Course Syllabus

Jump to Today

    Edit: Current Guest Lecture Schedule

     

    Edit: Pages (also available via Canvas menu)

    Overview

    This course provides an introduction to major topics in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) research. The course is primarily based on a combination of:

    • Reading research papers
    • Discussion
    • Lecture
    • Small and large projects (some individual, some group)
    • Guest lectures

    In general we will be seeking to gain an increased understanding of HCI research contributions, methods, and focus areas. The purpose of this course is to provide a combination of practical and theoretical knowledge. The course readings will include a combination of historic framing papers and more current results. 

    Example topics include:

    • Experimental design and analysis
    • Qualitative analysis methods
    • Quantitative analysis methods
    • Designing and conducting interviews and surveys
    • Usability testing

    Coursework will include:

    • Short written analyses of the readings
    • Small projects (e.g., 1 week long)
    • Larger projects (e.g., 3-4 weeks)
    • An exam

    Edit: 

    As a further breakdown of project types (expected percentage of project grade, individual versus group), please see the below. We reserve the right to make changes. The grade percentages below are the percentages of the Projects grade, which is 60% of the total grade for this course. Percentages that you see on Canvas assignments are .6*the percentages below. (e.g., the CITI training is 2.4% of your total course grade).

    • CITI Training (4% of total Project grade, individual)
    • Think-Aloud (8%, individual)
    • Heuristic Evaluation (7%, individual)

    Pick a research problem:

    • Literature Review (12%, group)
    • Interviews / Interview Transcription (14%, group)
    • Questionnaire Design + Deploy Questionnaire (14%, group)
    • Thematic Analysis + Writeup (25%, group)

     

    • Statistics Lab (16%, individual)

     

    Course Staff

    Instructor: Tamara Denning (tdenning@cs.utah.edu - use Canvas messaging for course messages)

    Office: MEB 3446

    Office Hours: Wednesday 4:30PM-5:30PM

     

    TA: Ahmad Alsaleem

    Hours: Monday 2-3PM

    Location: TA lab @ 4150

     

    Course Details

    Class Time: Monday and Wednesday, 3:00PM-4:20PM

    Location: WEB L120

    Prerequisite: None

    Textbook: There is no required textbook. There will be posted readings.

     

    Policies

     

    Late Policy

    Reading analyses will not be accepted late. Edit: In general, participation will not be accepted late either (e.g., presenting a paper in class or an in-class activity). Other assignments, unless noted otherwise, receive 10% off for every day they are late.

     

    Incomplete

    University Policy states that an Incomplete grade may only be given when there has been a circumstance “beyond the student’s control,” (e.g., a death in the family, a serious accident, or a serious illness) and the student has completed 80% of the course requirements.

     

    Academic Accommodations

    The University of Utah is committed to the opportunity for success and equal access. Please let me know as soon as possible if you need any academic accommodations.

     

    Inclusivivity

    It is our intent that students from all diverse backgrounds and perspectives be well-served by this course, that students' learning needs be addressed both in and out of class, and that the diversity that the students bring to this class be viewed as a resource, strength and benefit. It is our intent to present materials and activities that are respectful of diversity: gender identity, sexuality, disability, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, nationality, religion, and culture. 

    We also expect students to treat others in the class, including the teaching staff, with the same level of respect.

    Your suggestions on how we can make the course more inclusive and welcoming are encouraged and appreciated. You can give us feedback in person during office hours, or through our anonymous form.

    We take incidents of discrimination, bias, and harassment seriously. We will file reports with the  Office or Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Title IX (OEO) about such incidents. If you are unsure what differentiates free speech and professional behavior from discrimination, bias, and harassment we are happy to have an open, judgement-free, and confidential conversation with you, or refer you to the OEO. 

    U of U Inclusivity Statement 
    Center for Ethnic Student Affairs 
    LGBT Resource Center 
    American Indian Resource Center 
    Office of Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Title IX 
    Center for Student Wellness 

     

    Communications

    We will assume that you regularly monitor your campus email and Canvas. 

     

    Grading

    Grades in this course will be determined by:

    • 20% Reading analyses
    • 60% Projects
    • 15% Exam
    • 5% Participation

    Much of the grading in this course is necessarily subjective. We will attempt to communicate expectations and feedback throughout the course, but it is your responsibility to communicate with us if you would like guidance in this regard.

    Course Summary:

    Date Details Due