Computer Science Foundations

The goal of this two-quarter program is for you to learn the intellectual concepts and skills that are essential for advanced work in computer science and beneficial for computing work in support of other disciplines. You will achieve a deeper understanding of increasingly complex computing systems by acquiring knowledge and skills in mathematical abstraction, problem solving, and the organization and analysis of hardware and software systems. The program covers topics such as object-oriented programming, algorithms, linear data structures, computer organization and architecture, logic, and discrete mathematics in the context of the liberal arts.

Program content will be organized around four interwoven themes.

• Programming: understanding and applying object-oriented programming to solve simple to moderately complex problems. In the fall, we will study Python and in winter C++.
• Computer Organization: hardware and software, including assembly language, logic gates and digital design, as well as the prerequisites for understanding operating systems.
• Discrete Mathematics: mathematical reasoning, theoretical abstractions, and problem-solving skills focused on computer science. It will include graph theory for networking and number theory for cryptography.
• Technology and Society: social, historical, ethical and philosophical topics related to science and technology. The theme for the fall will be power, privilege, and technology.

We will explore these themes throughout the program by way of lectures, programming labs, workshops, and seminars.

This full-time daytime program will be taught on the Olympia campus. Students who need to participate fully remotely should contact the faculty to discuss that option.

This program is coordinated with Greener Foundations for first-year students. Greener Foundations is Evergreen’s in-person 2-quarter introductory student success course sequence, which provides first-year students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive at Evergreen. Students expected to take Greener Foundations should use CRN 20164 to register for a 2-credit Greener Foundations course in addition to this program for 14-credit. 

First-year students who are not expected to take Greener Foundations or have been granted an exemption should use CRN 20163 to register for this program at 16-credits. Find more details about who isn't expected to take Greener Foundations on the Greener Foundations website.

Anticipated Credit Equivalencies:

Fall quarter:

6 – Programming in Python

4 – Discrete Mathematics I

4 – Digital Logic

2 – Seminar – Technology and Society

Winter quarter:

6 – Object-Oriented Programming in C++

4 – Discrete Mathematics II

4 – Computer Systems Architecture

2 – Computer Ethics