CS
105 Computer Ethics and Society, 1 unit
GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
Department of Computer Science
Course Description – Spring 2012
Section 003 T 1:30-2:45 p.m. ENGR 4457
Class Dates: 1/24-4/3 Final Exam: 4/10/12
Section 004 T 3:00-4:15 p.m. ENGR 3511 Class
Dates: 1/24-4/3 Final Exam: 4/10/12
Instructor: Prof. Fred W. Geldon
Tel. (301) 424-4554 Email: fgeldon@gmu.edu Office: ENGR, Rm. 5323
Office hours: After class in the classroom,
or by appointment
Section 005 R 10:30-11:45 a.m. ENGR 1109
Class Dates: 1/26-4/5 Final Exam: 4/12/12
Section 006 R Noon-1:15 p.m. ENGR 4457 Class
Dates: 1/26-4/5 Final Exam: 4/12/12
Instructor: Prof. Tamara A. Maddox
Tel. (703) 993-1525 Email: tmaddox@gmu.edu Office: ENGR, Rm. 5347
Office hours: Thursdays 1:30-2:30 p.m.,
Fridays 3-4 p.m. and by appointment
Section 008 W 7:30-8:45 AM ENGR 1107
Class Dates: 1/25-4/4 Final Exam: 4/11/12
Section 010 T 8:45-10 p.m. IN 207 Class Dates:
1/24-4/3 Final Exam: 4/10/12
Instructor: Prof. Michael W. Tompkins
Tel. (703) 299-3440 Email: mtompki2@gmu.edu Office: ENGR., Rm. 5323
Office hours: After class in the classroom, or by appointment
Section -003 and -004: Mike Ryan, email: mryank@masonlive.gmu.edu
Sections -005 and -006: Ian Maloney, email:
imaloney@gmu.edu
Sections -008 and -010: Rachel Galang, email: rgalang@masonlive.gmu.edu
All Sections will use Blackboard for communications, for submitting most
assignments, and for out-of-class discussion. Students
are responsible for checking Blackboard on a regular basis. For
Blackboard link, go to: mymason.gmu.edu and
select "courses". Please note that we will use the "CS
105 Combined Section" folder for ALL sections.
REQ'D TEXT: Reynolds, George W., "Ethics in Information Technology" 3rd Ed., Course Technology Cengage Learning, 2010.
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.
COURSE OUTCOMES:
1. Students will understand many
of the key ethical, legal and social issues related to information
technology and how to interpret and comply with ethical principles,
laws, regulations and institutional policies.
2. Students will understand the essential
issues related to information security, how to take precautions
and use techniques and tools to defend against computer crimes.
COURSE PREREQUISITE: None.
CLASS SCHEDULE: See Blackboard for assignment details and any class slides or lecture notes.
1. Out-of-class Assignments (30%)
2. Quizzes (20%)
3. Instructor Evaluation
(incl. attendance and class participation) (20%)
4. Final Exam (30%)
Instructor evaluation criteria may vary from section to section. Any questions regarding 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. Remember that the final exam is the week *after* the final regular class session.
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.
IMPORTANT NOTE – ALL SECTIONS !!!
Please note that this class meets for 10 weeks, followed by the
final exam during the 11th week of class.
The final deadline for dropping
this class without tuition liability is January 31, 2012.
** The FINAL date to drop this course without permission
of the Dean is February 24, 2012. For students eligible for selective
withdrawal, the selective withdrawal period ends March 30, 2012.
** 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 April 10, 2012 for Sections -003, -004 and -010, on April 11 for Section -008, and on April 12 for Sections -005 and -006.
Assistance with Essay/Report Writing:
GMU New Century College:
Online Writing Guide
GMU Writing Center
Other helpful sites:
GMU Counseling Center
Special Accomodations: If you are a student with a disability
and you need academic accomodations, please see your instructor
and contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at (703) 993-2474.
All academic accomodations must be arranged through
the DRC.
General Education: This course has been approved to satisfy the GMU General Education requirement for one credit of IT Ethics.
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.