Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2021 - CMPT 320 D100

Social Implications - Computerized Society (3)

Class Number: 3051

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 11, 2021
    Wed, 9:00–9:00 a.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:

This course explores the social implications of the wide adoption of computing technologies. Ethics will be used as the framework for discussions. This course will involve lectures by the instructor, lectures by visiting lecturers, in-class discussion, individual and group class presentations, and case analysis. This is not a W course, but writing will be used as a means to understand and reason about complex issues.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Topics

  • An overview of ethical theories
  • Computing implications to free speech, privacy, and intellectual property issues
  • Computing implications to medicine, education, and the government
  • Artificial intelligence and data ethics

Grading

NOTES:

To be discussed first week of classes.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

  • Ethics for the Information Age, 8th Edition (eText Instant Access), Michael J. Quinn, Pearson, 2020,

ISBN: 9780135217979

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 SUMMER 2021

Teaching at SFU in summer 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods, but we will continue to have in-person experiential activities for a selection of courses.  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).