CS 3604: Professionalism in Computing

Studies the ethical, social, and professional concerns of the computer science field. Covers the social impact of the computer, implications and effects of computers on society, and the responsibilities of computer professionals in directing the emerging technology. The topics are studied through case studies of reliable, risk-free technologies, and systems that provide user friendly processes. Specific studies are augmented by an overview of the history of computing, interaction with industrial partners and computing professionals, and attention to the legal and ethical responsibilities of professionals. This is a web-supported course, incorporating writing intensive exercises, making extensive use of active learning technologies. A grade of C or better required in CS prerequisite 3114. Pre: 3114. (3H,3C) I, II.

PREREQUISITESSuccessful completion of CS3114 and COMM 2004.

NOTEThis course does not fulfill the requirements for CS minors as a 3000-level course option, or a higher level course for potential internal transfer applicants.

TEXTS

“Ethics”Ethics and Technology: Ethical Issues in an Age of Information and Communication Technology , Herman T. Tavani, Wiley.

“Arguments” Writing Arguments: A rhetoric with readings, Fifth Edition Ramage, J. D., Bean, J.C., Johnson, J. New York: Pearson Longman.

Various articles and online materials.

GRADING

1. Writing Assignments - 60%2. In class Presentations and Participation - 30%3. Service Learning Project - 10%

1. Writing Assignments (10) - 60%

• Résumé and cover letter• Toulmin Argument Structures• Essay Outlines• Essays (5 paragraph format)• Business Memo• Midterm Quiz

2. In class Presentations and Participation - 30%• Questions (10%)

– Response to 5 sets of questions (2% each set)– Submit online and bring to class for discussion

• Class Contributions (5%)

– In Class Discussion and Contribution– Out of Class Contribution, Forums, Materials– Group exercises– Other

• Final Case Study Presentation (15%) – 10 min– Case Drives Topic (Preapproved Case)– Audio/Visuals Help Guide Audience– Appropriate Detail and Depth

3. Service Learning Project - 10%15 hours total involvement in any of the following: • CS2

– cs2@vt.edu– http://www.cs2.org.vt.edu

• Computer Science Resource Consortium / CS Information Sessions – CS Department: 2050 Torgersen 231-3984– Terry Arthur arthurt@vt.edu– Libby Bradford bradford@vt.edu

• Association of Women in Computing Day – http://www.awc.org.vt.edu/

• Organize and Lead an Out-of-Class Recitation, including some Form of Reflection Activity:– Handout or overview with questions and explanation of relevance to

class– Discussion or Volunteer Activity– 2 Hours credit for each activity for Leader (6 Hours Max)– 1 Hour credit for participant (4 Hours Max)

Tuesday Topic and Weeks Reading

Thursday Topic and Assignment Due FRIDAY

Aug 28 Syllabus Resume Writing

Aug 30 Body Language

Resume Draft Sep 4 Service Learning Resume Tuning

Sep 6 Case Studies Preparation

Read Ch. 1 Ethics Resume FinalSep 11 Essay Writing Tips, Intros

Sep 13 Interviewing CSRC Prep

Read Ch. 2 EthicsCh. 1,2 Arguments

Question Set 1 CSRC QuestPresentation Outline

Sep 18 CSRC Panel

Sep 20 CyberEthics

Read Ch. 3,4 Arguments Outline CyberEthics

Sep 25 Arguments Intro

Sep 27

Question Set 2 Novel Issue Read Case Illustrations Read Ch. 3 Ethics

Essay CyberEthics

Oct 2 Toulmin Structure

Oct 4 MEET IN Newman 207

Question Set 3 Read Ch. 4 EthicsCh. 5 Arguments

Outline ACM Argument (Pro AND Con)

Oct 9 ACM Code

Oct 11 Code of Ethics Criticisms

Read Appx A,B,C Ethics Essay ACM Argument

Oct 16 Ethics Theories

Oct 18 Reading Arguments

Question Set 4Read Ch. 5 Ethics

STUDY !!!

Oct 23 Business Memo

Oct 25

Midterm Quiz Business Memo

Oct 30 Open Source Nov 1

Read Coase's Penguin Essay Open Source

Nov 6 Privacy

Nov 8 Privacy

Question Set 5Read: Privacy, Tech & Care

Essay Privacy

Nov 13 Hacker Ethics

Nov 15 Relativism

Essay Hacker Ethic

Nov 20 Thanksgiving Nov 22 Break

Nov 27 Patents

Nov 29 Philosophy of Technology

Read: Computer Interface Design & Phil of Technology

Dec 4 Dec 6 Dec 11 Wrap Up