Integrative Experience Activity 1
Table of Contents
UMass requires all undergraduates to take several general education (GenEd) courses. This is done in the belief that a university-educated person should have a background in a broad range of subjects outside of their chosen major. Being exposed to these courses can make you a better scientist and engineer because you have a better perspective on human culture and behavior. This is especially important for software engineers as software has profound effects on human society.
COMPSCI 320 is designated as an "Integrative Experience" course. That means you are given the opportunity to reflect on how your GenEd courses relate to your learning experience in this course. In this way, you can develop and extend your awareness of how GenEd subjects integrate with your technical experience as an engineer. This perspective is an important part of your formation as an ethical practitioner of software engineering.
In-Class Activity
You will be grouped with approximately 6 other students. The purpose is to discuss your GenEd experiences, and explore the possible connections to 320. Begin the discussion by each member of the group sharing one GenEd course that they enjoyed the most or was most memorable in some way. Then discuss amongst yourselves ways in which your GenEd courses could have connections to your work in this course.
Materials & Equipment
You may choose to take notes on paper to help you plan what you will write in your essay. No other electronic devices are allowed.
Grading
You will receive activity credit for actively participating in the discussion.
Essay
Write a one page (300-350 words) essay covering the ways you expect your GenEd experiences to impact, enhance, inform, or affect your learning experience and performance in 320. Mention the specific GenEd course and explain how you think it might have an impact. Include two observations made by members in your group, as well as two of your personal thoughts about the impact that your GenEd courses might possibly make on your 320 experience. Avoid spending more than a sentence or two on "introductory" essay content. Focus on what was discussed during the activity and go into greater depth about the connections you see.
Submission & Grading
Submit your essay as a PDF to canvas.
Essays will be graded on the effort made to satisfy the requirements of this assignment including the presentation of your thoughts and the supporting arguments made. We expect your writing to show evidence of a clear effort to communicate your thoughts such that they can be understood by a reader.