CS 105
Computer Ethics and Society, 1 unit
GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
Department of Computer Science
Course Description – Spring 2007
Section 001 T 1:30-2:45 p.m. Enterprise 173 Class
Dates: 8/27-11/09 Final Exam: 11/13/07
Section 002 T 2:55-4:10
p.m. Enterprise 173 Class Dates: 8/27-11/09 Final Exam: 11/13/07
Instructor: Ricci L. Heishman
Tel. (703) 993-1543 Email: rheishma@gmu.edu Office: S&T2, Rm. 469
Office hours: Tuesdays, 12:30 – 1:15 p.m.
Section 003 T 4:30-5:45 p.m. Enterprise 173 Class Dates: 8/27-11/09 Final Exam: 11/13/07
Section 004 T 5:55-7:10
p.m. Enterprise 173 Class Dates: 8/27-11/09 Final Exam: 11/13/07
Instructor: Alissa C. Redding
Tel. (703) 993-1530 Email: aviguer1@gmu.edu Office: S&T2, Rm. 435
Office hours: After class in the classroom, or by appointment
Section 005 T 7:20-8:35 p.m. Enterprise 173 Class Dates: 8/27-11/09 Final Exam: 11/13/07
Section 006 T 8:45-10:00
p.m. Enterprise 173 Class Dates: 8/27-11/09 Final Exam: 11/13/07
Instructor: Michael W. Tompkins
Tel. (703) 993-1530 Email: mtompki2@gmu.edu Office: S&T2, Rm. 435
Office hours: After class in the classroom, or by appointment
Undergraduate Teaching Assistants -- Office Hours Available upon Request
Sections -001 & -002: TBA
Sections -003 & -004: TBA
Sections -005 & -006: TBA
All Sections will use WebCT for communications and for out-of-class discussion. Students are responsible for checking WebCT on a regular basis. For WebCT link, click here.
IMPORTANT NOTE – ALL SECTIONS
!!!
Please be aware that because this is a one-credit, partial-semester course, it
has special early add/drop deadlines. The
final deadline for dropping this class without tuition liability is September 7,
2007. ** The FINAL deadline for dropping this course without permission of
the Dean is 9/21/2007. **
For specific details on dates and penalties, please check with the GMU registrar.
** REMINDER => The Final Exam for each section will be held at the time and place of the regular class sessions for that section, on the class date that would immediately follow the 10th (final) week of class. The final exam is scheduled to take place on November 13, 2007 for all sections.
REQUIRED TEXT: Quinn, Michael J., "Ethics for the Information Age" 2nd Ed., Add. Wesley, 2005.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Legal, social, and ethical issues surrounding software development and computer
use. Professional conduct, social responsibility and rigorous standards for
software testing and reliability will be stressed. Issues such as liability,
intellectual property rights, privacy, security, and crime will be examined in
the context of computer use. Students are expected to be able to conduct
research on the Internet.
COURSE PREREQUISITE: Completion of at least 12 credit hours.
CLASS SCHEDULE: See WebCT for assignment details and any class slides or lecture notes.
1. Out-of-class Assignments (35%)
2. Quizzes (15%)
3. Instructor Evaluation (incl. in-class assignments and class
particip.) (15%)
4. Final Exam (35%)
Instructor evaluation criteria may vary from section to section. Any questions regarding late penalties or specific requirements for your section should be addressed directly to your individual UTA or instructor. If you email questions, please indicate your full name, class section and reason for your message in the subject line of your email (e.g. Smith, Bob / CS 105-005 / Assignment #1).
Note: *NO* assignments will be accepted for credit after the final regular class session for your section.
This class relies strongly on class participation. Therefore, it is important that you attend class on a regular basis. While you are welcome to attend an alternate lecture session if you miss your own, please note that you may *not* rely on different sections to present the same materials. Similarly, unless you obtain advance approval from your instructor, you may not receive credit for class participation or other in-class activities when attending a section other than your own.
** Unless otherwise specified, all papers and other written assignments are to be individual efforts. Certain portions of group assignments may require individual efforts as well. Be careful to follow instructions regarding acceptable group efforts. Plagiarism is governed by the GMU Honor Code and will not be tolerated. Instances of cheating and/or plagiarism will be referred to the Honor Committee.
Assistance with Essay/Report
Writing:
GMU New Century College: Online
Writing Guide
GMU Writing Center
Other helpful sites:
GMU Counseling Center
IMPORTANT NOTICE: None of the information presented in this course should be considered specific legal advice. Each situation is unique and requires individual attention. Students with individual legal concerns should not rely on information obtained in this course in making any legal decisions. Should you have a problem or concern requiring legal attention, you should seek specific advice from an attorney of your choosing.