An Experience Teaching a Graduate Course in Cryptography

We describe an experience of teaching “Cryptography and Computer Security” in the fall of 1995 at New York University. The class was intended as an introduction for graduate students interested in exploring the historical, theoretical and practical aspects of computer security. Topics covered include classical cryptography, elementary number theory, several security systems, and protocols. The focus on breadth was intentional as the goal of the course was to give students with widely devergent backgrounds exposure to different areas that might interest them. The course content as well as lessons learned and plans for the future are discussed.

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