CSC 385 – General Course Information

Course description: Societal and ethical issues and obligations of computer science and related disciplines. Topics include ethical issues and obligations of professional practice, electronic privacy and security, intellectual property, and whistleblowing. Students are given opportunity to craft research articles in an iterative piece-meal fashion that allows for instructor feedback and student updates in a manner typical of research paper development. Course includes student presentations and discussions of case studies relating to computer ethics.

 

Catalog Description

CSC 385. Professional and Ethical Issues in Computer Science (3) Prerequisite: ENG 101 or equivalent and junior or senior standing in computer science. Ethical and professional issues arising from the impact of computer science and related technologies on society. Topics include ethical issues, obligations of professional practice, privacy and security, intellectual property, work and health issues, and the impact of emerging technologies. Students give both oral and written presentations and participate in the discussion of case studies.

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Course Information

Meeting Days/Time: MWF 11:00 – 11:50am

Location:        CI 1006

 

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Instructor Information

Name: Devon Simmonds

Office Location: CI 2046

Office Hours: M – F 10-11am or by appointment.

Phone: (910) 962-3819

email: simmondsd[at]uncw.edu

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Required Text

Ethics and Technology: Controversies, Questions,

and Strategies for Ethical Computing

Herman T. Tavani, Wiley, 2010

ISBN-10: 0470509503

ISBN-13: 978-0470509500

 


Writing for Computer Science 2nd Ed.

Justin Zobel, Springer, 2004

ISBN-10: 9781852338022

ISBN-13: 978-1852338022

Paperback: 280 pages

 

Recommended supplement: Strunk & White, The Elements of Style. 4th Edition. 1999,

Pearson. ISBN 0-205-30902-X.

 

Course Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the course the student will be able to:

1.      Identify ethical issues as they impact computer science and related disciplines; [WI2]

2.      Differentiate between the main ethical theories and be able to use the ethical theories in evaluating the ethical issues impacting computer science and related disciplines. [WI5] [WI2]

3.      Discuss ethical issues in writing, using appropriate reference to the established Code of Ethics of the professional society relevant to that student's field (ACM, IEEE, etc), and apply professional codes of ethics to analyze and resolve ethical questions. [WI5] [WI2]

4.      Demonstrate the ability to write within the computer science discipline including writing one or more research papers that demonstrate the students grasp of ethical issues, display a clear understanding of how the ideas of other persons may be properly cited and used in written documents, and illustrate use of popular formats for presenting published papers in computer science. [WI3] [WI4]

5.      Prepare and present information on a technical topic, in a professional manner.

6.      Identify and locate appropriate sources of information to support decisions and written ideas. [WI1]

7.      Analyze and evaluate arguments using rules of logic and be able to formulate effective arguments based on sound premises. [WI2] [WI4] [WI5]

 

 

Course Description & Grading (Devon M. Simmonds, Instructor)

Computer and information technology has pervaded modern society. With the introduction of this unavoidable computing presence have come many important social and ethical issues and concerns. This course will examine some of these issues and concerns.

 

Relation to program outcome: This course teaches the principles of ethical analysis and how technology, law, and ethics interact in society, to help the graduate confront and deal with the ethical challenges that arise in professional practice. This course also improves the graduate's ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences, both technical and non-technical.

 

This course is used in part to assess CSC’s achievement of ABET General Criteria E, F, G, and H (An understanding of professional, ethical, and social responsibilities; An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences; An ability to analyze the impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society, including ethical, legal, security, and global policy issues; Recognize the need for, and an ability to engage in, continuing professional development).

 

Grading

Grades will be determined on the basis of students’ performance on the items shown in the table below. 

 

COURSE ITEM

GRADE PERCENT

Small writing assignments (5 or 6)

20%

Formal Written Research Paper

20%

Formal Research Paper Presentation

10%

Presentation of an Ethical Issue

10%

Resume & Interview

10%

Midtern exam

10%

Final Examination + class Participation

20%

 

 

A modified 10-point scale will be used to compute your course grade. If your course score falls just below a cutoff, the higher grade may be assigned solely at the discretion of the instructor. Factors that affect this judgment are the distribution of grades, improvement during the semester, and attendance.

 

·        90% or above            A

·        80% - 89%                B

·        65% - 79%                C

·        50% - 64%                D

·        below 50%                F

 

 

Assignments:

Small writing assignments (about 5 or 6): 25% of grade.

These are assigned approximately one week before they are due. Expected length is 1000 words (about 4 pages of double-spaced 12- point type with 1-inch margins). These assignments will present the student with one or more readings addressing some current issue relating to ethics in technology or the impact of technology on society. The student will describe, evaluate and react to it in some way; supporting, critiquing, etc. These assignments are designed to help students hone their writing and evaluative skills.

 

Formal Written Research Paper: 20 % of grade.

The student will design and conduct a simple research assignment— for example, comparison of algorithms, analysis of spam email received, evaluation of software development tools or languages, etc. The assignment must gather and analyze data in order to answer some question. (There is no requirement the question be deep or even particularly difficult, but must be a serious question of interest.) The student will write up results in a manner consistent with submission for publication; that is, the write-up must include an abstract, introduction and discussion of the problem, explanation of how data was gathered, a summary of results, and discussion of what those results mean. Bibliographic references are required. This is a formal written paper with an expected length of about 10 internal pages, (i.e. not including title page, bibliography, or charts/graphics) and 10-15 references. Formatting instructions for this paper will be provided by the instructor. Each student paper will be developed in an iterative manner that allows for instructor feedback and student updates as needed. Arguments, findings, opinions and perspectives should be analyzed using at least four ethical theories. Use the IEEE format or the ACM format.

 

 

Formal Research Paper Presentation: 20 % of grade – this is the final exam for the class.

The student will make a presentation to the class on their research findings. The presentation will be evaluated by the instructor and by all students in the class. It is expected that the research will be completed prior to the presentation of findings. Formal attire is required for all presentations.

 

 

Presentation of Ethical Issues: 10% of grade.

Each student will make one or more class presentations on an ethical issue. Students are expected to read any relevant material in the course text and supplement the material in the course text by sourcing other material through their own research efforts. As with the Formal Research Paper Presentation, the presentation will be evaluated by the instructor and by all students in the class. The final grade, however, will be determined by the instructor.

 

Midterm exam: 10% of grade.

 

Final exam: 20% of grade (Unless otherwise specified, the final project presentation is the final exam).

 

Class participation: 10% of grade.

5% of the grade is based on attendance, 5% on participation in class discussion. Repeated tardiness or absence will have an effect on course grade.

Regular class attendance is mandatory. Completion of assignments will entail reading the textbook and researching various topics germane to the course.  A student may be required to lead class discussion based on a scheduled lecture topic. Expect to spend several hours researching and formulating each topics so you can lead a discussion group.  

 

Resumé: 5% of grade.

In this assignment, you will create a résumé and letter of application that are geared toward a particular job advertisement or career fair event. You will use actual education and work-related information about yourself to create useful and realistic documents. This assignment will either help you to create a résumé and letter from “the ground up,” or it will help you to substantially improve documents that you have previously prepared.

 

Instructional Strategies:

Students are expected to have read course material before class. Class sessions will focus on discussion of readings and exploration of alternative views. Any changes to assignments or changes in deadlines will be posted on the course webpage, along with assigned readings or required Internet links.

 

Last-minute or "breaking-news" readings may be distributed in class. This course makes heavy use of class discussion. You will be responsible for knowing what was discussed in class. You should not assume that doing the reading and showing up to class on test day will be adequate.

 

This is a writing-intensive course. Students should plan on spending substantial time weekly on preparing and revising assignments for the course. Likewise, there is a comparatively large amount of reading to be done for this course. Students who are having problems with the course should see me after the first or second assignment, so we can develop a plan for successful completion of the course. Research takes time; writing takes time. Be sure to allocate enough!

 

Late work is accepted only in documented cases of illness or other circumstance outside the student's control. Any other arrangements for late submissions must be made in advance. Any reconsideration of a grade must be requested within 5 working days after the grade is assigned.

 

Evaluation criteria:

No assignments are dropped. The small writing assignments are intended as "practice writing" and will be graded relatively lightly; however, the formal research report and final paper are considered formal writing, and graded as such. Draft submissions are used to provide feedback to students and are not graded. However, if the draft for the midterm or final are not turned in, the grade for the finished product will be penalized. Grading rubrics for assignments are posted on the course web page.

 

Work Submission:

Assignments will be uploaded electronically as described on the course web page. Acceptable file formats, document layout, etc., will be discussed in class.

 

Academic Honesty:

All submissions are expected to be your original, individual work. Departmental policy will be strictly followed in cases of suspected plagiarism or other academic dishonesty. More information is on the course web page. Due Dates for assignments will be announced in class and on the course web page.

 

Deadlines

A due date will be specified for every assignment when it is distributed. Late assignments will not be accepted. If you have an emergency that interferes with your ability to attend class or to complete an assignment on time, let me know as soon as possible and as far in advance as possible. Do so before the due date has passed. Once the deadline has passed, I will likely be unable to offer you an extension.

 

Mapping Student Learning Outcomes to Course Content è see this link for more information.

 

Honor Code

It is the responsibility of every student to follow the UNCW Academic Honor Code (see Section V of your Student Handbook). You violate the honor code when you represent someone else's work as your own.

 

Students with Disabilities

If you have a disability and need reasonable accommodation in this course, you should inform the instructor of this fact in writing within the first week of class or as soon as possible. If you have not already done so, you must register with the Office of Disability Services in Westside Hall (extension 3746) and obtain a copy of your Accommodation Letter. You should then meet with your instructor to make mutually agreeable arrangements based on the recommendations of the Accommodation Letter.

 

The Writing Center  

The University Learning Center

Westside Hall, first floor, office #1056

910.962.7857

 

All writers need readers, and the more readers you have while drafting a paper, the better your paper can become. The Writing Center provides experienced peer readers for all UNCW students as they develop and improve their writing skills.  The Writing Center is not remedial, but is designed for all student writers who want to improve their papers. Consultations are led by faculty recommended peer writing tutors who are trained to help students identify areas to improve and develop specific revision plans.  Visit our website to schedule an appointment: http://www.uncw.edu/writing.htm

Students can also receive electronic response to their developing papers through our Online Writing & Learning (OWL) program. Visit our website for a variety of writing resources: handouts, guides, useful links, and the Online Consultation link: http://www.uncw.edu/stuaff/uls/owl.htm

 

Writing Center Hours:

            Sunday                          2pm – 10pm

            Monday – Thursday       9am – 10pm

            Friday                           9am – 5pm

 

ADDITIONAL POLICIES

 

Academic Expectations for Students

“In choosing UNCW, you have become part of our community of scholars. We recognize that the UNCW learning experience is challenging and requires hard work. It also requires a commitment to make time available to do that hard work. The university expects you to make academics your highest priority by dedicating your time and energy to training your mind and acquiring knowledge. Academic success in critical thinking and problem solving prepares you for the changes and challenges you will encounter in the future. Our faculty and academic support resources are readily available as partners in this effort, but the primary responsibility for learning is yours”.

 “You are expected to take an active role in your learning in this course. This includes regular attendance, paying attention in class, reading the textbook, and completing all course requirements. You are encouraged to study with your classmates outside of class. Programming assignments usually require a lot more time than expected, so start early and work some every day.”

Academic Priority & Standards

 

·         Academics must be your #1 priority over all other activities (work, involvement, etc.).

·         Go beyond the minimum and excel.

·         College is more difficult than you think.  It requires time and effort outside the classroom. Manage your time well.

·         Learning is your primary responsibility. The faculty and academic support resources are your partners in your learning but it is still your responsibility.

·         Learning is an active process and your active engagement is critical.

·         Do you know what the standards of your professors are? (talk about the syllabus)

·         Students should appreciate learning for its own sake and should enjoy engaging in the learning process, but not expect to be “entertained”.

·         Learning is a life-long process.

·         Critical thinking is a life skill.

 

 

Strategies for Academic Success

 

 

 

 

Classroom Etiquette & Expectations