CS399
Social, Ethical and Professional Issues in Computer Science
Southern Illinois University
Instructor: Dr. Henry Hexmoor
Instructor office: Faner 2130

Fall 2009
Class times: Once a week, Thursdays 3:00-4:15pm
Class Location: ASA 118C

Instructor office hours: MW 9AM-12PM

Tuesday 9:00 - 12:00, 1:30 - 4:30 or by appointment

Join our google group cs399siu for extending class discussions.

Required Textbook: M. Quinn, 2009. Ethics for the Information Age (3rd Edition), Addison Wesley.

See Dr. Quinn's online page for this book

Course Description:

The issues facing the computer professional in society and industry. Social impact of information technology. Ethical responsibilities of computer professionals. Professional organizations: availability, membership, meetings, codes of conduct. Professional communications: written reports on case studies dealing with ethical decision making, term paper and an oral presentation.

Prerequisite:

CS 220 with a grade of C or better. Restricted to CS majors.

Course administration and grading. The course will be run as a regular lecture and interactive duscussions. A single term project presentation (25/100) and report (25/100) will worth 50/100 points. Topics can be selected from the book or by consent of instructor. Attendance and participation will count for 20%. Two equal worth exams will count for 20/100.

Grading Scale: A = 90-100, B = 80-89, C = 70-79, D = 60-69, F < 60.

Missing Exam policy: If you must miss a test, you must let me know before the exam. You may call me, send me E-mail, or come by my office to inform me. If the excuse is reasonable, I will replace your exam score with your final exam percentage.

Policy on Class ethiquette : Personal laptops and cell phones are not permitted in class. On the due date, your assignment must be turned in before I begin my lecture, unless I have formally issued an extension.

Last edited: September 21, 2009