Junior/Senior · 3 weeks (July 15–August 4) · 3 credits

MP3s, Web technology, digital cameras, robots, artificial intelligence, computer games, biotechnology, human/computer interaction, the creation and use of information, privacy issues . . . These are just some of the topics you'll explore in this cutting-edge program, developed by Cornell University's Department of Computer Science, invariably ranked among the top five computer science departments in the world.

Mornings will be spent with Professor Daisy Fan, one of Cornell's leading teachers and researchers, and invited speakers considering computer science and information systems from a number of perspectives including social, cultural, economic, historical, legal, and political. By means of discussions, debates, films, readings, and writing assignments, you'll delve into computing technologies and learn how people process information in areas such as science, medicine, finance, the arts, and entertainment. You'll participate in mock FCC hearings, explore Web design, and debate the influence of  violence in computer games.

In the afternoons, you'll join Professor Fan in the lab for hands-on activities including:

• Manipulating digital media, such as photos and music, and robotic devices  (if you're an absolute beginner in this area, this program will help you learn and become comfortable with basic computer programming concepts; if you're an experienced programmer, you'll enjoy taking your media and robot projects to a higher level)
• Programming Web pages and analyzing how people actually use them
• Exploring the fundamentals of modern artificial intelligence

Finally, you'll also discover the possible majors and careers in the fields of computing and information science.

To be eligible for this program, you must have completed your junior or senior year of high school by June 2007.

Course

You’ll be enrolled in:

• Computation and Culture in a Digital Age (CS/INFO 153)

Academic director

"Optimization is about finding the best way to do things, but how do we define 'best'? Can we design a secure information system that minimizes search time? Is that best? What is the optimal schedule for releasing water from reservoirs to maximize hydropower production? When you walk to school, don't you choose the shortest path? Everywhere I go I see interesting optimization problems. I encourage students to ask questions, find creative ways to express problems mathematically, and harness our growing computing capabilities to find optimal solutions."

Daisy Fan is a lecturer in the Department of Computer Science and the recipient of the Cornell Society of Engineers Academic Achievement Award for outstanding service to students. Her interests include scientific computing and collaborative learning methodologies in education. She is a faculty fellow at Cornell's North Campus.

Required textbook

Your Typical Day in The Digital World and You