Seniar Seminar

COT 4930 Seniar Seminar

Section 10842/Spring 2004

Course Description:

Discussion of appropriate topics, with an emphasis on social and ethical aspects of computing. (S/U grading) Open only to CSE undergraduate majors.

Textbook:

A Gift of Fire: Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues in Computing, 2nd ed., Sara Baase, Prentice Hall, 2003.

References:

  1. ACM TECHNews
  2. C-Net Tech News
  3. ZDNet Tech Update
  4. ACM Code of Ethics
  5. IEEE Code of Ethics

Instructor:

Dr. Sam Hsu, S&E 404; Tel: 561/297-3728; Fax: 561/297-2800
Email: sam@cse.fau.edu; WWW: http://www.cse.fau.edu/~sam
Office hours: T, R: 9:50-10:50am, 1:20-3:20pm; other times by appointment.

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.

Prerequisites:

Senior Standing (This will be enforced!)

Student reports:

Each student will be responsible for an individual oral presentation and written report. Each talk should last 20 to 25 minutes, including 5 minutes for questions and discussion. Alternatively, two students may stage a mock debate, each taking the opposite side of some issue. In this format, each student will prepare a 10 to 15 minute presentation of their position. After the two presentations, there will be a 5 minute rebuttal to attack the position of the other speaker. Then there will be 10 minutes for the class to question the debaters. The time limits will be strictly enforced.

In addition to the oral report, a written report of at least 10 text pages will be submitted not more than one week after the oral report. 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 1.2" left margin and 1" margins on the right, top, and bottom.
A proportional font such as Times Roman with font size no larger than 12 points 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.

Choice of topics and scheduling:

In general, only one presentation will be permitted on a given topic. Exceptions may be made when two presentations address significantly different issues or present different sides of an issue. The order in which topics are to be presented will be determined by lottery except that volunteers for early presentation will be accepted. Failure to present at the scheduled time or to submit the written report on time, except in the event of documented extraordinary circumstances, will receive a grade of "unsatisfactory".

Grading:

This course is graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory scale. Regular attendance is required. A one point penalty will be assessed for each class missed. Additional penalty points may be assessed for participation in class discussions, completion of written assignments, and preparedness for making 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.

TurnItIn:

Reports will be submitted electronically to TurnItIn, 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.

Topics Taken:

click here to see current presentation topics.

Presentation Schedule:

click here to see class presentation schedule.