CSCI 1377: Tools for Thought (Spring 2026)

Summary

Assessment Grades will be determined by a weighted average of assignments (50%), a midterm (25%) and a final project (25%). The final project will include an ungraded checkpoint for students to get early feedback on their progress. Course Materials There are no costs to take this course. All lecture notes will be made freely available online. 180 Hours of Work Over 14 weeks, students will spend 3 hours per week in class (42 hours total). Assignments are expected to take approximately 10 hours per week for the first 10 weeks (100 hours). The final project is expected to take approximately 10 hours per week for the last 4 weeks (40 hours). Total: 42 + 100 + 40 = 182 hrs. Attendance Policies Students are strongly encouraged to attend lecture in-person for two reasons. First, dedicated focus in a distraction-free environment leads to better learning outcomes. Second, Will enjoys seeing the shining faces of his students. However, attendance is not mandatory. Lectures will be recorded. Extensions Given the weekly cadence of assignments, students must submit work on time to avoid falling behind and to ensure grades are released in a timely manner. All students are provided three late days which they can use at their discretion, maximum of one per assignment. Accessibility and Accommodations Brown University is committed to full inclusion of all students. Please inform me early in the term if you may require accommodations or modification of any of course procedures. You may speak with me after class, during office hours, or by appointment. If you need accommodations around online learning or in classroom accommodations, please be sure to reach out to Student Accessibility Services (SAS) for their assistance (sas@brown.edu, 401-863-9588). Undergraduates in need of short-term academic advice or support can contact an academic dean in the College by emailing college@brown.edu. Graduate students may contact one of the deans in the Graduate School by emailing graduate_school@br...