CS 306 Synthesis of Ethics and Law for the Computing Professional, 3 units
GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
Department of Computer Science
Course Description -- Spring, 2014
Sec. -001 Tue/Thu 9-10:15 a.m. Thompson Hall, Room 2022
Class Dates: 1/21-5/01; Final Exam: Thurs., 5/8/14 from 7:30-10:15 a.m.
Sec. -002 Tue/Thu 10:30-11:45 a.m. Thompson Hall, Room 2022
Class Dates: 1/21-5/01; Final Exam: Tues., 5/13/14, from 10:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
Sec. -003 Tue/Thu 1:30-2:45 p.m. Music Theater Building, Room 1004
Class Dates: 1/21-5/01; Final Exam: Tues., 5/13/14, from 1:30-4:15 p.m.
Instructor: Tamara A. Maddox Email: tmaddox@cs.gmu.edu Office: ENGR 5347
Telephone: (703) 993-1525 Office Hours: Mon 4:30-6:30, Thurs 3-4 PM
Online Class Syllabus: http://cs.gmu.edu/syllabus/syllabi-spring14/CS306MaddoxT.html
Class Schedule: http://www.cs.gmu.edu/~tmaddox/cs306/Class_Schedule.html
Blackboard Link: http://mymasonportal.gmu.edu
GTA: Kelsey Duquain (kduquain@masonlive.gmu.edu)
UTAs: Sec. 1: A. Thompson
(athomp4@masonlive.gmu.edu); Sec. 2: Mike Brooks (mbrook11@gmu.edu)
Sec. 3: Chris
Reffett (creffett@gmu.edu);
Course Description: This course is intended to help students become effective professionals in the field of computer science by examining many of the challenging legal and ethical issues surrounding computer technology and its use, and building a foundation for dealing with those challenges. Students will examine the philosophical bases for ethical decision-making and how to apply them to issues raised by computers and technology. Specific topics covered in CS 105, such as intellectual property concerns, will be addressed by this course in a more intensive manner. Emerging legal and ethical issues involved in the computer profession and e-commerce will also be addressed.
Throughout the course, students will be expected to apply critical thinking skills in individual and group settings to evaluate various issues related to computer law and ethics. Students will connect issues of technology to wider societal concerns through class discussion, a mock trial, and in-class activities. Students will use critical thinking skills to evaluate and prepare formal arguments concerning their assigned mock trial topics, which they will present to their classmates. Students should be prepared to participate during class activities, to interact with their classmates, and to reflect upon and refine their personal points of view on various ethical issues.
Course Outcomes:
Writing Intensive Component: CS 306 is a Writing Intensive (WI) Course that, together with CS 321, meets the GMU WI Requirements for the BS CS Program. Accordingly, each student in CS 306 is required to write a minimum of 1750 individual words, which will be graded and returned to the student with feedback. This requirement will be fulfilled in part by preparing an individual analysis of case law related to their Mock Trial legal elements, which will be returned with feedback. Students will be permitted to be revise and resubmit this assignment after receiving feedback. Students will also write a series of short essays reflecting on certain aspects of issues related to the class. In addition, students will work with partners to research and write materials in preparation for their Mock Trials.
Addl Classes: Students may be asked to remain for extended class time or attend additional sessions to complete mock trial prep and presentations.
Grading Policy:
1. Essays on topics of law/ethics (15% total)
2. Group Creative Case Presentation (5%)
3. Mock Trial preparatory assignments (25% total)
4. In-Class Mock Trial {tentatively scheduled for weeks of: 4/2, 4/9, 4/16} (15%)
5. Midterm Exam (Tentative exam date: Tuesday, March 5) (10%)
6. Class Participation, In-class Exercises & Instructor Evaluation (10%)
7. Final Exam (20%)
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.