CS 105 Computer Ethics and Society, 1 unit
GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
Department of Computer Science
Course Description -- Summer, 2004

Section 001    T/Th    1:30-2:45 p.m.    ST1 126   Class Dates: 5/17- 6/17  /  Final Exam:  6/17/2004

Instructor:    Martha McJunkin
                    Tel. (703) 993-4198    Email: mcjunkin@cs.gmu.edu    Office: S&T2, Rm. 405
                    Office hours:  Mon/Wed. 1:30-2:45 p.m. and by appointment


**  Please be aware that because this is a one-credit class that runs only part of the semester, it has special early add/drop deadlines.**
      

                     For dates and penalties,, please check with the GMU registrar.

** REMINDER =>  The Final Exam for each section will be held at the time and place of the regular class sessions for that section, on the last class date

FINAL EXAM TIMES =>

    Section 1: June 17, 2004
  

                          

Homework Grading Accounts:    All assignments referred to as homework are to be submitted by email to the grading account corresponding with your section number, as follows:

    Section 001:    cs105001@osf1.gmu.edu
   

Late homework assignments will be penalized 10% per day.

REQUIRED TEXT:     Baase, Sara, "A Gift of Fire," Second Ed., Prentice Hall, 2003.

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Legal, social, and ethical issues surrounding software development and computer use. Professional conduct, social responsibility and rigorous standards for software testing and reliability will be stressed. Issues such as liability, intellectual property rights, privacy, security, and crime will be examined in the context of computer use. Students will read, write, discuss and present reports on these topics.  Students are expected to be able to do research on the Internet.

COURSE PREREQUISITE:    Completion of at least 12 credit hours.

CLASS SCHEDULE:    Reading and homework assignments for all sections => see webct

GRADING POLICIES FOR 1 AND 2 ARE ON WEBCT
    1.   Research/Discussion Paper (5-6 pages)(30%)
    2.    Instructor Evaluation (incl. homework, in-class assignments, pop quizzes, and class participation) (35%)
    3.    Final Exam (35%)

Instructions and due dates for all out-of-class assignments will be posted under the Class Schedule link on this website.  However, research paper topics will distributed in class via hardcopy only.  If you for any reason do not receive a list of approved topics by the third week of class, see your instructor.

Instructor evaluation criteria may vary from section to section.  Any questions regarding due dates, late penalties or specific requirements for your section should be addressed directly to your individual instructor.  To assist your instructor in responding promptly to emailed questions, please indicate your full name, class section and reason for your message in the subject line of your email (e.g. Smith, Bob / CS 105-005 / Homework #1).

**ALL homework assignments (#2 above) must be submitted via email to the designated grading account for your section, as set forth above. Late homework will be penalized 10% per day after the due date.
**Major papers (#1 above) are to be submitted in class via hardcopy (not via email).  Late papers are subject to penalties at the discretion of the individual instructor.

Please note: *NO* assignments will be accepted for credit after the final regular class session for your section.

This class relies strongly on class participation.  Therefore, it is important that you attend class on a regular basis.  While you are welcome to attend an alternate lecture session if you miss your own, please note that you may *not* rely on different sections to present the same materials.  Unless you obtain permission from your own instructor in advance, you also may not receive credit for class participation or other in-class activities by attending a section other than your own.

** Unless otherwise specified, all paper assignments and homeworks are to be individual efforts.  Certain portions of group assignments may require individual efforts as well. Be careful to follow instructions regarding acceptable group efforts. Plagiarism is governed by the GMU Honor Code and will not be tolerated.  Instances of cheating will be referred to the Honor Committee.

LECTURE NOTES ARE ON WEBCT

Assistance with Essay/Report Writing:
GMU New Century College: Online Writing Guide
GMU Writing Center

Other helpful sites:
GMU Counseling Center

IMPORTANT NOTICE: None of the information presented in this course should be considered specific legal advice. Each situation is unique and requires individual attention. Students with individual legal concerns should not rely on information obtained in this course in making any legal decisions. Should you have a problem or concern requiring legal attention, you should seek specific advice from an attorney of your choosing..