Getting Started

Here’s what you should do to get started…

1. Understand what this class is about - please read the What Is This Class and Why? (2025 Edition) page (and maybe the Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)) which will give you a sense of what this class is about. This isn’t your standard CS class. If this class isn’t for you, someone on the waiting list will be happy to take your spot.
2. Understand how the class will work - look at Policy Overview page to get an idea of the mechanics. The Syllabus has details about policies, but also a bit of the description of the content.
3. Be prepared for class - class attendance is required. Please bring drawing supplies (pens or pencils, in multiple colors - I recommend black + four other colors)

   Attendance is part of class. This class involves in-class experiences. This requires students to be in class - if you are not in class for the in-class experience, you won’t have the in-class experience. If you know that you will miss a lot of classes, or do not intend to come to class “nearly all of the time”, please do not take the class.

4. Dive in to Module 1 - the class is organized into 2 week “modules.” The first one is Module 1: Visualizations and Effectiveness (Sep 3-10). While everything is due at the end of the module (you have flexibility in deciding when to do things), you don’t want to wait until the end. You might want to start with some of the readings, you don’t need to wait until lecture!