CS 105 Computer Ethics and Society
Fall 2014, 1 Credit - George Mason University
This is a 10-week course and the
final exam will be in class on the 11th week.
(Note that Tuesday classes do not meet on Oct 14 and this week does not
count towards the 10 weeks).
Section |
Day |
Time |
Location |
Class Dates |
Final Exam |
001 |
T |
9:00-10:15am |
ENGR 1110 |
8/26 - 11/4 |
11/11 |
002 |
R |
9:00-10:15am |
ENGR 1110 |
8/28 - 10/30 |
11/6 |
003 |
T |
1:30-2:45 |
ENGR 1108 |
8/26 - 11/4 |
11/11 |
007 |
R |
1:30-2:45 |
ENGR 1108 |
8/28 - 10/30 |
11/6 |
Instructor: Prof. John
Otten Email: jotten2@gmu.edu Phone: (703)
993-1669
Office hours (ENGR 5335): Mon. 12:30-1:30 p.m., Tue./Thu. 10:30-11:30 a.m. or by app’t
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant: Jennifer Van
Email: mvan@gmu.edu
Office Hours available by
appointment
Contact
If you are experiencing difficulty with
the
course, please contact the instructor or UTA for assistance. We are
here to help you learn. Blackboard is the primary resource, but office
hours and email are also available. When communicating by email, please
be specific in the subject line about the course, section number and
topic to avoid being flagged as spam.
E.g. Subject: CS 105 Section 002 / Question
about Kantianism
Materials
Course Description
Legal, social, and ethical issues
surrounding
use of computers and the internet. The course will stress ethical
decision-making as well as legal and social responsibility in
connection with technology-related concerns. Issues such as security,
crime, privacy and intellectual property will be examined in the
context of computer use. Students may be requested to conduct research
on the internet in any of these areas and/or learn to use practical
technological tools related to privacy and security.
Learning Outcomes
Prerequisites: None
General Education: This course has been approved to satisfy the GMU General
Education requirement for one credit of IT Ethics.
Special Accommodations: Students with disabilities who need academic accommodations must work through the Office of Disability Services at (703) 993-2474.
Course Work
This is a discussion-based course. You
are
expected to attend all course meetings and participate in conversations
about course material as well as in-class activities relevant to the
course. To facilitate this, assigned readings are to be done before
class.
There are two major writing assignments
to be
done outside of class, which comprise a substantial portion of the
overall grade. Additional work such as outside research, group
presentations, or contributing to discussion board topics may be
assigned.
It is important that you attend class on a
regular basis. You may attend an alternate lecture session presented by
the same instructor if you miss your own. However, unless you obtain
advance approval from your instructor, you may not receive credit for
class participation when attending a section by a different instructor.
Grading and Evaluation
Grading will be based on two major
assignments, in-class quizzes, class participation (incl. Blackboard
postings), and the final exam. These are weighted as follows:
2 Out-of-class assignments |
30% |
|
In-class quizzes (usually not announced) |
20% |
|
Final Exam |
30% |
|
Class Participation (incl. attendance, preparation and homework) |
20% |
Policies
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.
Absences and Participation Credit – Any
absences from class for health or emergency reasons are excusable only
if reasonable notice is provided, in advance if possible.
Late Work - Unless an extension is given, late assignments will carry
a daily
penalty (typically 5-10%) for every day late (up to 50%). Pay attention
to deadlines!
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.