Course Description
This course will focus on ethical issues relating to various aspects of computing use and design. By utilizing case studies, students will examine and discuss various topical situations in the realms of information acquisition, access, stewardship, software licensing, intellectual property, safety, and reliability. Students will gain experience measuring the costs and risks from both a business standpoint and societal impact. They will also study the potential trade offs between them, while considering processes to bring both into alignment. (3 credits)
Prerequisites
- ENG 101: English Composition 1
- ENG 102: English Composition 2
- ITE 200 level course or equivalent (Recommended)
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Introduce an ethical based outlook on computer systems.
- Consider the professional's responsibility with regard to ethics.
- Examine socially acceptable and unacceptable actions with regard to computing.
- Build an understanding of personal privacy, expression, and intellectual property.
- Study design strategies that incorporate ethical components.
- Reflect on the ubiquitous nature of computing and its impact on society.
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Weight |
|---|---|
Discussion & Participation | 30% |
Quizzes (due weekly on Sunday) | 25% |
Weekly Reflection (due weekly on Sunday, but not submitted before Friday) | 10% |
Midterm Exam (due weekly on Sunday ending Week 4) | 15% |
Final Exam (due last day of class) | 20% |
Total | 100% |
Required Textbooks
Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle
- Reynolds, George W. Ethics in Information Technology. 6th ed. Course Technology, 2019. ISBN-10: 1-337-40587-6 or ISBN-13: 978-1-337-40587-4
Course Schedule
Week | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
1 | 1 | Topic: An Overview of Ethics
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2 | 1,2 | Topic: Ethics for IT Professionals
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3 | 3 | Topic: Computer and Internet Crime
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4 | 3,4 | Topic: Privacy
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Midterm Exam | |||
5 | 4 | Topic: Freedom of Expression
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6 | 4 | Topic: Intellectual Property
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7 | 5 | Topic: Software Development
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8 | 6 | Topic: The Impact of Information Technology on the Quality of Life
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Final Exam | |||
COSC Accessibility Statement
Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.
COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources
Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.