Curriculum Committee ("CC") Minutes for 28 November 1995

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Attending:  Arora, Fleming, Fujimura, Long, Mamrak, Michaylov, Ogden,
            Supowit, Weide, Yeack

* Discussion of proposed changes to CIS 222 (as part of "software spine"
  proposal)
    
  Tim and Bruce presented a slightly revised proposed syllabus for 221,
  and a proposed syllabus for 222.  They will present a proposed syllabus
  for 321 early next quarter.
  
  CC discussed several issues regarding the 222 proposal:
    - The most important differences between the proposed and current
      221/222 are: (a) the programming language will be C++, not Modula-2;
      (b) there will be a "CIS 201 or EG 167 or equivalent" prerequisite
      to the new 221, opening up some time for shifting and adding material;
      (c) the new sequence 221/222/321 (and eventually 560 and 680) will be
      closely integrated; (d) the new 222 will provide a little deeper
      treatment of analysis of algorithms topics; (e) the new sequence
      will have a distinctly more formal flavor in many ways, e.g.,
      the use of mathematical specifications, proof outlines, etc.
    - Depending on experience in CIS 221H and 222H this winter/spring,
      222 might introduce a basic treatment of graphical user interfaces,
      and might include a lab in which students implement an application with
      a window-based interface.  This would be quite a change from the
      current sequence, since this is not currently covered anywhere in the
      required CIS curriculum.  It probably should be in order to keep
      students current with respect to the state of the practice, never
      mind the state of the art.
    - There is no proposal to "up" the math prerequisites, e.g., to make
      MA 366 a co-requisite to 222 (it is now a co-requisite to 321).
      However, CC discussed several scenarios, including "absorbing"
      MA 366 material into the CS curriculum on an as-needed basis.
      Not surprisingly, no conclusion was reached on this question.
  
  
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Next meeting: Winter quarter; to be announced.


Respectfully submitted,

	Bruce W. Weide, CC Chair