Instructor: Juan Pablo Hourcade, 101L MacLean Hall
Email: hourcade (at) cs (dot) uiowa (dot) edu
Phone: (319) 353-2543
Web: http://www.cs.uiowa.edu/~hourcade
Office Hours: 1-2TTh, 2:30-3:30F or by appointment

This course provides an introduction to research in the field of human-computer interaction. It introduces students to conducting research experiments and to the latest research in human-computer interaction.

The class will begin with an introduction to conducting research experiments as well as an overview of a few areas of research. During the rest of the semester we will read recent research papers (always within human-computer interaction). We will at least partly select papers based on student interest. Students will also select a research project that will involve developing an innovative interaction or simple application. Work on the research project will involve making a research proposal, preparing materials for conducting a pilot study, implementing the interaction or application, conducting a pilot study, and presenting the results in a paper as well as through a class presentation. Students may work on projects individually or in groups of two.

Expectations
The University suggests that for each semester hour credit in a course, students should expect to spend two hours per week preparing for class sessions. I expect students to attend all lectures and prepare before attending class by completing reading assignments. We will be reading many research papers in this course, and it is very important that everyone read them so we can have productive and rewarding discussions in class.

Assignments
All students will be assigned to lead discussions of research papers. Students will also have to complete a research project. The project will be divided into deliverables that will be due throughout the semester. There will not be a midterm or final in this class. Students will demonstrate their understanding of the course material through the project and the discussion of research papers.

Grading
Assignments are due at the beginning of class the day they are due. Late assignments will be penalized unless you can document exceptional circumstances. Points will be deducted off assignments as follows: 20% for the first 24 hours; 50% between 24 and 48 hours; 100% if more than 48 hours late.

Your final grade will be calculated this way:

• Class Participation: 20%
• Leading Research Paper Discussions: 30%
• Project: 50%

Electronic Communication
University policy specifies that students are responsible for all official correspondences sent to their standard University of Iowa e-mail address (@uiowa.edu). Students should check their account frequently.

Accommodations for Disabilities
I would like to hear from anyone who has a disability which may require seating modifications or testing accommodations or accommodations of other class requirements, so that appropriate arrangements may be made. Please contact me during my office hours or make an appointment. In addition, note that a student seeking academic accommodations should register with Student Disability Services and meet privately with the course instructor to make particular arrangements.

Academic Honesty
We will adhere to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Academic Handbook available at: http://clas.uiowa.edu/students/handbook. In this course you must do your own work on exams and homework, unless explicitly specified otherwise. Instructors fail any assignment that shows evidence of plagiarism or other forms of cheating, also reporting the student's name to the College. A student reported to the College for cheating is placed on disciplinary probation; a student reported twice is suspended or expelled.

Understanding Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment subverts the mission of the University and threatens the well-being of students, faculty, and staff. All members of the UI community have a responsibility to uphold this mission and to contribute to a safe environment that enhances learning. Incidents of sexual harassment should be reported immediately.

Reacting Safely to Severe Weather
If severe weather is indicated by the UI outdoor warning system, class members will seek shelter in the innermost part of the building, if possible at the lowest level, staying clear of windows and of free-standing expanses which might prove unstable. The class will resume after the severe weather has ended.

The Flu and You
Public health authorities have recommended that people with flu-like illnesses stay home and not return to public spaces until 24 hours after they have no fever. In order to prevent the spread of disease, please do not come to class, meet with other groups of students, attend office hours, or contact offices in person while you are ill. Based on this recommendation, I will not require you to report to a doctor or to Student Health to verify a flu-like illness if you are ill, please complete an Explanatory Statement for Absence from Class form when you are well enough to do so. Your grade will not be penalized for absences if you are following the recommendations of health authorities.

Complaints
If you have complaints, please feel free to discuss them directly with me during office hours or via e-mail. If you do not feel I have appropriately dealt with your complaint, you should consult the Computer Science DEO/Chair, Professor Alberto Segre, 14D MacLean Hall, (319) 335-1713, alberto-segre@uiowa.edu. If still unresolved, complaints should be directed (for undergrads) to Helena Dettmer, the CLAS Associate Dean for Academic Programs, at 335-2633 or (for grads) to Eric Wurster, Graduate College Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, at 335-2137. Further information about this policy is available at: http://clas.uiowa.edu/students/handbook.

Miscellaneous
This course taught under the Department of Computer Science. The departmental office is located in 14 MacLean Hall. The DEO/Chair is Professor Alberto Segre, 14D MacLean Hall, (319) 335-1713. The course policies are governed by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.