We (engineers) build
(software) systems like the Wright brothers built airplanes build the whole
thing; push it off a cliff, let it crash, and start all over again.
- R. M. Graham [1970]
A science is any discipline in which the fool of this
generation can go beyond the point reached by the genius of the last
generation.
- Max Gluckman
For this homework, you will write a short essay. The subject will be the difference between science and engineering, specifically, the difference between computer science and software engineering.
I really want you to think about this difference, and use ideas you have learned in this class, your previous classes, and your own thinking. Your essay will not be graded on how your opinion matches my opinion, but on how well you support your opinion. So approach this like a high school or composition 101 assignment: consider your thesis carefully, then develop arguments to support your thesis. For example, if you think software engineering is pure nonsense (which I obviously disagree with), that is perfectly fine as long as you can provide a well reasoned and grounded argument for your belief.
I will grade this assignment on how well your essay is expressed and how well your points are supported. I will not explicitly grade the grammar and syntax, although you should try your best and edit carefully. If I cannot understand a sentence, I'll just have to ignore it. The essay should be short and to the point. Although I will not put a length limit on it, 1 page is about right. An essay that has more than 2 pages is probably too long and has unnecessary information. If you try to make your argument in 1 paragraph, I will either be very very impressed by how concise you are, or disappointed in how little is said (hint: I'm not easily impressed).
You may, and in fact, are encouraged to, work with one or more partners; but in the following restricted way. Each person must turn in an individual essay! You are strongly encouraged to (i) share your main thesis and arguments and get feedback, (ii) share your outlines and get feedback, (iii) share drafts and help each other edit. If you work together this way, you are required to acknowledge each person who helped you by name.
This should take 1 or 2 hours. If it takes more, then you need more practice writing.
Submit your report by making a link to it on your class web page. You can post your essay as PDF, HTML, or plain text (.txt).
Making your report available to me and the TA is your responsibility;
if we cannot access your file then you will not get credit. Be sure to test
access to your file before the due date.