History of computers and computing technology James Tam

CPSC 409: Fall 2020

A history of computers and computing technology from ancient to modern times. The content goes back to personal computing devices (such as "finger reckoning) and may cover recent events up to the rise of social networks and the history of computer and video gaming.

Lecture, important administrative course information, general assignment information

Day/Time

L01: Remote learning version, asynchronous (you learn from pre-created lecture videos rather than being forced to go to yet another a virtual Zoom lecture at designated day/times).

Contact Information

James Tam

 

Office: ICT707

 

Office hours: M 11:00 - 11:50 AM, T 2:00 - 2:50 PM

  Zoom link: https://ucalgary.zoom.us/j/95705679952  (Passcode: hope)

 

Email: tam@ucalgary.ca

   
General information Official course information sheet (summary of official course requirements)

My schedule

General grading information

Estimating your term grade: [Grade calculator spreadsheet]

For more information Grading information, how the course will be run etc.
Course topics and outline Main grid
Exams Dates/times/details
Official Course Information Sheet CIS version checked, approved and signed by the faculty office

 

 

Main grid: Course topics, exam information (content will be available via the D2L course page)

  Week of semester typically covered Topic

0

First

Course introduction and administrative information including grading: [Notes: 2 per page] [Notes: 3 per page] [Notes: 6 per page]

1

First, second

Early computational devices (Extra resource: Video for the Genaille-Lucas Rulers): [Notes: 2 per page] [Notes: 3 per page] [Notes: 6 per page]

2

Third Analog devices: [Notes: 2 per page] [Notes: 3 per page] [Notes: 6 per page]

3

Third, Fourth Early mechanical computers: [Notes: 2 per page] [Notes: 3 per page] [Notes: 6 per page]

4

Fifth, Sixth Charles Babbage and his machines [Notes: 2 per page] [Notes: 3 per page] [Notes: 6 per page]

5

Seventh The mechanical monsters [Notes: 2 per page] [Notes: 3 per page] [Notes: 6 per page]

6

Eight, Ninth The electronic revolution [Notes: 2 per page] [Notes: 3 per page] [Notes: 6 per page]

7

Tenth Early stored program computers [Notes: 2 per page] [Notes: 3 per page] [Notes: 6 per page]

8

Eleventh Mainframes and early super computers [Notes: 2 per page] [Notes: 3 per page] [Notes: 6 per page]

9

Twelfth The history of the Internet [Notes: 2 per page] [Notes: 3 per page] [Notes: 6 per page]

10

Twelfth The early private networks [Notes: 2 per page] [Notes: 3 per page] [Notes: 6 per page]

11

Thirteenth Microprocessors/microcomputers and the major software houses [Notes: 2 per page] [Notes: 3 per page] [Notes: 6 per page]

12

Fourteenth History of video and computer games [Notes: 2 per page] [Notes: 3 per page] [Notes: 6 per page]

13

  History of computer interfaces and Human-Computer Interaction (if there is time)

 

Examinations (all take the form of D2L quizzes)

1

Midterm #1: Friday Oct 16, 2:00 - 4:00 PM  New day/time: Thursday Oct 15 6:00 - 8:00 PM (Worth 33% of the term mark) [Information link]

2

Midterm #2: Friday Nov 20, 2:00 - 4:00 PM  New day/time: Thursday Nov 19 6:00 - 8:00 PM (Worth 33% of the term mark) [Information link]

3

Midterm #3: Held during the regular final exam period [Scheduled by the Office of the Registrar] (Worth 34% of the term mark) [Information link]