CS 380C: Written Critiques of Assigned Reading

Goal

To give you the ability to extract deep understanding from original research papers. To teach you how to evaluate what you read.

Reading

You should expect to read for two to four hours for each class and to write and think for an additional two hours to produce a critique. If you have never read research papers before, you should expect this process to take longer initially. There are 23 papers to read, about one per class. Most of the class readings report on approaches that are implemented in compilers you use, such as gcc, J9, and HotSpot. Some of these papers have great ideas, but are hard to understand. Some seem obvious in retrospect. Understanding how research progresses shows you how to stand on the shoulders of giants. We will emphasize the historical context in which the work was done to help us understand it.

You will write 10 critiques from the class reading. Critiques are due at the beginning of class for the assigned paper. No late critiques will be accepted.

What's a critique?

One to two pages that reflects on what you learned and thought about the paper. It includes a short summary, but most of the critique will contain your original thoughts about the paper and what you learned.

I am requiring the following specific format.

• The document will be in 12 point font, single spaced.
• Set the stage. Begin with no more than a quarter page that states the problem the paper addressed, the solution, and the meaning.
• State the strength(s) of the paper in one to three sentences.
• State the weakness(es) of the paper in one to three sentences.
• The remainder of your critique will include two of the following:
  • How did it impact the field?
  • What questions remain open?
  • What experiments are missing?
  • How does it really relate the previous research?
  • Future directions.
  • Some examples for which it will or will not work.
  • Could a similar paper be published today?
  • Ideas or thoughts it provoked.
  • Other interesting commentary.

Sample critique and example latex files

Below is an example and more explanation about the structure of a critique and the format I would like. You may use Microsoft Word, the latex template below, or another word processor of your choice.

• Sample critique
• The latex file: critique.tex
• The latex bibliographic information file: critique.bib

Grading

I will evaluate critiques on a nine-point scale. There is one bonus point available. Most critiques will receive a nine.

• 7.5 points for the required sections (1.5 for each): summary, strengths, weaknesses, analysis discussion one, analysis discussion two.
• .5 point for grammar and spelling.
• 1 point for clarity and grace, i.e., clear, well organized arguments in well organized paragraphs. (Style: The Basics of Clarity and Grace, Joseph M. Williams, 2nd Edition 2009.)
• 1 bonus point for deep analysis and/or surprising me with a really interesting idea.

Late policy

Critiques are due at the beginning of class for the assigned paper. No late critiques will be accepted.

Ethics

As a scientist, you are expected to maintain the highest ethical standards, do your own work, report on it accurately, and acknowledge any assistance.

Feel free to discuss lectures, reading, and assignments with me and other members of the class. You may discuss ideas. You may not copy text, from your peers or other sources. Turning in any work that is not original will be reported to the University and at a minimum, you will fail the course.

The Student Code of Conduct documents your rights and responsibilities as a student.