Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - CMPT 320 D100

Social Implications - Computerized Society (3)

Class Number: 6069

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Tue, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 13, 2022
    Wed, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    A CMPT course with a minimum grade of C- 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:

Computers have become a powerful influence in the lives of many people in modern societies. The purpose of this course is to introduce the students to some of the numerous consequences of the increased usage of computers in society for the public sphere and private lives. We will introduce and make use of well established frameworks in ethics and economics. The course format comprises lectures, readings, videos and discussions. This is an in-person class. • Exams must be taken in a classroom. • Quizzes may be held either in-class or on-line (announced ahead of time). • Lecture slides will be posted. • There will be no lecture recordings.

Topics

  • An Overview of Ethical Theories
  • Computers and Work
  • Privacy and Personal Information
  • Intellectual Property
  • Economic Impact of Computerization
  • Freedom of Speech
  • Reliability and Liability
  • Professional Ethics
  • Computer Crime
  • Implications of artificial intelligence (time permitting)

Grading

  • Final Exam 40%
  • Midterm Exam 20%
  • Quizzes/Participation 10%
  • Term Paper or Short Paper + Presentation 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

A Gift of Fire: Social, Legal and Ethical Issues for Computing Technology 5th Edition, Sara Baase, Timothy M. Henry, Pearson, 2017
ISBN: 9780134615271

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 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware 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.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.