Computers & Society

Description

This course focuses on the social impacts of computing technology. The course provides an introduction to ethics and history of computing and Internet. It focuses on a number of areas in which computers and information technology are having an impact on society including privacy, freedom of speech, intellectual property, work, distribution of wealth, and the environment. Current issues that will be discussed include electronic voting, spyware, spam, and intellectual property issues associated with digital content distribution. Students will understand the ethical, social, legal, and professional issues surrounding the emerging information technologies.

Program

Information Systems Program

Objectives

• 1. Understand IT and its relationship with Society.
  2. Understand the role of social dynamics in interaction.
  3. Understand the need for the Data Protection Act.
  4. Discuss how IT is applied in design, including concerns such as privacy, power, and accessibility.
  5. Experiment with group presentations