Social Issues & Ethics in Computer Science and Engineering

Fall 2008 Course Syllabus

Course Information
Course Number SOCS 3361/ECS 3361 section 001
Course Title Social Issues & Ethics in Computer Science and Engineering
Term Spring 2009
Days & Times Tues/Thurs. 2:30pm - 3:45pm in SOM 1.102

Professor Contact Information

Professor Dr. Robert Morris
Phone (972) 883-6728
Email address morris@utdallas.edu
Office Location Green Hall - GR 3.526
Office Hours: Tues/Thurs 3:45pm – 5:30pm
By appointment or if my door is open.

Teaching Assistant/s: Erin Orrick eorrick@utdallas.edu Office: 2.510

Hennrikka Weir email??? Office: 2.510

Course Pre-requisites, Co-requisites, and/or Other Restrictions

Students must be internet capable and regularly check their UTD WebCT account. Please read
the email policy on WebCT prior to sending email messages! USE ONLY WebCT MAIL!!

READ EMAIL POLICY ON WEBCT BEFORE YOU SUBMIT EMAIL TO ME!!!

Course Description
The transition into the information age has led to unparalleled social enhancement. However, with these
new tools comes greater social responsibility; an oft overlooked reality. This purpose of this course is to
expose students to such concerns with the hope of more informed decisions being made in the field.
Topics to be covered will include philosophy of ethics, cybercrime, privacy, intellectual property,
artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, biotechnology and genetic engineering, and ethical issues and the
environment. Special attention will be given to the role of ethics in computer science and engineering and
to the use and development of technology in general. While this course will be presented from a social
science perspective, students from every academic background will benefit from the material and
discussions covered herein.

Student Learning Objectives/Outcomes

Upon the successful completion of this course, students will:
1. have an enhanced level of awareness regarding ethical issues in computer science and
engineering.

2. be able to identify and understand the fundamental philosophies of ethics and demonstrate an
understanding of ethics regarding applied engineering and computer science.

3. be able to summarize, compare and contrast competing social positions on many different
computer science/engineering related topics relying on ethical traditions as a framework.

Required Textbooks and Materials: NONE – all readings will be posted on WebCT.

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Grading Policy
Grades are composed of:
Exams (4 total) 75%
Team Debate/Roundtable 15%
Participation/Attendance 10%

Exams
Over the course of the semester, 4 exams will be given. Exams constitute 75% of the course grade. Exams may be in
the form of traditional objective exams, critical response papers, in class written response papers, or some
combination therein. Exams will not be completely comprehensive in nature, however, essay and short answer
questions may indirectly involve previous readings (i.e., normative ethical theory) and/or debate scenarios.
Regardless of the assessment type, you should BE SURE TO DO ALL READING ASSIGNMENTS and TAKE
NOTES IN CLASS and DURING DEBATES AND DISCUSSIONS!!! Much of what is covered in exams is not
covered in the readings alone! In short, reading the material is a requirement of the course.

**IMPORTANT: Exam Drop Policy: The lowest score from exams 2 through 4 will be dropped. In the end, the
best three exams scores, not to exclude the score from exam 1, will count toward the exam portion of the grade. In
other words, Exam 1 cannot be dropped. Students who are satisfied with their exam average at the end of the
semester may choose to skip the final exam.

Team Debate/Roundtable Project

Every student will participate in an assigned team debate/discussion covering a specific topic assigned by the
Professor. An entire class period will be devoted to each roundtable discussion/debate. 10-12 students will be
assigned to each discussion, on two competing teams, and will be responsible for generating and facilitating a
discussion/debate on an assigned topic. Roundtable participants will be assigned to argue either in favor or in
opposition against the topic statement, which will be provided in advance. Group assignment dates will be posted on
WebCT at the beginning of the semester. Detailed guidelines and grading criteria regarding the roundtable
discussions will be posted on WebCT and discussed in class. Roundtable participants will be required to turn in
an outline of topic points, counter points, & a reference page (see guidelines for more information). Failure to
turn in an outline will result in a zero credit for the assignment as will missing the presentation altogether.

Make-up roundtable sessions will be allowed for cases of legitimate emergency only (see attendance/exam makeup
policy). If you miss your session due to an unexcused absence, you will receive a grade of zero, no exceptions.

Participation/Attendance Grade
A combination of participation and attendance will count for 10% of your overall grade. Again, students are
expected to read all assigned material prior to class meetings and attend all meetings. Roll will be taken each day.
Students who do not regularly participate in class discussions and who miss classes will be penalized on their
participation/attendance score. Unannounced reading assessments (quizzes) may be given throughout the semester
and will count toward the participation/attendance portion of the grade. Students who regularly participate
(proactively) and who have perfect, or near perfect, attendance should receive full credit (or very close to full) for
the participation/attendance grade. Students who have strong attendance, but don’t regularly participate will receive
half credit as will students who commonly participate, but miss several class meetings. Students who are
commonly absent and who do not regularly participate (which is impossible if you are always absent!) in class
discussion will receive NO CREDIT for participation.

Grade Scale
98-100 = A+ 88-89 = B+ 78-79 = C+ 68-69 = D+ 59 and below = F
93-97 = A 83-87 = B 73-77 = C 63-67 = D
90-92 = A- 80-82 = B- 70-72 = C- 60-62 = D-

NOTE: All reading assignments are posted on the course WebCT page.

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Assignments & Academic Calendar – Fall 2008

Date  Topic 
Tuesday, January 13, 2009  Syllabus 
Thursday, January 15, 2009  Course Overview 
Tuesday, January 20, 2009  Why Study Ethics? 
Thursday, January 22, 2009  Egoism and Virtue 
Tuesday, January 27, 2009  Utilitarianism/Consequentialism 
Thursday, January 29, 2009  Deontology 
Tuesday, February 03, 2009  The importance of ethics in ECS 
Thursday, February 05, 2009  Exam 1 
Tuesday, February 10, 2009  Digital Piracy 
Thursday, February 12, 2009  Roundtable 1 
Tuesday, February 17, 2009  Cybercrime 
Thursday, February 19, 2009  Roundtable 2 
Tuesday, February 24, 2009  Malware and Computer Intruders 
Thursday, February 26, 2009  Roundtable 3 
Tuesday, March 03, 2009  Guest Speaker  
Thursday, March 05, 2009  Exam 2 
Tuesday, March 10, 2009  Film  
Thursday, March 12, 2009  Film 
Tuesday, March 17, 2009  No class ‐ SPRING BREAK 
Thursday, March 19, 2009  No class ‐ SPRING BREAK 
Tuesday, March 24, 2009  Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering 
Thursday, March 26, 2009  Roundtable 4 
Tuesday, March 31, 2009  Film 
Thursday, April 02, 2009  Film & Discussion 
Tuesday, April 07, 2009  The Environment & Ethics 
Thursday, April 09, 2009  Roundtable 5 
Tuesday, April 14, 2009  Exam 3 
Thursday, April 16, 2009  Privacy Issues in ECS 
Tuesday, April 21, 2009  Roundtable 6 
Thursday, April 23, 2009  Artificial Intelligence 
Tuesday, April 28, 2009  Ethics & Nanotechnology 
Thursday, April 30, 2009  Roundtable 7 
Tuesday, May 05, 2009  No class ‐ study for finals 
Thursday, May 07, 2009  Exam 4 

NOTE: Readings in addition to those posted on WebCT may be assigned throughout the
semester.

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Course & Instructor Policies
Class Attendance
Class Attendance is expected each day and roll will be taken accordingly. Please do not arrive late. Excessive
absences will result in a loss of participation points (see above). The majority of test items will come from lectures
and discussions, so it is in your best interest not to miss class. Also, quizzes may be given if attendance is lacking.

Computer/Email Access
Students are expected to have set up their university computer account and understand how to use email and
WebCT. YOU MUST CORRESPOND WITH THE TA AND PROFESSOR SOLELY VIA YOUR WEBCT
Account!!!! Otherwise, your message will end up in a junk email folder…. Email messages will be sent to the class
in case of class cancellation or changes to topics, assignments, and etc. The class website (WebCT) will provide
access to the syllabus, required readings, power point slides, assignments, and grades. PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL
ME OR THE TA ABOUT INFORMATION THAT IS PROVIDED ON THE WEBSITE, if you do, you will most
likely not receive a response. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure that your UTD mail account is not full and
that you check it every day. Messages returned to me will not receive follow ups.

Make-up Exams & Late work

Make-up exams will only be given for the following reasons a) Severe Illness (proof required – a legitimate
physicians letter will be required and verified); and b) Religious holy days with sufficient prior notice in accordance
with UTD policy; c) death of a family member (proof required). SIMPLY NOT FEELING GOOD IS NOT A
VALID EXCUSE! Make-up exams will be in essay format and generally much more difficult than normal tests, so it
is in your best interest to be in attendance on test days. Late assignments will not be accepted unless there is an
emergency as listed above. If you have a legitimate reason in accordance with UTD policy for missing a class, it is
your responsibility to turn in any assignments early.

Extra Credit
Case by case. Students interested in extra credit opportunities should contact the professor.

General Questions about the Course

All general questions about the course should be emailed to the TA or asked during office hours or breaks.

Classroom Citizenship
As noted above, in-class participation is a component of your grade and everyone is encouraged to engage the
professor and fellow students during class as to contribute to the discussion. Please ask questions! You are each here
to learn and the best way to do that is by engaging in discussion about the topic and sharing ideas. In my experience,
classes that actively discuss and debate the issues are much more fruitful and more enjoyable for the students and for
the professor. Chances are that someone else has the same question/s as you, so please ask; it can only help your
grade! (Asking thoughtful questions related to the topic does constitute class participation). However, I insist
on respectfulness in the classroom for all participants. Disrespect to any classroom participant will not be tolerated.
Any classroom participant behaving in such a manner will be asked to leave the classroom and may be subject to
grade reduction or referral to the appropriate university officials.

In class distractions will also not be tolerated. This means that there will be NO USE OF ELECTRONIC
DEVICES! This includes, but is not limited to, cell phones, smartphones, ipods, PDAs, pocket PCs, and etc. Please
turn all electronic devices to their off (or silent) positions during class hours. If you have an emergency phone call,
please quietly leave the classroom prior beginning the conversation. DO NOT TEXT IN CLASS!!! The use of a
laptop is allowed for the general audience for CLASS PURPOSES ONLY. Surfing the internet and/or
chatting is not allowed. Students caught violating this policy will lose the privilege of laptop use in class and
will lose participation points. Sleeping in class will also not be tolerated as this is both disrespectful to both the
professor and fellow students. Students will lose credit points for sleeping in class.

Sound recording devices are NOT authorized for use in this class.

Technical Support

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 If you experience any problems with your UTD account you may send an email to: assist@utdallas.edu or call the UTD
Computer Helpdesk at 972-883-2911.

Field Trip Policies

Off-campus Instruction and Course Activities

Off-campus, out-of-state, and foreign instruction and activities are subject to state law and University policies and
procedures regarding travel and risk-related activities. Information regarding these rules and regulations may be
found at the website address http://www.utdallas.edu/BusinessAffairs/Travel_Risk_Activities.htm. Additional
information is available from the office of the school dean. Below is a description of any travel and/or risk-related
activity associated with this course.

Student Conduct & Discipline

The University of Texas System and The University of Texas at Dallas have rules and regulations for the orderly and
efficient conduct of their business. It is the responsibility of each student and each student organization to be
knowledgeable about the rules and regulations which govern student conduct and activities. General information on
student conduct and discipline is contained in the UTD publication, A to Z Guide, which is provided to all registered
students each academic year.

The University of Texas at Dallas administers student discipline within the procedures of recognized and established
due process. Procedures are defined and described in the Rules and Regulations, Series 50000, Board of Regents, The
University of Texas System, and in Title V, Rules on Student Services and Activities of the university’s Handbook of
Operating Procedures. Copies of these rules and regulations are available to students in the Office of the Dean of
Students, where staff members are available to assist students in interpreting the rules and regulations (SU 1.602,
972/883-6391). (CONT.)

A student at the university neither loses the rights nor escapes the responsibilities of citizenship. He or she is expected
to obey federal, state, and local laws as well as the Regents’ Rules, university regulations, and administrative rules.
Students are subject to discipline for violating the standards of conduct whether such conduct takes place on or off
campus, or whether civil or criminal penalties are also imposed for such conduct.

Academic Integrity

The faculty expects from its students a high level of responsibility and academic honesty. Because the value of an
academic degree depends upon the absolute integrity of the work done by the student for that degree, it is imperative
that a student demonstrate a high standard of individual honor in his or her scholastic work.

Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, statements, acts or omissions related to applications for enrollment
or the award of a degree, and/or the submission as one’s own work or material that is not one’s own. As a general rule,
scholastic dishonesty involves one of the following acts: cheating, plagiarism, collusion and/or falsifying academic
records. Students suspected of academic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary proceedings.

Plagiarism, especially from the web, from portions of papers for other classes, and from any other source is
unacceptable and will be dealt with under the university’s policy on plagiarism (see general catalog for details). This
course will use the resources of turnitin.com, which searches the web for possible plagiarism and is over 90% effective.
DO NOT CUT AND PASTE WORK FROM WEBSITES OR ANY OTHER SOURCE!!!

Copyright Notice

The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other
reproductions of copyrighted materials, including music and software. Copying, displaying, reproducing, or distributing
copyrighted works may infringe the copyright owner’s rights and such infringement is subject to appropriate
disciplinary action as well as criminal penalties provided by federal law. Usage of such material is only appropriate
when that usage constitutes “fair use” under the Copyright Act. As a UT Dallas student, you are required to follow the
institution’s copyright policy (Policy Memorandum 84-I.3-46). For more information about the fair use exemption, see
http://www.utsystem.edu/ogc/intellectualproperty/copypol2.htm

Email Use

The University of Texas at Dallas recognizes the value and efficiency of communication between faculty/staff and
students through electronic mail. At the same time, email raises some issues concerning security and the identity of
each individual in an email exchange. The university encourages all official student email correspondence be sent only
to a student’s U.T. Dallas email address and that faculty and staff consider email from students official only if it
originates from a UTD student account. This allows the university to maintain a high degree of confidence in the

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 identity of all individual corresponding and the security of the transmitted information. UTD furnishes each student
with a free email account that is to be used in all communication with university personnel. The Department of
Information Resources at U.T. Dallas provides a method for students to have their U.T. Dallas mail forwarded to other
accounts.

Withdrawal from Class

The administration of this institution has set deadlines for withdrawal of any college-level courses. These dates and
times are published in that semester's course catalog. Administration procedures must be followed. It is the student's
responsibility to handle withdrawal requirements from any class. In other words, I cannot drop or withdraw any
student. You must do the proper paperwork to ensure that you will not receive a final grade of "F" in a course if you
choose not to attend the class once you are enrolled.

Student Grievance Procedures

Procedures for student grievances are found in Title V, Rules on Student Services and Activities, of the university’s
Handbook of Operating Procedures.

In attempting to resolve any student grievance regarding grades, evaluations, or other fulfillments of academic
responsibility, it is the obligation of the student first to make a serious effort to resolve the matter with the instructor,
supervisor, administrator, or committee with whom the grievance originates (hereafter called “the respondent”). Individual
faculty members retain primary responsibility for assigning grades and evaluations. If the matter cannot be resolved at that
level, the grievance must be submitted in writing to the respondent with a copy of the respondent’s School Dean. If the
matter is not resolved by the written response provided by the respondent, the student may submit a written appeal to the
School Dean. If the grievance is not resolved by the School Dean’s decision, the student may make a written appeal to the
Dean of Graduate or Undergraduate Education, and the deal will appoint and convene an Academic Appeals Panel. The
decision of the Academic Appeals Panel is final. The results of the academic appeals process will be distributed to all
involved parties.

Copies of these rules and regulations are available to students in the Office of the Dean of Students, where staff members are
available to assist students in interpreting the rules and regulations.

Incomplete Grade Policy

As per university policy, incomplete grades will be granted only for work unavoidably missed at the semester’s end and only
if 70% of the course work has been completed. An incomplete grade must be resolved within eight (8) weeks from the first
day of the subsequent long semester. If the required work to complete the course and to remove the incomplete grade is not
submitted by the specified deadline, the incomplete grade is changed automatically to a grade of F.

Disability Services

The goal of Disability Services is to provide students with disabilities educational opportunities equal to those of their non-
disabled peers. Disability Services is located in room 1.610 in the Student Union. Office hours are Monday and Thursday,
8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The contact information for the Office of Disability Services is:

The University of Texas at Dallas, SU 22,PO Box 830688Richardson, Texas 75083-0688, (972) 883-2098 (voice or TTY)

Essentially, the law requires that colleges and universities make those reasonable adjustments necessary to eliminate
discrimination on the basis of disability. For example, it may be necessary to remove classroom prohibitions against tape
recorders or animals (in the case of dog guides) for students who are blind. Occasionally an assignment requirement may be
substituted (for example, a research paper versus an oral presentation for a student who is hearing impaired). Classes
enrolled students with mobility impairments may have to be rescheduled in accessible facilities. The college or university
may need to provide special services such as registration, note-taking, or mobility assistance.

It is the student’s responsibility to notify his or her professors of the need for such an accommodation. Disability Services
provides students with letters to present to faculty members to verify that the student has a disability and needs
accommodations. Individuals requiring special accommodation should contact the professor after class or during office
hours.

Religious Holy Days

The University of Texas at Dallas will excuse a student from class or other required activities for the travel to and
observance of a religious holy day for a religion whose places of worship are exempt from property tax under Section 11.20,
Tax Code, Texas Code Annotated.

R. Morris – Social Issues & Ethics in Computer Science and Engineering - Course Syllabus Page 6
 The student is encouraged to notify the instructor or activity sponsor as soon as possible regarding the absence, preferably in
advance of the assignment. The student, so excused, will be allowed to take the exam or complete the assignment within a
reasonable time after the absence: a period equal to the length of the absence, up to a maximum of one week. A student who
notifies the instructor and completes any missed exam or assignment may not be penalized for the absence. A student who
fails to complete the exam or assignment within the prescribed period may receive a failing grade for that exam or
assignment.

If a student or an instructor disagrees about the nature of the absence [i.e., for the purpose of observing a religious holy day]
or if there is similar disagreement about whether the student has been given a reasonable time to complete any missed
assignments or examinations, either the student or the instructor may request a ruling from the chief executive officer of the
institution, or his or her designee. The chief executive officer or designee must take into account the legislative intent of
TEC 51.911(b), and the student and instructor will abide by the decision of the chief executive officer or designee.

These descriptions and timelines are subject to change at the discretion of the
Professor.

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