CMSC 388Y: History of Computer Science and Digital Technologies.

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What This Course Is About

📄 Couse Description:

An investigation of the history and evolution of computer science from its early foundations through the atomic age, the Y2K Bug, the internet revolution, the present day, and beyond. This course will cover not only the people and work behind the advances in computing, but also the technologies of yesteryear that eventually evolved into the devices that have become ubiquitous today. We will observe how computing has impacted society throughout time, and the reactions to its advances through the normalization of digital technologies.

🧑‍🎓 Learning Outcomes:

• Define computer science as a discipline both broadly and in the context of academia and industry.
• Employ theoretical and analytical frameworks to examine and explore the sociological significance of various breakthroughs in computing.
• Recognize and identify key figures and innovations that led to the mass development and propagation of digital technologies and modern computing.
• Be able to discuss the ways in which the mass propagation of digital technologies has impacted lives in the past and continues to do so today.
• Recognize and identify key computing terms, what they refer to, and why they are used/not used today.
• Understand what continued maturing of the field of computer science means both for society and for those pursuing careers in computer science.

📝 Prerequisites:

Minimum grade of C- in CMSC216 and CMSC250; and permission of CMNS-Computer Science department.

🧑‍🏫 Staff:

Instructor: Logan Stevens