IFSA Tech Career Accelerator

Mix and match 3 - 4 IFSA elective classes plus two core classes for a total of 13 - 16 U.S. semester credit hours. Most classes are worth 3 or 4 U.S. semester credits and are open to all students. Prerequisites for some classes may be required.

IFSA has carefully tailored a suite of computer science classes to fit U.S. degree requirements, which you can complement with social and historical surveys that invite you to engage with your host city and community. Please note, not all classes may be offered in a given semester depending on enrollment. Click on each link below for a detailed class syllabus.

CORE CLASSES

Essential Czech
All students will take this class in contemporary Czech language and culture taught intensively during the first weeks of the program. By introducing key words and phrases in the classroom—and venturing out into the city to practice them—this class also provides insights into local customs and daily life. Right from the start, you’ll gain essential skills to communicate effectively and navigate in a new culture. (1 U.S. semester credit hour)

Leadership Development for the Tech Sector
As the demand for STEM professionals increases around the world, students pursuing careers in tech will require industry knowledge, the ability to think critically, the capacity and creativity to solve problems and innovate, and the professional competencies to be key contributors and leaders in a dynamic sector. All students will take this class.

This class is designed for students with a background in computer science or related disciplines who are interested in augmenting their academic pursuits through a curriculum that combines integrated professional skills development with an in-depth look at how the tech sector operates and carefully curated opportunities for active and applied learning. From client or challenge-based group projects to company visits, panel discussions, expert talks, and networking events, the robust and vibrant tech ecosystem in Prague will serve as an extension of the classroom and provide access to the leaders and companies that are driving change in the industry.

Upon completion, students will have a deeper understanding of themselves, an insider’s perspective of the sector, and an expanded global network. They will also have an enhanced portfolio that helps them to demonstrate their abilities and experiences. This includes an IFSA-exclusive credential from The Leadership Edge, a leading organizational development consulting firm in the U.S. that has partnered with IFSA to design this unique class. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

IFSA COMPUTER SCIENCE ELECTIVES

Algorithms
This class provides an introduction to the modern study of computer algorithms. It presents many algorithms and covers them in considerable depth through mathematical rigor and engineering issues. Through a presentation of algorithms in English and pseudocode, design techniques, and application areas this class will emphasize efficiency as a design criterion, we include careful analyses of the running times of all our algorithms. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Computer Games Cultures and Industry
This class explores the computer and video games industry from an interdisciplinary critical culture and creative industry lens, with readings, resources, classes, guest speakers, and site visits focusing on the intersection of business and culture in the computer games industry. From mass culture multinational corporations through to smaller ‘indie’ games developers, this class examines the evolving structure of the computer games industry with an in-depth exploration of industry innovation, investment, changing demographics, and cultural appeal and implications. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Computer Networks
The goal of this class is to provide the students with a deep understanding of the fundamental principles and methods that make computer networks reliable, scalable, and secure, and thus essential components of modern society. The focus of this class is on business and operation related computer networks: infrastructures for desktops, laptops, servers, and other TCP/IP related components. This class is designed with the aim of interconnecting multiple devices into an internetwork. The building of knowledge and skills is presented in a step-by-step manner, starting with the simplest possible computer network containing two computers and a medium for propagating the signals. A trivial problem as it seems, however due to physical constraints students learn to discuss and evaluate multiple possible solutions: cabled connection, wireless, satellite, etc. each with its advantages and further problems as well. Each topic of the class answers previous problems and questions, while generating further ones that need to be addressed.

The class encourages logical and engineering thinking, while developing critical thinking as well. For a given problem, more or less obvious solutions are discussed, while evaluating their general efficiency. Students will be, themselves, discovering better options, and their proposal will be evaluated until the final correct possibility is found. (4 U.S. semester credit hours)

Database Management Systems
The class focuses on an introduction to database systems: software that stores, manages, and provides efficient access to a collection of structured information. Topics include the design, implementation, data population, and administration of a database, and on the core concepts and characteristics of relational databases, in comparison with nonrelational databases from both the DBMS user perspective and DBMS implementer perspective. Students learn the normalization techniques and UML standards to be able to design a relational database based on given requirements. Further on, DDL is used to specify the DB schema in a chosen DBMS (MySQL or similar). Data population techniques are discussed, including integrating/migrating legacy data. A significant part of the class is devoted to the administration of the DB (using DML), including SQL scripts and commands. Students are encouraged to explore the distinction between the SQL based and noSQL based databases with respect to storing big data. (4 U.S. semester credit hours)

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
The class will introduce the basics concepts which have developed in the area of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Since the 1960’s, AI has been applied to complex programs which could achieve tasks considered very complicated even for humans (such as optimization problems or face recognition). Today, AI has developed into a fully-fledged field which is connected with big data, data analytics, and machine learning.  The class will introduce the key concepts of intelligent agents, their behavior and environment, and their role in problem solving, and knowledge and reasoning representation. Modeling intelligent behavior of the agents designed to solve problems is a challenging task, and several models have been developed (logical, probabilistic, and/or based on neural networks). The class will survey basic methods, looking for common points and differences.  In particular, the modeling of learning (a characteristic trait of humans) will be discussed with examples from natural language processing, and will be put in the context of machine learning (ML).  (4 U.S. semester credit hours)

Introduction to Computer and Network Security
The goal of this class is to provide the students with a solid foundation for securing data in a computer infrastructure, covering thus data security on the end devices (computers) as well as securing data in transit (network devices) and on remote storage (data centers and/or cloud). To complement this, it also presents user authentication and accountability (logging).  The aim of the class is to present students with the enforcement of CIA (Confidentiality, Integrity, and Authentication) and AAA (Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting) concepts/services on a data infrastructure that is both secured and scalable.  Building on necessary definitions, the class introduces key security concepts and principles, and continues to enforce such concepts and principles on the data path from the end-user, at each device, towards the internet.  The content is presented in a constructive manner, starting with the most important definitions, security concepts and principles and continuing to the enforcement of these concepts and principles on the data path from the end-user, at each device, towards the internet. From an entity perspective, the class covers the end user, workstations and servers, switches, routers, firewalls, data storage, and cloud services.  (4 U.S. semester credit hours)

Introduction to Machine Learning
In this class, students develop an understanding of the theoretical foundations in machine learning (ML) and an ability to use its methods in practice. Several state-of-the-art models and algorithms will be discussed, including regression, clustering, decision trees and neural networks, and deep learning. Concurrently, students develop a solution for a test problem using tools discussed in the class, such as git, python, etc. This practical experience assesses the effectiveness of the chosen ML algorithms and provides an understanding of the key role of data selection and the evaluation of results. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Principles of Operating Systems
This class unveils the core principles that govern modern computing systems. Through engaging lectures and hands-on assignments, students will delve into system calls, memory management, process scheduling, concurrency, and more. The class culminates in a team-based operating system project, applying knowledge to real-world scenarios. By the end, students will understand operating systems’ functions, challenges, and their seamless interaction with hardware and software. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Programming Languages
This class unveils the intricacies of programming languages in a dynamic course. Through engaging lectures and hands-on assignments, students will explore language paradigms, syntax analysis, memory allocation, and beyond. The class culminates with a collaborative language implementation project, grounding knowledge in practical applications. By class end, students will grasp the profound impact of programming languages on software design and problem solving. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Software Engineering
This class focused on the two dimensions essential for successful software development: software engineering proper, which includes software architecture selection and other technical details, and project management, including its planning stage. Students learn how to model software processes and analyze clients’ needs to design a suitable solution, including representations via Unified Modeling Language (UML). Throughout the term, progressive exercises survey requirements for system architecture, emphasize an object-oriented approach, and analyze methods for testing and evaluation. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

IFSA ELECTIVE CLASSES 

Architecture and Design in Prague
The class introduces the European artistic architecture and design of the Czech capital. By examining artists, architects, and their works, students acquire a deeper understanding of the city’s character and how patronage, power, and politics have shaped the urban landscape. The class covers the periods of European architectural development from medieval to modern, distinguishing the various artistic styles and movements; the ways in which architects and designers conform to, or disrupt, artistic conventions; and how their work reflects and even influences the social and political dynamics of the city. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Beginning Czech I
A continuation of our Essential Czech primer, this class helps students develop a level of competence in contemporary Czech language sufficient for basic communication and comprehension, providing greater opportunity to both understand and practice grammatical structures. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Communications for the Tech Sector
Designed as an elective companion to the core class, this class is an ideal fit for students who aspire to develop their personal and professional communications skills and capacities to expert and lay audiences. Upon completion, students will have enhanced capabilities in communicating across disciplines, industries, cultures, and organizations in an inclusive manner in both written and oral forms. They will also have an enhanced portfolio that helps them to demonstrate their abilities and experiences in self-evaluation and product evaluation. (2 U.S. semester credit hours)

Comparative Perspectives in Human Rights
This class comprises practical and theoretical content on human rights in Central Europe. Students will examine violations of human rights throughout Central European history focusing on the 20th century, the impact of WWII, communist regimes, return of the democratic establishment, and the EU. The class explores contemporary human rights debates surrounding abortion, free speech, affirmative action, Islamophobia, and discrimination against race, sex, ethnicity, and sexual orientation—distinguishing between religion, state, and political correctness. Students will analyze social justice theories, assessing each theory and its consequences for Central Europe. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Democracies in Transition: Reimagining Europe
This class explores the current issues and changing dynamics in the European democratic process of integration, their historical roots, every-day demonstrations, and potential future directions. Students interrogate the drivers shaping a European identity in the constant tension between individual liberties and community and societal needs. Carefully selected themes illustrate the historical developments of democracy in the European continent and the establishment of its most important political institutions. Within the context of Prague as a European city, students deepen their ability to engage creative thinking and problem-solving skills from a position of knowledge and awareness. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Entrepreneurship: Creating a Plan of Action
Entrepreneurship is widely understood as engaging in a process to seek out or create opportunities for the purpose of starting a business. Yet, there is a gap between what entrepreneurs do to start a business and what some investors require prior to investing in businesses. The purpose of this class is to, first, think through and engage in the creation of a start-up and, second, develop and communicate a business plan to potential investors. Students will follow lean methodology as it relates to start-ups and prepare a traditional business plan. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

International Internship Seminar
Students are placed in individual internships but collectively take part in the seminar to prepare for the experience, understand expectations, set personal objectives, identify, and strengthen specific skills, critically reflect on their progress, share experiences, and learn from each other throughout their term. Students develop a deeper understanding of themselves, their professional areas, and Czech work culture. In this seminar, which is focused on application of theory to practice, students gain real world work experience while developing intercultural agility—skills and experiences that are critically important to personal, academic, and professional success. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Social Psychology
A comparison of familiar social settings with unfamiliar social norms and behaviors abroad, this class explores the basic theory and research of social psychology—studying the interaction between individuals and social groups and how the behavior of groups and individuals within them is mutually affected. Students will demonstrate and discuss the pillar concepts of social psychology, including conformity, conflict, persuasion, helping, perceptions, and social identity. Students will expand on the roots of feelings, beliefs, attitudes, and behavior locally and globally and explore your own attitudes and identity. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Tech, Ethics, and Public Policy
The class will explore the ethical and social impacts of technological innovation, integrating perspectives from a range of academic disciplines to examine the impact of technology on humans and societies. Students will be encouraged to consider their responsibilities as consumers and potential creators of new technologies and to think about their broader ethical and societal implications. This, in turn, will help students to explore and discuss the benefits and drawbacks of current and possible future policy interventions. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Truth, Storytelling, and Narrative: Becoming Czech
This class explores how identity—a sense of “Czech-ness”—is created, shaped, and communicated through literature and journalism. What are the challenges of modern Czech identity? How have Czechs shaped their memory of historical events and developments, through literature and journalism? Why do fairy tales play a prominent role in popular culture? How have subversive storytelling and narrative formed Czech identities? In studying these questions, students will grapple with the concepts of truth, fact, constructivism, and perspective and how they shape identity and belonging. (3 U.S. semester credit hours).