CIS485 Senior Seminar

Seminar Objectives

• to become familiar with various current topics in the computer field through reading technical papers and articles
• to have the experience of formally researching and presenting a topic to peers
• to participate in the analysis and discussion of current topics
• to become familiar with on-line research databases

Presentation Guidelines

• one person will be responsible for each topic
• the presenters must meet with S. Castañeda at least two weeks prior to the presentation; must have an outline of all major topics and subtopics of the presentation ready to examine and discuss
• it can be assumed that all class members have read the common articles; therefore, the presentation should mainly be an EXPANSION OF THE TOPIC FROM ADDITIONAL SOURCES as it relates to the class articles
• the presentation will last approximately one hour
• the presentation must be presented in a formal way, with NO READING of a prepared text
• the presenters should be prepared to lead class discussion and answer class questions at the end of the formal presentation (for approximately 30 minutes)
• no later than three days before the presentation, the presenters must submit a detailed outline of the presentation
• no later than one week after the presentation, the presenters must submit:
• an annotated bibliography of the sources used; the best papers should be highlighted and should be the first papers listed
• documentation of his/her use of the DIALOG or INTERNET
• approximately one week after all materials have been submitted, the presenters must meet with S. Castaneda for a summary of the presentation evaluation

Class Guidelines

• every student is expected to CAREFULLY read every paper and/or article and be prepared to participate in class discussion
• at the end of each class, each student (other than that day's presenter) is expected to hand in a Weekly Reaction Report (WRR):
  • commentary on the week's readings (all readings)
  • answer the following:
    • a) What was the main idea of each article?
    • b) What is the one overall idea that you feel will most directly influence your future, and why?
  • typed, minimum of one full page, single-spaced
  • no late WRRs will be accepted
• each student must evaluate the day's presenter and make helpful comments at the end of each class

Evaluation

• Presentation - 60%
  • Content, delivery and presentation skills will all be considered
• Class participation - 20%
• Weekly Reaction Reports - 20%

Considerations for Evaluation of Presenter

see the sample evaluation form

Considerations for Evaluation of Class Members

• WRRs are well prepared and concise
• class discussion indicates that the preparation for the class was complete

August 21, 2001