Courses

CS220: Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) 
(Spring 2010, Spring 2011) 
Human-Computer Interaction is one of the areas that have transformed the way we use computers in the last 30 years. Topics include methodology for designing and testing user interfaces, interaction styles (command line, menus, graphical user interfaces, virtual reality, tangible user interfaces), interaction techniques (including use of voice, gesture, eye movements), design guidelines, and user interface software tools. Students will design a user interface, program a prototype, and test the results for usability.

CS110: Computers and the Internet 
(Spring 2011) 
This course explains the basics of how the Internet works and how to build a Web site. Topics include client-server architecture, structuring Web pages with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, the representation of colors, images, and sound on the computer, encryption, cookies, and CGI forms. We also discuss accessibility, copyright, intellectual property, and critical thinking in the context of the Internet. The required project models most phases of the standard software lifecycle. Students are introduced to programming by building an interactive Web site using JavaScript.

CS320: Tangible User Interfaces 
(Fall 2009, Fall 2010) 
Tangible user interfaces emerge as a novel human-computer interaction style that interlinks the physical and digital worlds. Extending beyond the limitations of the computer mouse, keyboard and monitor, tangible user interfaces allow users to take advantage of their natural spatial skills while supporting collaborative work. Students will be introduced to conceptual frameworks, the latest research, and a variety of techniques for designing and building these interfaces. Developing tangible interfaces requires creativity as well as an interdisciplinary perspective. Hence, students will work in teams to design, prototype and physically build tangible user interfaces.

CS 111: Computer Programming and Problem Solving 
(Spring 2010, Fall 2010) 
An introduction to problem solving through computer programming. Using the Java programming language, students learn how to read, modify, design, debug, and test algorithms that solve problems. Programming concepts include control structures, data structures, abstraction, recursion, modularity, and object-oriented design. Students explore these concepts in the context of interactive programs involving graphics and user interfaces.