CS444 Syllabus--Fall 2008--Directed Study

Be able to explain why it is important for IT professionals to keep abreast of evolving technologies.
Be able to discuss the advantages, disadvantages, and prospects of current emerging technologies.
Be able to demonstrate the research skills necessary to identify and evaluate emerging technologies (just-in-time learning).
Be able to discuss in depth a chosen emerging technology, based on independent research.
Assessment will be by means of five 5-10 page papers, and one 15-20 page final research paper.

This course is designed for independent study. Assigned readings should be done on time, for they feed the thinking needed for the papers. Additional readings may be posted on Blackboard. Papers are due as assigned. Do NOT wait till the end of the course to do them all.

The instructor will be available for discussions.

Students who do not deliver papers on time will be dropped from the course.

GUIDELINES FOR THE FIVE SHORT PAPERS:

Consider the topic question (see the Schedule section below) carefully.
Do some research, even if the question seems to ask for no more than your opinion (your opinion must be supported). Use library resources such as MARVEL, NOT JUST GOOGLE!
Cite your research; each paper should have 4-6 references, including the course readings.
FINAL PAPERS

Each student will prepare a 15-20 page research paper on the following topic:

Choose an emerging technology that you think will have major impact in the near future, describe it, describe its potential impact, and explain why you think it will have such impact.
The technology may be chosen from those discussed in the textbook, from those with readings on Blackboard's Course Documents page, or from ones you have encountered elsewhere. If you pick your own, please run it by the instructor for final approval. Have your topic chosen by Thursday, October 23.

Research the topic using printed and online sources. Develop a proposed outline of your paper and submit by Tuesday, November 25.
Your paper is required to have the following:

Title Page
Table of Contents
Documented Sources throughout the text
Bibliography of no less than 10 sources
Be no less than 15 pages in length and no more than 20

Cover the following:

Background / History of the technology
Applications of the technology
Potential impacts of the technology
Pros / Cons of the technology
The final paper is due the last week of classes.

Remember--good work should be filed in your e-Portfolio.

Students who plagiarize tests and projects will receive zeros for the work in question, with no makeup opportunities.

COURSE SCHEDULE

CAUTION: COURSE SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT WARNING!

DATE	TOPIC	ASSIGNMENT

Week 1: Jan 11-15	The 3D Printing Revolution, Chapter 1

Week 2: Jan 19-22	The 3D Printing Revolution, Chapter 2	What Is an "Emerging Technology"?
	Paper #1 Due next week	Many technologies have been (or have been called) "disruptive" technologies. Find three examples and use them to discuss what it is that makes a technology "disruptive." Consider whether disruptiveness can be identified in advance.

Week 3: Jan 25-29	The 3D Printing Revolution, Chapter 3	3D Printing
	Paper #2 Due next week	Describe how 3D printing works.

Week 4: Feb 1-5	The 3D Printing Revolution, Chapter 4	Nanotechnology
	Paper #3 Due next week	Describe the current state of nanomaterials development.

Week 5: Feb 8-12	The 3D Printing Revolution, Chapter 5	PC History

Week 6: Feb 22-26	The 3D Printing Revolution, Chapter 6	Economic Crisis

Week 7: March 1-5	The 3D Printing Revolution, Chapter 7	Economic Boon
	Paper #4 Due next week	Discuss ways in which 3D printing weill help or harm the global economy.
	Final Term Paper Topics Due!

Week 8: March 8-12	The 3D Printing Revolution, Chapter 8	Future Crimes
		(Think about the job opportunities here!)

Week 9: March 15-19	The 3D Printing Revolution, Chapter 9	Better copying
	Paper #5 Due next week	What industries will be most affected (and in what ways) if we ever become able to copy and edit human beings?

Week 10: March 22-26	The 3D Printing Revolution, Chapter 10	Early and Next Adopters

Week 11: April 5-9	The 3D Printing Revolution, Chapter 11	Business Opportunities

Week 12: April 12-16	The 3D Printing Revolution, Chapter 12	The Next Next Big Thing
	Final Paper Due in two weeks	What do you think the next big thing will be? Choose an emerging technology that you think will have major impact in the near future, describe it, describe its potential impact, and explain why you think it will have such impact.

Week 13: April 19-23		WORK ON FINAL PAPER; CONSULT AS NEEDED

Week 14: April 26-30		HAND IN FINAL PAPER

Mon May 3	FINAL EXAM WEEK BEGINS

Prof. Thomas A. Easton