COURSE NUMBER: MBA296.7B

COURSE TITLE: An Introduction to Code for MBAs

UNITS OF CREDIT: 1

INSTRUCTOR: Joe Wadcan

MEETING DATES: Spring B only, 3/20-5/8

PREREQUISITE(S): None. The class is aimed at non-technical students with no prior coding experience.

CLASS FORMAT: Classes will be a mixture of lecture and student activities. We will follow a semi-flipped model, where some learning will happen outside of class, then reinforced with in-class exercises.

REQUIRED READINGS: There will be required readings and online tutorials distributed as links prior to class. There is no textbook to purchase or books to reserve.

BASIS FOR FINAL GRADE: Students will be graded on their comprehension of subject matter that is introduced in class demonstrated by assignments, tutorials, and quizzes.

ABSTRACT OF COURSE'S CONTENT AND OBJECTIVES: At its core, the Introduction to Code course helps MBA candidates communicate effectively with technical colleagues. Students will get real world experience building a web application and understand the real world process of taking an idea and creating a technical solution. Students are taught the industry-standard vocabulary, tools, and processes used by developers today, essential to a career in the web tech industry. The class is balanced 50/50 regarding application and theory, which is great for student entrepreneurs considering a new project.

CAREER FIELD: Introduction to Code is most helpful for students looking to enter the technology industry, specifically in the web software realm. Since the coding topics are sufficiently foundational, it's also useful for any student who wants to understand how today's web services work, which is becoming a vitally important skill across industries.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH: Joe Wadcan currently works at GitHub and has taught the Intro to Code course at Berkeley-Haas since 2012. Joe led development at Calico, one of many founded startups. He previously worked at Javelin Ventures and led communications for an internal startup at Citigroup. Joe received his MBA from Berkeley-Haas ('12) where he taught himself how to code, so deeply understands the technical learning process.