CS 485 – Computers & Society

Required Texts
Kidder, Tracy. The Soul of a New Machine. Back Bay Books: 1981. (ISBN 0-316-49197-7)

There is no textbook for the course since no one book can cover the variety of topics that we will be studying. In addition to the text listed, there will be handouts throughout the semester with various articles and texts regarding lecture topics.
Objectives
  1. Basic understanding of the history of computing machinery.
  2. Knowledge of ethics in computer professions.
  3. Introduce open-source versus closed-source ideologies and their impact on society.
  4. Reflect on current topics in technology and their impacts on society.
  5. Understand possible future complexities in computing.
Concepts
 
  1. Introduction to course materials/syllabus
  2. Computing machinery: Before 1800’s (Pre-Industrial Revolution)
    1800 to 1944
    1945 to present (Modern)
  3. Background of ethics in computing
  4. Case studies involving use of ethics codes and legal issues
  5. Information regarding term papers
  6. Show/discuss societies’ interpretation of computers (Film: Hackers)
  7. Microsoft vs. Department of Justice
  8. Within groups discuss ideas on how to approach debate
  9. Midterm examination
  10. Midterm answer overview
  11. Discussion on team work
  12. Pros/cons of open-source and closed-source in an open market economy
  13. First term paper reviews and questions
  14. Formal presentation and debating skills
  15. Current Issues: Wireless computing
  16. Class debates on term paper topics
  17. Future Issues: Artificial Intelligence
  18. Final term paper and debate reviews and questions
  19. Review for midterm & final examinations
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Overview - Grid

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