Revised April 15, 2019 General Education And Other Graduatio
Revised April 15 2019general Education And Other Graduation Requireme
Articulate how your General Education coursework has prepared you for a career in technology and will help, or has helped, you achieve other life goals. In your response, be sure to reflect upon each specific GE Area:
- Area A (writing, public speaking, critical thinking)
- Area B (sciences and quantitative reasoning)
- Area C (arts and humanities, including PHIL 3318 Professional Ethics)
- Area D (social and behavioral sciences, economics)
- SELF (student enrichment and lifelong fulfillment)
- Junior Year Diversity Reflection
- American Institutions (U.S. history, local/state/federal government)
Articulate how your Computer Science coursework has prepared you for a career in technology and will help, or has helped, you achieve other life goals. In your response, be sure to reflect upon each of the following CMPS areas as appropriate for your Computer Science concentration:
- CMPS programming and software engineering courses
- CMPS theory courses (discrete structures, algorithms, theory of computation)
- CMPS systems courses (databases, networking, OS, architecture, distributed/parallel computation)
Format your paper with at least one paragraph about your GE coursework and at least one paragraph about your Computer Science coursework. Aim for about one to one and a half pages for each section (total three pages). Use 12pt font (Calibri, Times New Roman, etc.) and single line spacing (or default Word 1.08 line spacing).
Answer the prompts with serious reflection and introspection. It is acceptable if some courses did not seem valuable at first; focus on how each course has helped develop you into a well-rounded, educated citizen and professional.
Paper For Above instruction
My journey through the General Education (GE) curriculum has significantly shaped my preparedness for a career in technology and my overall personal development. Each GE area contributed uniquely, fostering a comprehensive skill set and broad worldview essential for thriving in the ever-evolving tech industry. In Area A, which emphasizes writing, public speaking, and critical thinking, I cultivated effective communication and analytical skills. Courses like English 1109, Writing & Research, enhanced my ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively, a vital skill in technology when explaining technical concepts to diverse audiences. Public speaking courses, such as STRATEGIES for Public Speaking, bolstered my confidence and ability to present ideas convincingly, which is critical during project pitches or stakeholder meetings. Critical thinking, developed through Philosophy courses like Critical Thinking and Ethical Reasoning, enabled me to evaluate problems rigorously and consider ethical implications, preparing me to navigate the moral landscape of technological innovations responsibly.
In Area B, focusing on sciences and quantitative reasoning, I gained foundational knowledge of scientific principles and data analysis essential for technological problem-solving. Courses like Introduction to Scientific Thinking and Statistics Methods for Research sharpened my ability to analyze data critically and apply scientific methods. This knowledge supports my ability to interpret vast datasets, a frequent task in machine learning and data-driven decision-making. Similarly, courses in physics and geology expanded my understanding of natural phenomena, fostering a mindset of curiosity and empirical inquiry vital for innovation in technology.
Area C expanded my appreciation of arts and humanities, including political and moral issues. Courses like American Literature and World History lent me cultural awareness and historical perspective, fostering creativity and ethical considerations in my technical work. The inclusion of Philosophy of Ethics provided insights into moral frameworks governing technological development, underscoring the importance of responsible innovation. Courses on film studies and art history stimulated my understanding of visual communication and cultural expression, enriching my capacity to design user-centered interfaces and multimedia applications.
In Area D, which covers social and behavioral sciences, I explored societal structures and economic principles. Courses such as Introduction to Sociology and Principles of Microeconomics illuminated how social systems operate and how economic factors influence technological adoption and policy. Understanding social dynamics and economic incentives helps in designing technology that is socially responsible and economically viable, aligning with my goal to develop socially impactful solutions.
The SELF area emphasized lifelong learning and personal enrichment. Courses like Fundamentals of Business and Environmental Psychology broadened my understanding of organizational functions and human behavior, critical for teamwork and user experience design. Diversity courses, including Gender and Culture, fostered inclusivity and sensitivity, essential for creating accessible and equitable technologies.
The Junior Year Diversity Reflection and American Institutions courses offered in-depth insights into societal diversity and governance, enhancing my ability to develop inclusive technology that respects cultural differences and adheres to ethical standards. These courses have encouraged me to think globally and act inclusively, essential traits for a modern technologist.
Turning to Computer Science (CS) coursework, the technical components have been crucial in translating my broad educational foundation into practical skills. Programming and software engineering courses, such as Introduction to Programming and Software Development, equipped me with coding proficiency and the ability to develop reliable applications. Courses like Data Structures and Algorithms strengthened my problem-solving skills, enabling me to optimize code and improve system efficiency. Theoretical courses, including Discrete Structures and Theory of Computation, broadened my understanding of computational limits and formal logic, which underpin the design of advanced algorithms and cryptography.
System courses like Databases, Operating Systems, and Networking expanded my knowledge of system architecture and data management, preparing me to design scalable, secure, and efficient systems. Distributed and parallel computation courses further enhanced my ability to develop high-performance applications, crucial for today's cloud computing and big data environments. These technical skills, combined with my broad-based education, position me to innovate responsibly and effectively within the field of technology, contributing to societal progress and aligning with my personal aspirations.
In conclusion, my GE and CS coursework have together laid a robust foundation, integrating critical thinking, scientific understanding, cultural awareness, and technical proficiency. This comprehensive educational experience has prepared me not only to excel professionally in technology but also to pursue meaningful contributions towards societal betterment and personal goals. I am now equipped to develop innovative, ethical, and user-centered technological solutions that address both current needs and future challenges, embodying the holistic growth fostered by my diverse academic pursuits.
References
- Friedman, B. (2008). Value Sensitive Design: Shaping Technology with Moral Values. IEEE Technology and Society Magazine, 27(2), 20-25.
- Floridi, L. (2013). The Ethics of Information. Oxford University Press.
- Pressman, R. S., & Maxim, B. R. (2014). Software Engineering: A Practitioner's Approach. McGraw-Hill Education.
- Russell, S., & Norvig, P. (2020). Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach. Pearson.
- Goguen, J. A. (2010). Formal Methods in Software Engineering. Springer.
- Boyd, D. (2014). It's Complicated: The Social Lives of Networked Teens. Yale University Press.
- Rao, L. (2019). The Impact of Data Science on Business Decisions. Journal of Business Analytics, 9(3), 145-162.
- Barabási, A.-L. (2018). The Formula: The Universal Laws of Success. Little, Brown and Company.
- Norman, D. A. (2013). The Design of Everyday Things: Revised and Expanded Edition. Basic Books.
- Mitchell, M. (2020). Artificial Intelligence: A Guide for Thinking Humans. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.