Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - PHIL 270 B100

Data, Ethics and Society (3)

Class Number: 6351

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 14, 2025
    Mon, 11:59–11:59 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces students to the ethical, legal, and privacy issues surrounding the collection and use of big data and the implications of these for vulnerable populations. Students with credit for SDA 270 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

[Note: this course is to be taught concurrently with SDA 270.]

Description: this class introduces students to ethical and epistemological issues surrounding the gathering and processing of social data. The class covers topics such as informed consent, social measurement, data opacity, and the relationship between science and politics.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

This course is required for the Social Data Analytics Minor, and will also be of special interest to Philosophy students. 

Grading

  • Weekly assignments 30%
  • In-class writing 10%
  • Midterm (in person) 30%
  • Final (take-home, due April 14) 30%

NOTES:

Course delivery: blended.
The asynchronous hour will be spent engaging in guided reading comprehension exercises which will constitute 30% of the total grade (as “weekly assignments”). 

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

No textbook is required.

 


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:

Thinking of a Philosophy Major or Minor? The Concentration in Law and Philosophy? The Certificate in Ethics? The Philosophy and Methodology of Science Certificate?
Contact the PHIL Advisor at philcomm@sfu.ca   More details on our website: SFU Philosophy

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

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.