Computer Science and the Liberal Arts Student

Abstract

The computer science education of nontechnical liberal arts students is a matter of increasing concern. In this paper it is argued that computer scientists should promote and teach their subject more in line with the traditional aims of liberal education when dealing with students of this type. A framework for doing this is presented which involves a broad view of "computer literacy" based upon what other authors have written about "scientific literacy." The structure of a computer science appreciation course is outlined which embodies the ideas of liberal education described. The importance of historical perspective is emphasized. Key Words and Phrases: Computer literacy, liberal arts student, liberal education, history of computation, scientific literacy.