Each student is required to submit a term paper of approximately 3-5 pages. There are two styles of paper that are acceptable: synthesis papers and original research papers.
In a synthesis paper the student consults several sources and uses information from them to describe a person or idea. Possible topics of this sort include biography (e.g. Von Neumann), or a description of work being done in some area (how cellular automata are used in a specific simulation, a survey of artificial life research, etc.)
In an original research paper the student should investigate some mathematical phenomenon (e.g. the game of life) and report your observations and explanations for the phenomenon. Another possibility is to describe a strategy the student developed for a game like Sim City or Warcraft. If possible, link your work to other peoples work on the same subject.
Many other possibilities will occur to you; please discuss them with me. The homepage has a bibliography and a list of electronic links that may be helpful. When you visit the library Friday, think about finding sources for your paper.
Deadlines:
You may use both print and electronic sources.