CIS 4120/5120

Welcome to
CIS 4120/5120

Mon/Wed 1:45-3:15PM
Towne 100

schedule

We highly recommend bookmarking this schedule, as this contains all information regarding assignments, lectures, studios, and readings.

Note: lecture capture are only available on Canvas in the class recording folder.

calendar

This calendar contains all office hours and course times :)

staff!

[instructor] Talie

Hi I'm Talie, I'm a lecturer here at Penn. In my free time I like to watch cooking shows and play board games. I'm looking forward to working with you all this semester!

[hta] Zihao

Hello! I'm Zihao,

[hta] Irenka

Hi! I'm Irenka, a junior studying Artificial Intelligence. In my free time, I enjoy playing word games, the violin, trying recipes, and dilly dallying in Philly :)

Alice

Hi! I'm Alice, a senior studying DMD. I'm from New Jersey and I enjoy games, bouldering, and art!

Amy

I am a senior studying Computer Science. Apart from being a TA, I was involved in FemmeHacks, Product Space, and GRC.

Dhruv

I'm a rising senior who loves to read, go on road trips and build cool projects!

Jigar

I am a graduate student in the MSE CIS program at UPenn with background across software engineering, user-interface architecture, and technical mentorship. Prior to UPenn, I worked as a Software Engineer at JPMorgan Chase. As an HCI TA, I am passionate about helping students bridge the gap between back-end engineering and intuitive, user-centered interface design, ensuring they have the support and feedback needed to succeed in the course!

Matthew

I’m Matt, a senior studying AI. I took HCI last semester and really enjoyed the course, especially getting to design and build a music app. I also have product management experience at both a large tech company and in the startup space, so I’m excited to bring that perspective, share ideas, and learn from everyone!

Rushabh

Hi! I’m Rushabh Maru, an M.S. Computer Science student at the University of Pennsylvania. Before Penn, I earned my B.Tech. in Computer Engineering from VJTI, Mumbai, and worked as a Technology Analyst at Citibank, where I gained experience in software engineering, AI/ML, and financial technology. I’m excited to be a TA and look forward to helping students learn, build, and explore the course material!

Sarah

Hi, I'm a senior studying Cognitive Science and CIS (submat), with a minor in Economic Policy! I'm especially interested in the human side of AI and I've worked in data analytics, product management, and consulting. Outside of academics, I love hiking, playing tennis, and exploring center city with friends. Also a huge foodie so always happy to trade food recs!

Xiping

Hi, I am Xiping Sun, currently a second year master student in ROBO.

faq

Is this course capped?

Yes. For Spring 2026 the course will be capped to 120 students. If you are interested please attend the first days of class. Students will be admitted into the course during the first two weeks of classes.

Are there prerequisites for this course?

This course expects that you come in with programming experience. You will be expected to learn and apply programming languages NOT taught during class time. Usually this is about the equivalent of having completed CIS 1210.

I might miss some of the classes, can I be excused?

See the syllabus, you are expected to attend every day, and must submit 23/28 in class activity sheets for full credit for attendance.

I will miss class on [DATE]. Can I be excused?

See above.

Will this course be online or in-person?

In-person. Lectures will be live and studios will be in person. Lecture recordings will be accessible via Canvas.

What will studios be like?

The studio lab hours will be outside regular lecture hours. TAs will have an activity prepared for students in studio, and will be around to give feedback to students during this time. You are expected to attend the Critique studio during A4, and otherwise attend 3 studios of your choice.

Will there be a textbook for this course?

No, all readings will be available on this website.

Will there be a final exam?

No, this course has a final project and presentation in place of a final exam.

helpful links