Link to student paper topics

Last modified: 29 August 2007 by R.Levow: Original posting

Class Time:  Wednesday, 7:10 - 10:00 pm, LA-455 (Davie), Fall 2007

Course Syllabus

 While this course deals with social and ethical issues facing computing professionals, it is loosely structured as far as the specific material to be covered is concerned.  Student presentations are a major component of the course, both in terms of content and student effort.  The topics chosen for the reports will determine much of the specific topical material of the course.

Course Objectives

1. Students will gain an understanding of social issues related to computing.
2. Students will gain an understanding of ethical issues related to computing.
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to do oral presentations.
4. Students will demonstrate the ability to do written presentations.

 Grading & Attendance Policy

  This course is graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory scale. Regular attendance is required.  A one point penalty will be assessed for each hour of class missed.  Additional penalty points may be assessed for failure to participate in class discussions, complete written assignments, and make presentations as assigned..  A student with 4 or more penalty points will receive a grade of unsatisfactory for the course.  Absence will be excused only for documented circumstances beyond the student's control.

Class Schedule and Reading Assignments

• September 5: Chapters 1-3
• September 19: Chapters 4-5
• October 3: Chapters 6-7
• October 17: Chapters 8-9
• November 14: Chapter 10 and Reports

Assignments

For each of the first four classes, each student will be prepared to briefly describe to the class two topics of their choice from the assigned readings and two current events topics concerned with computing issues relevant to the course.  Students will submit a written list of the four topics at the start of the class session.  Only the topic names need be submitted.

Student Reports

 Each student will be responsible for an individual oral presentation and written report.  The topic must deal with social, political, or ethical issues directly related to computing.  Within these constraints, there are a wide range of possible topics.  Any topic discussed in the text is okay, but the presentation must be based primarily on materials other than the text.

Each talk should last about 15 minutes. Scheduling will allowing a few minutes for questions and discussion between talks.  The time limits will be strictly enforced.  Here are some guidelines for PowerPoint presentations.  In general, presentations that deviate significantly from these guidelines will not be acceptable.

In addition to the oral report, a written report of at least 10 text pages will be submitted by the deadline listed below. Images, charts, diagrams, direct quotations, and extra blank lines between sections do not count in calculating the 10 page limit.  The report must be prepared using a word processor that produces MS Word compatible output files.  Reports shall be double spaced with 1.5" left margin and 1" margins on the right, top, and bottom.  Times Roman 12 point font must be used.  A printed copy of the report must be submitted and an electronic copy must be filed with TurnItIn.

Reports, oral and written, that do not meet normal standards for professional presentation will result in a grade of unsatisfactory.  The presentation accompanying the oral report cannot be essentially the text or the talk and the talk cannot be read from a script.  Presentation materials -- PowerPoint or other media -- must be used for the oral report.  A computer and projector with internet access and PowerPoint will be available for class.

Report Schedule

• October 24:  Each student must prepare a report proposal, about 1 page in length, specifying the topic of the report and briefly describing the issues to be addressed.  Proposals are to be submitted by email as attachments in MS Word form.
• November 14:  Oral reports in class.
• November 21:  Final report due.  Submitted with TurnItIn

Failure to meet each of these deadlines carries a 1 point penalty.

Choice of Topics

 Only one talk will be permitted on a given topic.  Topics may be reserved for one week, pending submission of a complete proposal, by submitting only the topic.  Topics will be assigned in the order in which they are received. 

The order in which reports are to be delivered will be determined by lottery except that volunteers to go first will be accepted.

TurnItIn.com

 Reports will be submitted electronically to TurnItIn.com, a plagiarism detection service.  Material in your report that is quoted from or derived from another source must be appropriately identified and referenced with an appropriate citation.  Significant failure to follow these guidelines will result in an unsatisfactory grade for the course and may lead to the filing of an Academic Irregularity report.