Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - CMPT 320 D100

Social Implications - Computerized Society (3)

Class Number: 6660

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 19, 2021
    Mon, 5:00–5:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    A CMPT course and 45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of social processes that are being automated and implications for good and evil, that may be entailed in the automation of procedures by which goods and services are allocated. Examination of what are dehumanizing and humanizing parts of systems and how systems can be designed to have a humanizing effect. Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course introduces novice computing scientists to their roles as "moral philosophers" in today's so-called Promethean setting. This is not an ethics course, but rather a course in the theory and moral ramifications of computing science.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Topics

  • Introduction to Social Science and Techological Theory
  • Privacy
  • Information Warfare
  • Modeling and Social Policy
  • Reliability
  • AI

Grading

NOTES:

To be discussed first week of classes

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

  • CMPT 320 Course Pack, Compiled by Steven Pearce, SFU Bookstore

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).