In 1996, Grinnell's combined Department of Mathematics and Computer Science developed a Computer Science Assessment Plan. After the creation of a separate department in 2006, the new Department of Computer Science reviewed and edited the 1996 document to obtain the following goals and objectives.
General Departmental Objectives
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The major objective: To teach the discipline to all students who are interested.
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To stimulate interest in the discipline.
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To help our majors (and other students with a strong interest in the discipline) to identify and prepare for satisfying careers.
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To continue to grow as computer scientists by increasing our knowledge and by contributing to the discipline in scholarship and pedagogy.
Learning Outcome Goals
For Nonmajors
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Students should understand roles of computers in today's society.
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Students should be able to apply relevant principles in the solving of some common problems.
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Students should be able to collaborate on team-based projects.
For Majors
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Graduates should be competent in solving problems using several paradigms of computer science, including imperative, object-oriented, and functional programming.
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Graduates should understand fundamental principles in all core areas of computer science (algorithms, programming languages, theory of computation, systems, software development methodology).
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Graduates should be able to apply fundamental principles in the solving of substantial problems.
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Graduates should be able to work effectively in team-based development projects.
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Graduates should be able to communicate ideas effectively both orally and in written form.
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Graduates should find that they have had appropriate undergraduate preparation leading toward satisfying careers.