This is a small course which generally receives positive feedback (92% of respondents in 2007 were satisfied with the overall quality of the course, with a response rate of 13/14). Students like the flexibility of topic selection and assessment, plus the seminar format and the opportunity to develop presentation and critical evaluation skills.
An occasional negative comment is that there could be more "practical" work; however, there are already many programming subjects in CSE, so the emphasis in this course is firmly on critical thinking and analysis to provide a contrast with those subjects. One negative comment from 2007 related to the assessment of class participation. This was mentioned periodically in class, but in 2008 the marking scheme will be made more explicit.
The major change for 2008 is due to the introduction of 12-week semesters. This will mean that fewer topics will be covered (the exact topics to be covered will be discussed in class).
Wayne Wobcke (wobcke@cse.unsw.edu.au)Last modified: Tuesday, July 15, 2008