SYLLABUS
COMPLEX SYSTEMS
Duke Kunshan University
Nicholas Gessler, Ph.D.
Office 1076
Classroom 3101
nick(dot)gessler(at)duke(dot)edu
IF YOU HAVE NEVER PROGRAMMED ANYTHING BEFORE...
Don't worry. Students new to coding typically do just as well as those who have written programs before.
BEFORE the first day of class:
- Buy 1 USB memory stick, 12 writable CDs or DVDs with paper sleeves (no plastic boxes) and 12 letter-size (8.5 x 11") sheet protectors
- Familiarize yourself with Windows for PCs (we will not be using Macs).
ON the first day of class:
- Bring your USB memory stick
- Be prepared to ask questions, talk and have some creative fun.
GRADES:
Are based on your demonstrated understanding of the concepts of complexity and how well you incorporate them into the challenges of this course
PRIMARY SOFTWARE:
Embarcadero XE6 or XE8 C++ Builder
(trial and discounted versions
are available from Embarcadero)
IconEdit32 &
SynEdit (available free online)
SECONDARY SOFTWARE:
PhotoShop,
Word
AVAILABILITY:
Computers
and software
required for this course
are only available on the machines in class. Student versions are available from Embarcadero for about $100. A free 30-day trial version is also available.
FINAL EXAM
There is NO final exam
KEEP COPIES OF EVERYTHING YOU TURN IN
Turn in two (2) copies of all paperwork.
I will return one copy to you with comments.
I will place one copy plus your disk in your portfolio which I will keep.
Do not miss the initial presentations. They lay the foundation for the enitire course. Absences will negatively affecting your grade. |
MUST ATTEND |
4 SIMULATION CHALLENGES and your presentations of them. 25 points each. (Remember the "four Es:" explore, experiment, enhance & enjoy) requirements |
100 |
6 WRITTEN CHALLENGES based upon Tuesday evening movies and readings on SAKAI. 10 points each. (Informed critical discussions of the ideas in the films or papers) No more than one page or 300 words. Each film is an artist's conception of many of the processes we will be studying in our simulations. Allowing for artistic license, how well do the films portray computation? requirements |
60 |
PARTICIPATION (class attendance, discussion & presentation of challenges, one-on-one consultations) requirements |
variable |
1 COURSE PROJECT (a further enhancement of a previous simulation challenge or something entireley new) requirements |
40 |
TOTAL |
200 |