Research Assignment

CS 330
Spring 2008

 

You are to write a paper and give a short presentation on a topic related to computer science. Below are some suggested areas, but you may propose your own. The paper and presentation will be separately graded.

 

Possible Topics

An interesting programming language or environment

Voice recognition systems

Computer systems in criminology or homeland security

Robotic support for the disabled

Gender issues in computer science

Ubiquitous (or pervasive) computing

Programming patterns

Visualization of algorithms

Universal web accessibility

Collaboration support systems

Identity theft and security

 

The Paper

You will write a technical paper of at least 5 pages, double spaced, Times (or Times Roman, Times New Roman) 12-point font, 1-inch margins. It will have a cover page (not counted as one of the five) containing a title, your name, the date, CS 330, Spring 2008, centered on the page. Your paper should be stapled in the upper left corner.

 

You should have at least 5 technical references, at least 3 of which should be available from the ACM Digital Library.

 

The content of your paper should include a summary of the papers (no more than 3 pages) and an analysis and commentary on those papers (at least 2 pages). Part of your analysis could include a discussion of the social, legal, and ethical issues that your topic brings up.

 

You will be graded on the technical content of your paper as well as on its mechanical details (such as spelling, grammar, organization, use of appropriate headings, clarity, etc.). See my paper rubric for details.

 

The Presentation

Your presentation should be approximately 8 minutes in length - significantly short presentations will result in grade deductions. It should be appropriately supported by the use of presentation media. Your presentation will be graded on its content and effectiveness, including presentation skills. See my presentations rubric for details.

 

Deliverables and Timeline

Proposal (March 21): You must propose a topic for your paper and presentation. Your proposal will be a one-paragraph abstract and a list of references (in standard bibliographic format).

 

Paper: April 18

 

Presentations: April 18, 21, 24, 25.