CS 105 Computer Ethics and Society, 1 unit
GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
Department of Computer Science
Course Description -- Spring 2007

Section 001    Thurs. 7:20-8:35 p.m.  Krug 5  Class Dates: 1/25-4/05  Final Exam: 4/12/07
Section 002    Thurs. 8:45-10 p.m.   Krug 5  Class Dates: 1/25-4/05  Final Exam: 4/12/07
Section 008    Mon. 5:55-7:10 p.m. R, A106 Class Dates: 1/22-4/02 Final Exam: 4/09/07

Instructor: Michael Tompkins
               Tel.   (703) 993-1530   Email: mtompki2@gmu.edu    Office: S&T2, Rm. 435
               Office hours: After class in classroom and by appointment

Section 003    Tuesday  3:00-4:15 p.m.  ST1 120  Class Dates: 1/23-4/03  Final Exam: 4/10/07
Section 004    Thursday  3:00-4:15 p.m.  ST1 120  Class Dates: 1/25-4/05  Final Exam: 4/12/07

Instructor:   Tamara A. Maddox
                  Tel. (703) 993-4198   Email:  tmaddox@cs.gmu.edu       Office:  S&T2, Rm. 430b
                  Office hours:  Tuesdays 4:30-6 p.m., Wednesdays 1:30-2:30 p.m., or by appointment

Section 005   Wed.   7:20-8:35 p.m.   ST1 120   Class Dates: 1/24 - 4/11  / Final Exam: 4/18/07
Section 006   Wed.   8:45-10 p.m.  ST1 120  Class Dates: 1/24 - 4/11  / Final Exam: 4/18/07

Instructor:  Fred Geldon
                    Tel.   (703) 742 1270   Email: fgeldon@cs.gmu.edu    Office: S&T2, Rm. 435
                    Office hours: After class in classroom and by appointment

Sections -001, -002 & -008: Duane Young, Email: dyoungb@gmu.edu (Office: TBD)
Sections -003 & -004: Stephen Mouring, Email: smouring@gmu.edu (Office: TBD)
Sections -005 & -006: Sasha Mannion, Email: smannion@gmu.edu (Office: TBD)

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 Feb. 2, 2007. ** The FINAL deadline for dropping this course without permission of the Dean is 3/19/2007. **

** 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. (Please note that because sections 5 & 6 will not meet during the week of 4/4, that section will be extended one week so that all sections meet for 10 weeks.)

SPECIFIC FINAL EXAM DATES =>

    Sections 1, 2 and 4: Thursday, April 12, 2007.
    Section 3: Tuesday, April 10, 2007
    Sections 5 and 6: Wednesday, April 18, 2007
    Section 8: Monday, April 9, 2007

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.