Abstract:

Computer Science is an ever-changing field with new and exciting technology emerging and trending daily. With curriculum standards set in place by education policy committees within a department or division of a college and often with specialized accreditation rules, it is not so easy to add new courses every time something new might want to be included in the curriculum for just a brief time. The division has utilized a Special Topics Course that has been implemented in fall and spring semesters on a rotational basis of topics that are trending and popular within computer science.

Although popular some semesters, other semesters it is hard to offer the course and get enrollment. This paper will highlight the diverse topics offered in recent years as well as the challenges faced to offer one course per semester. This includes picking a topic that will get enough enrollment based on its popularity and ensuring all faculty who want to teach a specific topic will have a chance to do so on a rotational basis. It will discuss the many recent successful course topics that were offered and how to ensure if students take it more than one time how it can be reflected on the transcript or impact the degree.

Keywords:

Computer science education, higher education, special topics, trending technology.