Social and Ethical Issues

Assignments posted here will be related to our discussions from the Baase book, and any invited guests. This portion of your grade will consist of the three components detailed below.

Position Papers

Position Paper 1 is due April 22 at class time.
Position Paper 2 is due May 6 at class time.
Position Paper 3 is due May 16 at class time.

Presentation Assignments

4/2

Library

Dr. McAddoo

4/4

2.1 Privacy Risks and Principles

Mr. Fink

4/9

4.1 IP: Principles, Laws and Cases

Ms. Tonda

4/11

4.2 Responses to Copyright Infringement

Mr. Jones

4/16

4.3-4.5 Free Software vs Patents for Algorithms

Mr. Rossiter

4/18

8.1 Failures and Errors in Computer Systems

Mr. Doran

4/23

8.2 Case Study: The Terac-25

Mr. Kamenar

4/25

8.3 and 8.4

Mr. Schrader

Position Papers

Rubric: TBD

I will request written answers to a given issue. In this case, I expect a well written essay which includes:

A discussion of the background of the issue
Your analysis, with supporting arguments of the issue.
Other relevant information

I will not grade your opinion, but I will grade how your opinion is presented and supported.

Classroom Presentation

Rubric: TBD

Most of our discussions on social, ethical, and legal issues will be led by students. You will be assigned at least two topics where you will be in charge of the presentation/discussion. While it will vary by topic, I would expect an introduction followed by discussion points/questions each time you do this.

Classroom Participation

Rubric: TBD

You are responsible for participating in all class discussion.