A chart representation for delineating computer disciplines (abstract)

摘要

Colleges and universities in the United States that teach some form of computer curriculum are many. From the small community college to the major university most offer some type of sequence of computer course. Unfortunately, the computer programs offered by two different schools may be vastly different

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Several "names" for the computer disciplines have emerged: computer science, computer theory, computer engineering, information sciences, information systems, and data processing to name the more common ones. A faculty member with a doctorate in computer science might feel uncomfort-able working in an information systems department. Likewise, a student wishing to study in the area of information systems would feel ill-at-ease taking courses in a computer engineering department. Many job-seeking faculty and school-seeking students ask of a department: "What kind of courses do you offer?" "Where does your emphasis lie?" The answers to questions like these are obtained after lengthy discussions with school advisors, faculty interviewing, or digging through college catalogs.

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What would be helpful is a system which clearly illustrates the courses offered by a department. If this were in chart form where the courses progressed from computer theory to data processing, one could see at a glance the emphasis of a particular school's discipline. By comparing a department's chart with a faculty member's chart, one can easily and quickly see background differences and similarities, saving time and energy.