CS 306 Synthesis of Ethics and Law for the Computing Professional, 3
units
GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
Department of Computer Science
Course Description -- Spring, 2023
Sec. 1 Tue/Thu 10:30-11:45 a.m. ENGR 2608 Tompkins (Class Dates: 1/24-5/4; Exam: TUE 5/16, 10:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m.)
Sec. 3 Mon/Wed 9-10:15 a.m. ENGR 1108 Maddox (Class Dates: 1/23-5/3; Exam: MON 5/15, 7:30-10:15 a.m.)
Sec. 4 Mon/Wed 1:30-2:45 p.m. A&D L008 Maddox (Class Dates: 1/23-5/3); Exam: WED 5/10, 1:30-4:15 p.m.)
Sec. 5 Mon/Wed Noon-1:15 p.m. ENT 274
Otten (Class
Dates: 1/23-5/3); Exam: MON 5/15, 10:30 AM-1:15
p.m.)
Sec. 6 Tue/Thu 9-10:15 a.m. IN 209 Otten (Class
Dates: 1/24-5/4; Exam: THU 5/11, 7:30-10:15 a.m.)
Sec. 7 Wed 1:30-4:10 p.m. ENGR 1107 Geldon (Class dates: 1/25-5/3; Exam: WED 5/10, 1:30-4:15 p.m.)
Instructors:
Michael Tompkins (Section 1) Email: mtompki2@gmu.edu Office Hours: Available before or after class
Tamara Maddox (Sections 3, 4) Email:
tmaddox@gmu.edu Office Hours: Mondays Noon-1, Tuesdays 9-10
AM, and by appt.
Campus Phone:
(703) 993-1525; Campus Office: ENGR 5347
John E. Otten (Sections 5, 6) Email:
jotten2@gmu.edu Office Hours: Mondays 1:30-2:30, Thursdays
10:30-11:30, and by appt.
Campus Phone:
(703) 993-1669; Campus Office: ENGR 5335
Fred Geldon (Section 7) Email: fgeldon@gmu.edu Office Hours: Available before or after class
Online Class Syllabus:
http://cs.gmu.edu/syllabus/syllabi-Spring23/CS_306All.html
Blackboard Link: http://mymasonportal.gmu.edu
GTAs: Karen Sin Li Hor (Sec. 1), Joel Samson (Secs. 2, 3), Gaurav Singh (Secs. 5, 6), Shaima Dayili (Sec. 7)
UTAs:Req'd Textbook: Ethics and Law in Computing: Exploring Legal Issues and Ethical Concerns in 21st-Century Technology, 1st Ed. (Geldon & Maddox), Cognella, 2023. To order, you may go to gmu.bncollege.com or order more directly at https://store.cognella.com/83768-1B-001 The textbook is available in both print and digital versions. (Students who order the print version directly from Cognella will be given access to the first 30% digitally without extra charge to provide initial access while the materials are in transit.)
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 105/110, 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.
Why you should care: This is a course about law, ethics, and big ideas. We will spend much of our time reading, discussing, and writing about actual legal cases dealing with constitutional and computer-related issues. It is a chance for you to understand how the law really works, and how it may apply to your future career in computing. It is also an opportunity to consider the ethics of many computer-related issues that may actually affect you. We hope to provide you with new insights, and we may challenge what you think you know! We expect that you will bring us new insights as well. YOU are the most important component of this class, so please come prepared to think, discuss, and argue! At the same time, remember to treat others respectfully, even if you disagree with their positions.
Course Outcomes:
- a device and regular Internet access capable of regularly accessing Blackboard class materials
- the use of a working microphone and webcam to complete certain projects and BB discussion board posts
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 and BS ACS programs. 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 by two essays related to law and ethics, on of which will require both a draft and final submission, each graded separately. The final version of both essays must meet minimum word-count requirements and earn a final grade of C or better in order to receive a C or better in the course. Students will also be writing an in-class essay exam and will work with partners to research and write materials in preparation for their Mock Trials.
Grading Policy:
1. Class Participation (incl. short preparation
assignments) (15%)
2. Short quizzes on assigned reading and recent lecture
material (10%)
3. Non-trial Discussion Board assignments (5%)
4. Essay 1 (500 words) (5%)
5. Essay 2 Draft (1000 words) (5%)
6. Essay 2 Final (1250 words) (5%)
7. Essay "Quest" (5%)
8. Mock Trial Group Project and Presentation (35%
total)
9. Final Exam (15%)
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.