Computer science programs at universities across the country are seeing increasing applications and enrollments and the College of Charleston is no exception. In fact, department chair Chris Starr is calling computing the new liberal art of the 21st century.
“Computing includes both programming and thinking in computational ways to solve problems – that is a desirable skill in any field,” Starr says. “Some of our best computer science majors have a second major, and even a first degree in another discipline. These students have recognized the advantage of computing in their future and as liberal arts students, feel a need to seek multiple disciplinary opportunities. Silo learning – that is studying only one discipline is out. Students want to be differentiated. They want a bright future. They seek computer science as well as a second major or minor in another discipline like English, philosophy or music.”
Mitchell Davis ’93 is the founder of BiblioLabs, a Charleston-based global leader in digital content distribution. He was an English major. At BiblioLabs, Mitchell has combined his passions in founding a company that uses technology to make books more readily available. He has recruited many fellow College of Charleston graduates from majors seemingly unrelated to technology/computing, including Jordan Mance ‘07, a religious studies major.
As the computing industry evolves, its students and how they are educated also need to evolve. Starr thinks successful students need to be technically competent as well as adaptable and creative. Adaptability is needed for changes in business contexts that are driven at faster rates in part because of technology. Creativity is needed to get an edge on the competition through quality design and breakthrough innovation.
Starr adds, “In grades K-12 computational experiences are not as readily accessible as algebra and calculus. I’d like to see schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) and dual credit courses in computer science, art, music and theatre. Many students miss out on computing and creative courses because they are taking the AP courses historically emphasized in the 20th century such as calculus. Anyone can master calculus, but creativity and artistic performance must be developed.”
In 2011, the College of Charleston launched a new major in Computing in the Arts (CITA), an interdisciplinary collaboration between the Department of Computer Science and the School of the Arts. CITA combines creativity, problem solving, and computational thinking through an interdisciplinary curriculum of courses offered by Computer Science, Music, Art History, Studio Art, and Theatre and four synthesis courses. Starr said, “Software remains critical in industry and government, but we have positioned computation as a 21st century medium for creative human expression and problem solving, leading to economic opportunities that have not been invented yet.”
For more information, contact Chris Starr at 843.953.8150.
