due before 2:00 pm, Friday, April 17.
  8. Homework 8, to be completed before 2:00 pm, Monday, April 27.
  9. Homework 9, due before 2:00 pm, Friday, May 1.
  10. Homework 10, due before 2:00 pm, Monday, May 4.
  11. Homework 11, due at start of discussion, Wednesday, May 6.
  12. Homework 12, due before 2:00 pm, Friday, May 15.
  13. Homework 13, due before 2:00 pm, Monday, June 1.

Readings, Listenings, Watchings

Policies

Academic Honesty

Do not claim as your own the words or ideas of others. When you collaborate with or are helped by a classmate, give credit. When in doubt, talk with the TA or professor before turning in your work. A single act of cheating or academic dishonesty can seriously mar your career at UCI. Familiarize yourself with the UCI Policy on Academic Honesty, particularly Section C, "What is Academic Dishonesty?" and Section D "Procedures for Dealing with Incidents of Academic Dishonesty."

Add / Drop Policy

Students may add (space permitting) or drop, up to the end of the second week of classes (April 10), with the instructor's signature on an "Add" card. Students may add only if they are caught up on all readings and assignments. Students may drop after the second week only in exceptional circumstances.

Communication

Check your UCInetID email frequently; we will occasionally need to get in touch with you by email. Please feel free to send email to the course staff: use your UCInetID account, put Inf 161 in the subject line, and include your name in the message body. This web page syllabus will be updated over the course of the quarter, so please look at it regularly.

Health

Even though you are young and reasonably healthy, as a user of computers you are at risk for several computer-related health problems, particularly RSI (repetitive-strain injury). Please read and follow the good advice at the Bren School's Computer Health and Safety web page.

Special Accommodations

Any student who feels he or she may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact Prof. Frost privately to discuss his or her specific needs. Also contact the Disability Services Center at (949) 824-7494 as soon as possible to better ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.

Late Work

The ten week quarter will pass very quickly, and it is essential that all work be turned in on time so you can move on to the next assignment. If possible, contact your TA as soon as you realize an assignment will be late. In general, the policy is a 10% penalty for work up to 24 hours late, 20% penalty for work 25 to 48 hours late, and later work is not accepted without approval from a professor.

Lunch

Not during class, please.

Computers and Cell Phones in Class

No computers or laptops may be used in lecture or discussion during the first three weeks of the quarter. After the third week, use of laptops to take notes may be permitted, subject to the rule that the wireless connection to the Internet is disabled. Breaking this rule will mean your permission to use a laptop in class is revoked for the rest of the quarter. Playing of games is, alas, strictly forbidden. Turn off cell phones during class.

Disputes on scores and grades

If you think your work has not been correctly or fairly scored, talk with your TA. If you are still not satisfied, talk with Prof. Frost. All score disputes must be brought up within one week after the work is returned. If you have a concern pertaining to your grade, contact Prof. Frost as soon as possible after the end of the quarter.