When I assign reading, I also assign an "n-element reading report" to go along with the reading. This is a written document that must be submitted on paper by the end of the class on the date for which the report is due. Late assignments will not be accepted. Each element of the report should consist of:

1. A quoted sentence or paragraph from the reading
2. A reference to where in the reading material (chapter, section, and page) the quote is found.
3. A paragraph or two (or more) of discussion on the quote.

Choose quotes that you find relevant or interesting: either they really embody good practice to you, they contradict what you've done in the past but now you see the light, they really seem wrong to you and you want to argue against them, or they stand out in some other way. If you'd like, you can include code examples in the discussion part if they seem relevant.

If I assign a fair amount of reading, then I expect you to spread your report elements across the reading rather than have them all concentrate on one section or chapter of it. No more than one element per chapter is allowed.

Your reports may be used as the basis of in-class comments. On a due day, I will often ask students for comments on the reading, with the expectation that a student's comments will be one from their reading report (or one of a similar quality). You will be judged on the clarity, logic, and depth of your comments, both written and oral.

I may also ask for comments other than the one in your reading report; this is to ensure that you read the entire assigned material.

I suggest starting on these readings as soon as possible, even before the course starts if you happen upon this early enough. As you can see, there is a lot more reading in this course than in usual Computing Science courses. All assignments cover material that will be useful throughout the course, so any advance reading that you can do will undoubtedly be of benefit.