CIS 5020: Critical Analysis of Algorithms

This course is different. We’re taking a problem-posing approach to algorithmic thinking, inspired by Paulo Freire’s pedagogy. Instead of treating you as empty vessels waiting for knowledge deposits, we believe you have something valuable to contribute.

You all get an A. That’s right — guaranteed. But there are two tracks:

• Track 1 (Credit Only): You get your A, a Claude Pro license, and Super Whisper. Please don’t come to class.
• Track 2 (Engaged Learning): Same benefits, but with mandatory attendance, active participation, and genuine intellectual partnership.

Why? Because Track 2 needs to be a space where interested students meet other interested students. Where pair work isn’t a drag because your partner actually cares.

Questions that help ideas grow. That’s our philosophy.

Your first Claude assignment: We’re releasing a comprehensive topic document. Your job is to work with Claude to understand what’s possible, describe YOUR goals and interests, and help us shape the syllabus together.

This isn’t a traditional course where you passively receive content. This is a partnership.

Come prepared to discuss your interests in class. What algorithms matter to you? What problems do you want to solve? What would help you achieve YOUR goals?

If you don’t have goals or interests yet — that’s not a red flag, it’s an orange flag. Something we need to talk about, because the banking model may have erased what makes you unique.