Computer Science 450 Course Objectives

Successful students will be able to:

1. Understand the background and brief history of computers and their introduction to society.
2. Understand the basic general concept of ethics and different ethical theories and the social impact of computing.
3. Discuss different ethical views on Internet-related ethical topics such as spam and pornography.
4. Describe the effects of software piracy on software developers and the role of relevant enforcement organizations.
5. Discuss security related issues, including hacking, viruses, and denial-of-service attacks.
6. Describe current computer-based threats to privacy and identify theft.
7. Discuss the dangers of unreliable computer systems and the responsibilities from the designer’s and user’s point of view.
8. Argue convincingly either for or against globalization of economy through the use of computers.
9. Make 1-2 presentations on a controversial computer-related issue and evaluate it in terms of differing ethical perspectives.
10. Write a descriptive 10-20 page paper on a controversial computer-related topic and present differing ethical views, and conclude with one’s own opinion.
11. Demonstrate a knowledge of professional ethics, in preparation for pursuing a professional career or graduate studies, and showing an ability for continuing professional development.