CS 105 Computer Ethics and Society
Computer Science Department
Spring 2013, 1 Credit - George Mason University
This is a 10-week course and the final
exam will be in class on the 11th week.
Section |
Day |
Time |
Location |
Class Dates |
Final Exam |
001 |
F |
1:30-2:45pm |
ENGR 2608 |
1/25 - 4/5 |
4/12 |
002 |
F |
3:00-4:15pm |
ENGR 1108 |
1/25 - 4/5 |
4/12 |
Instructor: Prof. Tamara Maddox Email:
tmaddox@gmu.edu Phone: 703-993-1525
Office hours (ENGR 5347): Mon. 9:30-11:30 a.m., immediately after class, or by app’t
Teaching Assistant (Office Hours available by appointment)
Chris Reffett |
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 should contact the Office of Disability Services at (703) 993-2474. We are happy to accommodate your disability, but all arrangements must be made through the ODS.
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 |
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 has been 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.