Computer Science

Semester – 3 credits

Open to all grades.

This course shows how computer science can be applied to solving problems in the arts and humanities. Students will create programs with applications in history, language, music, and the visual arts. Examples include population simulations, word games, art recreation, and musical storytelling. Through these programming projects, we will practice our problem-solving skills and utilize technology to provide a way for ourselves and others to interact with the arts and humanities. The programming languages we will use are Python and Processing. The skills learned in this course prepare students for more advanced computer science courses and are widely applicable to further pursuits in other disciplines. 

Semester – 3 credits

Open to all grades.

While initially used to compute impossible mathematical calculations, computer programming has come a long way since Charles Babbages’ analytical engine. In this semester-long course, students will learn problem-solving skills fundamental to computer programming through the lens of a mathematician or scientist. By creating computer programs to explore spatial puzzles, fractals, and science simulations, students will use technology to deepen their understanding of mathematics and science. The programming languages we will use are Python and Processing. The skills learned in this course prepare students for more advanced computer science courses and are widely applicable to further pursuits in other disciplines. 

Year - 6 credits

Open to all grades.

The interactive nature of video games makes them a powerful way to tell a story. When we feel the controller vibrate off-roading in GTA, hear the satisfying thunk of collision in Pong, or experience the acceleration of slipstream in Mario Kart, we are all the more immersed in the narrative the game conveys. In this year-long interdisciplinary course, students explore game design evolution, storytelling mechanisms, and C# coding to create a video game of their own design. The class together will complete a basic 2D side-scroller. Then individual students will add elements such as art, music, and game mechanics to bring their unique ideas to fruition. Students will use the Scrum Framework to work as large learning groups and assess project progress using Agile Design Methodology. The skills learned in this course prepare students for more advanced computer science courses and are widely applicable to further pursuits in other disciplines. 

Semester – 3 credits

Open to all grades.

Physical Computing introduces students to basic electrical and computer engineering. ECE is a blend of robotics, computer programming, and mechanical engineering, and you should anticipate getting a little bit of each in this project-based course. Any engineer is tasked with designing a final product with a set of constraints. In Physical Computing, we will be given various challenges to complete and supplies to do it. The supplies will consist of but are not limited to Arduinos, ShieldBot Arduino Kits, Wi-Fi-enabled microcontrollers, various sensors, various mechanical tools, and circuitry. In the course of solving the challenge, we will learn to control existing manufactured electronics, elements in the physical world, and use robotics to problem solve. The skills learned in this course will prepare students for additional computer science courses and be widely applicable to further pursuits in other disciplines. 

Year – 6 credits

Open to juniors and seniors.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of an introductory computer science course including CS for Art and Humanities, CS for Mathematics and Science, Physical Computing and Robotics, CS for Art and Music (prior to 2023-2024), or Interactive Storytelling and Video Game Design.  

Machine learning is ubiquitous today, utilized in everything from curating recommendation lists on Netflix to diagnosing medical conditions to detecting credit card fraud. Engaged citizens should recognize the pervasiveness of this technology and assess its impacts critically. Students in Machine Learning ask questions and solve problems with big data to better understand the world from both historical and contemporary perspectives. They explore and grapple with issues—such as determining authorship, understanding political affiliations, optimizing transportation systems, and analyzing the criminal justice system—that require an interdisciplinary lens to comprehend. Further, students will learn the computer science techniques necessary to engage societal problems keeping in mind the historical forces that sired these issues in the first place, and the predictable social and political consequences of technological change. Students taking this course may earn computer science or history credit but not both, and will designate their choice at the time of enrollment.  

Year – 6 credits

Open to sophomores, juniors and seniors.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of an introductory computer science course including CS for Art and Humanities, CS for Mathematics and Science, Physical Computing and Robotics, CS for Art and Music (prior to 2023-2024), or Interactive Storytelling and Video Game Design.  

In this entrepreneurial course, students design and complete full-scale research projects to solve real-world problems using computer science. Students first learn usable software and hardware applications, the toolkit required to create a fully realized product. Later in this practicum-based course, students engage each step of the product development process commonly used in industry. They move through research, design, and implementation utilizing an Agile software development methodology, a unique way of approaching projects to maximize efficiency in prototyping. Through City as Our Campus, students are paired with expert community mentors who offer valuable feedback throughout the ideation and development process. In addition, students meet with and learn from local entrepreneurs, marketing experts, and lawyers to more fully understand the business aspects of bringing a novel product to fruition. In collaboration with our English Department, Art Department, and City as our Campus partners, students develop full sales pitches, logos, and create short commercials to promote their products. The course culminates with a public presentation at our year-end STEM Symposium. 

Year – 6 credits

Open to juniors and seniors. 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Programming Languages and Structures, AP Computer Science A (prior to 2023-2024) or an entrance assessment.  

In this capstone computer science course, students will more fully develop their computational problem-solving skills to grapple with complex, abstract challenges. While learning fundamentals of algorithm design, data structures, and best software-engineering practices, students will tackle weekly/biweekly challenges and be assessed on their ability to develop the most efficient, elegant, and optimized solutions. Projects derived from familiar problems—including sorting contact names in a cellular phone, determining shortest paths for traveling on a map, and scheduling students for classes—will hone the problem-solving and programming skills acquired in prior CS courses. Students will also learn to identify which problems require approximation algorithms and heuristics when optimal solutions are too time-prohibitive to find. In addition to normal coursework, students will practice technical interview questions, engage with local software engineers, work on large-scale software projects, and present a final project at the year-end STEM Symposium. This course prepares students for college-level computer science, mathematics, and engineering courses, and improves critical thinking skills applicable to any discipline. 

Year - 6 credits 

Open to sophomores, juniors and senior. 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of an introductory computer science course including CS for Art and Humanities, CS for Mathematics and Science, Physical Computing and Robotics, CS for Art and Music (prior to 2023-2024), or Interactive Storytelling and Video Game Design.  

Computer programming is not memorizing a coding language or reproducing already-known solutions to common challenges. Rather, skilled computer programmers solve problems by identifying a general solution with fundamental computer science structures and determining which language is most applicable to their solution. In this year-long course, students study programming structures, including variables, control structures, loops, arrays, and objects. They begin with Java and Python, then expand to other languages used in industry to round out their skill sets. Students will tackle individual and 39 cooperative projects and complete in-class assessments to solidify their knowledge of the material. This course builds on the department’s introductory computer science electives and is a prerequisite for Algorithm Design. It exceeds AP Computer Science in rigor and sophistication. PLS will benefit anyone planning to study engineering and/or computer science at the college level.