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
- Basic understanding of the history of computing machinery.
- Knowledge of ethics in computer professions.
- Introduce open-source versus closed-source ideologies and their impact on
society.
- Reflect on current topics in technology and their impacts on society.
- Understand possible future complexities in computing.
Concepts
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- Introduction to course materials/syllabus
- Computing machinery: Before 1800’s (Pre-Industrial Revolution)
1800 to 1944
1945 to present (Modern)
- Background of ethics in computing
- Case studies involving use of ethics codes and legal issues
- Information regarding term papers
- Show/discuss societies’ interpretation of computers (Film: Hackers)
- Microsoft vs. Department of Justice
- Within groups discuss ideas on how to approach debate
- Midterm examination
- Midterm answer overview
- Discussion on team work
- Pros/cons of open-source and closed-source in an open market economy
- First term paper reviews and questions
- Formal presentation and debating skills
- Current Issues: Wireless computing
- Class debates on term paper topics
- Future Issues: Artificial Intelligence
- Final term paper and debate reviews and questions
- Review for midterm & final examinations
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