A 2007 Model Curriculum for a Liberal Arts Degree in Computer Science

In 1986, guidelines for a computer science major degree program offered in the context of the liberal arts were developed by the Liberal Arts Computer Science Consortium (LACS) [4]. In 1996 the same group offered a revised curriculum reflecting advances in the discipline, the accompanying technology, and teaching pedagogy [6]. In each case, the LACS models represented, at least in part, a response to the recommendations of the ACM/IEEE-CS [1][2]. Continuing change in the discipline, technology, and pedagogy coupled with the appearance of Computing Curriculum 2001 [3] have led to the 2007 Model Curriculum described here. This report begins by considering just what computer science is and what goals are appropriate for the study of computer science in the landscape of the liberal arts. A curricular model for this setting follows, updating the 1996 revision. As in previous LACS curricula, [4] and [6], the model is practical; that is, students can schedule it, it can be taught with a relatively small size faculty, and it contributes to the foundation of an excellent liberal arts education. Finally, this 2007 Model Curriculum is compared with the recommendations of CC2001 [3]