Directed Reading Info
Meetings: Monday/Wednesday 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM in the CS seminar room (SCI 246).
Professor: Kevin Webb
Expectations
This directed reading was created because a few students wanted to discuss
security topics, and no such course currently exists in our curriculum. The
expectation is that participants are eager to learn about security and
participate in discussions. This directed reading will only be offered
with a half credit, CR/NC option. To get a grade of CR, you will be expected
to:
- Periodically lead the discussion of a paper. This includes:
- A 15 to 20-minute presentation on the essence of the paper. This can be
slides, writing on the board, etc., but come prepared. Must-include topics: a
short description of author and publication venue context (when applicable), a
characterization of the problem and other relevant background information, a
description of the major findings / conclusions of the paper, and an overview
of the important things the authors did to reach those conclusions (usually
there are 2-3 major contributions).
- Your commentary: What are two+ things that you found most interesting or
liked best? What are two+ things that you're skeptical of, didn't care for, or
found to be incomplete?
- Discussion questions: Pose questions for the rest of us to discuss.
- Clarification questions: Ask about anything that was unclear.
- Actively participate in the discussion of papers during our meeting
time. This includes:
- Bring a marked/annotated/highlighted copy of the paper to class with you.
- Mark anything that *you* think is a good candidate for any of the items above.
- Mark anything that you want clarification about.
- Participate in the discussion of items above, ask questions, and be
present.
Schedule
Paper candidates and eventual schedule.
Academic Accommodations
If you believe that you need accommodations for a disability, please contact the Office of Student Disability Services (Parrish 113) or email studentdisabilityservices@swarthmore.edu to arrange an appointment to discuss your needs. As appropriate, the office will issue students with documented disabilities a formal Accommodations Letter. Since accommodations require early planning and are not retroactive, please contact them as soon as possible. For details about the accommodations process, visit the Student Disability Service Website.
You are welcome to contact me privately to discuss your academic needs, but all disability-related accommodations must be arranged through the Office of Student Disability Services. To receive an accommodation for a course activity you must have an official Accommodations Letter and you need to meet with me to work out the details of your accommodation at least two weeks prior to any activity requiring accommodations.
External Links
Links that are related to the course may be posted here. If you have suggestions for links, let me know.