Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - CMPT 376W D200

Professional Responsibility and Technical Writing (3)

Class Number: 5512

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CMPT 105W and (CMPT 275 or CMPT 276), with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Covers professional writing in computing science, including format conventions and technical reports. The basis for ethical decision-making and the methodology for reaching ethical decisions concerning computing matters will be studied. Students will survey and write research papers, and both individual and group work will be emphasized. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course focuses on professional writing, professional responsibility, and ethical decision making processes. Some of the topics studied in this course are:

  • Writing process and style 
  • Research process and design 
  • Introduction to ethics
  • Ethical decision making
  • Professional responsibility and code of ethics
  • Intellectual property 
  • Privacy
  • Freedom of speech online
  • Technical writing 
  • Revision strategies
  • Presentations and public speaking
  • Group dynamics
  • Technological progress and societal impact  

Grading

NOTES:

Various written assignments (informal, research, technical, etc.), participation (online discussions, ad-hoc in-class exercises), group work (peer review reports, presentations), and term paper (outline, interim drafts, and final draft). A more detailed course description and a review of the assignments will be provided in the first week of the term.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

 

REQUIRED READING:

Michael J. Quinn (2024). Ethics for the Information Age, 9th Edition (available through the SFU Bookstore)

RECOMMENDED READING:


A complete list of recommended and reference books and materials will be provided in the first lecture and throughout the term.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The following are default policies in the School of Computing Science. Please check your course syllabus whether the instructor has chosen a different policy for your class, otherwise the following policies apply.
 
  • Students must attain an overall passing grade on the weighted average of exams in the course in order to get a C- or higher.
  • All student requests for accommodations for their religious practices must be made in writing by the end of the first week of classes, or no later than one week after a student adds a course. After considering a request, an instructor may provide a concession or may decline to do so. Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability can contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca).

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.