CSCC355 - Computer Ethics and Society
Winter 2006
Instructor: Michael Haggerty

News | Calendar & Syllabus | Textbooks & Resources
Course Description | Course Requirements | Grading Policy

Course Website: http://www.cis.udel.edu/~haggerty/teaching/W06/CSCC355/

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Calendar & Syllabus

*Reading listed in Bold are required.  Listing that are Italicized are recommended.

Other Dates of Note:

Jan. 6 Fri. Last day to register or to add courses. After this date tuition and a $20 processing fee will be charged for change of registration; students withdrawing from courses will receive a grade of "W" on permanent record.
Jan. 23 Mon. Last day to change registration or withdraw without academic penalty.
Feb. 3 Fri. Last day of classes.
Feb. 4 Sat. Final examinations - GOR 116 at 3:30pm to 5:30pm

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Textbooks and Resources

Recommended Texts:

• Rachels, James, The Elements of Moral Philosophy (4th Edition) (Rachels)
  

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Course Description

Explains relationships among information technology, society and ethics by examining issues raised by increasingly widespread use of computers. Topics include ethics for computer professionals, computer impact on factory work, office work, personal privacy and social power distribution.

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Course Requirements

Homework

There will be several homework assignments through the course.  Assignments are expected to be your own work and are due at the end of the class.

Quizzes

There will be a quiz a the beginning of each class period.  The quiz material will be come from the assigned readings and the class discussion from the previous class.  Please make every effort to make it to class on-time in order to take the quiz.  If you are going to be late please inform me as soon a possible. 

Exams

We will have a comprehensive final exam.

Attendance

I strongly encourage you to make every effort to make it to every class.  The class format encourages interactive discussions among the entire class.  It is my opinion that you will not be able to fully appreciate the course concepts from reading the book.  Please make every effort to come on time. However, if you do happen to be late, come in and join the class (even if you are a hour or two late). Just don't make it a habit.

Late policy

Unexcused late assignments will be penalized up to 10% per day not including weekends up to a 5-day maximum penalty of 50%. Without prior discussion with the professor, assignments will not be accepted more than one week late.

Class Participation

You will be expected to actively participate in class discussions.  I realize that some people are shy and do not like to actively participate in class discussions, please do your best to participate and realize that I will do everything I can to engage the entire class in the discussion.  I am giving the quizzes in lieu of a class participation grade grade, so I reserve the right to cancel quiz credit if you take the quiz and go...  So if you have a valid reason as to why you are not going to be able to attend the entire class please contact me and let me know.

Academic honesty

You may study for projects and exams in a group or alone. However, all the work you submit must be your own, unless otherwise stated (i.e. a group project).   Students are not permitted to access any  reference (i.e. website, other students) that contains answers to the textbook questions.  Any student that is caught violating the University's Guidelines or the guidelines stated here will be procescuted.  Students should get acquainted with their rights and responsibilities as explained in the Student Guide to University Policies (http://www.udel.edu/stuguide/05-06/code.html#honesty).

Asking for help

If you have any problem with the class (difficulties understanding the material or doing the homework's, excused absence, emergency that prevents you from meeting a homework deadline, need a special accommodation, etc.) don't hesitate to ask for help. E-mail the instructor or call by phone if there is an emergency and you have no access to E-mail.

Instruction feedback

I would like to receive your comments with regard to the class organization and teaching quality. If there is ever something you would like me to improve or change, cover in another manner, etc. please write me an anonymous note and slip it into the my mailbox. Please try to provide constructive comments, e.g. instead of saying "I didn't understand anything you just taught" try saying "I didn't understand your explanation of Social Contact Theory, could you please go over it again"

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Grading Policy

In the subjective opinion of the professor, if the above scale does not fairly represent the class' achievement as a whole, the scale may be altered, but only in the students' favor (e.g., lowering the threshold for an A- from 90% to 89%).  Any adjustment will apply to all students.

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© Michael Haggerty
haggerty@cis.udel.edu
CIS Grad Student
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