Why Writing Matters

 

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Why Writing Matters in Computer Science

"Building software is one of the most complex endeavors the human mind is capable of.  Much of the process is abstract and managed by paper.  It is critical that students learn how to effectively communicate in all forms."

--Scott James, Computer Science Department


Why Writing Matters in Computer Science 

Typical Writing Assignments

I require some research papers (real research, not read and regurgitate) in CIS 333.  CIS 422 & 424 requires numerous writings including user manuals, feasibility studies and numerous diagramming techniques.  I also require comments in source code to be grammatically correct and take off points if they are not.  In short, both written and verbal communication is imperative in the quest for quality software system design and I hold students accountable for it.

Qualities of Good Writing

Spell checked, grammatically polished work that effectively conveys the point without being verbose.  I don't allow slang or use of non-professional language.  I expect terms and acronyms to be defined prior to using.  Our industry loves to invent new terms and it's tough for a practitioner, let alone a layperson, to understand the quagmire used in most trade magazines today.

Appropriate Types of Evidence & Support


Properly cited professional society and journal articles, properly cited web resources as well as properly cited personal resources.

Citation Conventions

Our industry uses the IEEE citation convention.  Add website

Special Comments

From Scott James, Professor of Computer Science & Information Systems:

I used to teach at GMI Engineering & Management Institute (now Kettering University) in Flint.  Every undergrad is required to carry out a thesis project prior to graduating.  When I would go out on thesis trips to our students' corporate sponsors, I would always ask, "What can we do better?"  The usual answer was "Teach your students how to effectively write. They may be bright, but it doesn't matter if they can't communicate with others."  I held high standards in the theses I advised and when I started teaching the capstone courses in the CIS program here at SVSU, I brought that expectation with me.  Building software is one of the most complex endeavors the human mind is capable of.  Much of the process is abstract and managed by paper.  It is critical that students learn how to effectively communicate in all forms.

References and Resources

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