CIS 640 (S22): Writing in Computing Research
Lecture Time: Monday 12noon-120pm
Lecture Location: 101 Volcanology Building
Instructor: Hank Childs
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Course objectives: The main goal of this course is for students develop their writing ability for computer science research. Students will submit writing samples, and provide and accept constructive criticism
with their peers, in a workshop format. Students also may read and discuss authoritative texts on technical writing. Throughout the term, students will apply what they learn to their writing.
Learning objectives: Develop writing skills consistent with producing a research paper in computer science. Most activities will occur in a workshop format.
- Effective writing at the sentence-level.
- Organization of a research paper, including important elements of each section in a research paper (for example, the important elements in an introduction, in related work, etc).
- Writing from the perspective of the peer review process. This includes both how writing may be interpreted during peer review and the process of peer review itself (conferences and journals).
Prerequisite: Students must be writing a research paper or survey the term they take the course.
Course format:
- Every student will produce 5 writing samples. For those writing a research paper, each of these samples will approximately translate to one section of a research paper. Other research-related submissions are also acceptable, such as portions of a fellowship proposal, sections from an Area Exam, etc.
- Every student will review 12 writing samples. These reviews will identify 5-10 grammar/wordsmith improvements and three substantive pieces of feedback
- Every student will attend lecture and participate in discussion of cohort's writing samples.
In order to keep the course running on schedule, all students must be regularly participating in writing and reviewing. Failure to do so will result in receiving a "no pass" for the course. Each student must stick to the following schedule:
- Thursday of Week 2: complete 1st submission
- Thursday of Week 3: reviews 1-3
- Thursday of Week 4: complete 2nd submission
- Thursday of Week 5: reviews 4-6
- Thursday of Week 6: complete 3rd submission
- Thursday of Week 7: reviews 7-9
- Thursday of Week 8: complete 4th submission
- Thursday of Week 9: reviews 10-12
- Thursday of Week 10: complete 5th submission
- By the Finals Period (Wednesday June 8, 1015am): complete final submission
Failure to meet this progress will result in a "no pass."
Each of the submissions and reviews must be legitimate attempts by the students to do quality writing/reviewing. Failure to make a quality attempt will result in a "no pass." That said, the instructor will meet with a student if a submission or review is unacceptable, and the student will receive another opportunity.
Overall, the five submissions by the student should approximately translate to an 8 page paper in IEEE double column format. As such, some contributions may be longer and others may be shorter. Further, students are able to determine the breakdown for their submissions.
That said, the text of the final submission for the course should be no less than 6500 words (excluding references). This is the approximate word count for a typical 8 page paper in IEEE double column format when excluding references and figures. Further, the final submission should be an honest effort to meet the 8 page requirement. In particular, quoting from other sources is fine but if excessive will not be included as part of the word count.
Ph.D. students doing Area Exams should submit 6500 words total over the term. M.S. students who are not doing a thesis or paper should submit a complete survey. Finally, there is flexibility for submitting multiple documents to combine to 6500 words. For example, a student may write a 2000 word fellowship proposal and a 4500 word contribution to their Area Exam.
Attendance is mandatory, with the following exceptions:
- A student is concerned about spreading illness, in which case they should contact the instructor before class begins and stay home.
- A student has received permission from the instructor ahead of time to miss the course. Such reasons should be significant (attending a conference or wedding) and not insignificant (need to be home to receive a package).
- An unforeseeable event, such as a flat tire or the public bus fails to run. In this case, the student should do their best to contact the instructor.
If a student misses a class period, then the instructor will give them makeup work, which will consist of reviewing papers.
Easy Chair
All submissions will work through
EasyChair.
Slides From 1st Lecture
Slides from the first lecture:
PDF |
PPTX.
Contact Information
Email: hank at cs.uoregon.edu
Phone: (541) 346-3414 (terrible way to get in touch with me!)
Fax: (541) 346-5373
Address:
301 Deschutes Hall
1202 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403-1212 USA
University COVID Policies
Academic Disruption
In the event of a campus emergency that disrupts academic activities, course requirements, deadlines, and grading percentages are subject to change. Information about changes in this course will be communicated as soon as possible by email, and on Canvas. If we are not able to meet face-to-face, students should immediately log onto Canvas and read any announcements and/or access alternative assignments. Students are also expected to continue coursework as outlined in this syllabus or other instructions on Canvas.
In the event that the instructor of this course has to quarantine, this course may be taught online during that time.
COVID Containment Plan for Classes
As the University of Oregon returns to in-person instruction, the key to keeping our community healthy and safe involves prevention, containment, and support. Here is information critical to how the UO is responding to COVID-19.
- Prevention: To prevent or reduce the spread of COVID-19 in classrooms and on campus, all students and employees must:
- Containment: If a student in class tests positive for COVID-19, all relevant classes will be notified via an email by the Corona Corps Care Team with instructions for students and staff based on their vaccination status. Specifically:
- Vaccinated and Asymptomatic students: Quarantine not required, but daily self-monitoring before coming on campus is advised; sign up for testing through MAP 3-5 days after exposure if advised you are a contact.”
- Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated students: 14-day quarantine advised – do not come to class – and sign up for testing 3-5 days after notification through MAP, if asymptomatic, or through University Health Services (541-346-2770) or your primary care provider, if symptomatic.
- Symptomatic students: stay home (do not come to class/campus), complete the online case and contact form, and contact University Health Services (541-346-2770) or your primary care provide to arrange for immediate COVID-19 testing.
Students identified as close contacts of a positive case will be contacted by the Corona Corps Care Team (541-346-2292).
- Support: The following resources are available to you as a student.
Good Classroom Citizenship
- Stay home if you’re sick
- Get to know your neighbors in class, and let them know if you test positive
- Get tested regularly
- Watch for signs and symptoms with the daily symptom self-check
- Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer
Complete the UO COVID-19 case and contact reporting form if you test positive or are a close contact of someone who tests positive.