CSCI 3101
Soc/Ethi/Prof Issues in Csci
Computers can enable people to do things that our present laws and policies were not formulated to cover (hacking, sharing files on the internet, and companies sharing data). In such cases, people need to be able to decide for themselves the best course of action, and defend such decisions. This course aims at developing the ethical reasoning skills and sensitivities that computer professionals will need to make good decisions and to justify them. The course includes a general introduction to ethical theories and their use in making and justifying decisions. We then consider various issues and case studies, illustrating the kinds of problems that can arise from the use and misuse of computers and technology: the responsibilities of computing professionals; ethics on the internet (hacking, computer crime, netiquette); privacy and information; intellectual property; social and political issues (digital divide, computers and work, the internet as a democratic technology).
Sections
From the syllabus
From the Winter 2024 syllabus by Travis LaCroix. Fall 2026 is taught by Fortney M., so details may differ. Open the PDF
Grading
Course rules
- Late quizzes
- Late quiz submissions are not accepted.
- Written work
- All students receive an automatic 48-hour extension; later work requires arrangements made in advance.
- AI use
- Do not use AI tools to generate ideas or written material unless the instructor explicitly permits it.
- Attendance
- Students are encouraged to attend lectures and engage in activities and discussions.
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