The University of Texas at Dallas Spring 2006

Dr. Dachang Cong 972-883-2297

W and F: 12 – 1:15 PM dccong@utdallas.edu

ISEC 4395/001
(11112)
Computing in Society

Course Description
The goal of this course is to study how the digital economy (chip-making, computing, IT services,
and telecommunications) reshapes American society and how Americans harness the digital
technology with humanistic values. The course offers a historical overview of computing and
examines the social contexts and cultural meanings of the Internet in an interdisciplinary
perspective. How can we better understand the tech meltdown and the post-bubble economy? What
is the career future for IT knowledge workers? How does the digital technology influence art, film-
making, and animation. How can we fight terrorism with computer technology? How do we cope
with computer crimes, system disasters, and information overload/anxiety? How does computing
change popular culture? How do Silicon Valley and Hollywood help create a new global culture?
How do we ease age, gender, and income disparities? How are we going to live with intelligent
software and thinking computers in the 21st century? How will new tools of communication change
our social behavior? What are the future roles of robotics and nanotechnology? How does
computing reshape medical technology and health care? Those are some of the questions to be
pondered in the class. Other topics include education, career development, human rights, and
privacy issues. Each student is required to write a study report and complete two exams. The
instructor encourages innovation and originality. There are no prerequisites.

Required Reading

DePalma, Paul, ed.

Computers in Society 05/06.

Rheingold, Howard.
Smart Mobs.

Method of Evaluation

1) Study Report 50% of final grade

2) Two Exams 50% of final grade

ISEC 4395 Page 2

Topics and Reading Assignments

I Orientation Jan. 11 and 13

An Introduction to the Digital Economy
An Overview of Silicon Valley, Telecom Corridor, and Austin’s High-Tech Hub

II Creating the Digital Future Jan. 18 and 20

Chip-Making

Dertouzos, What Will Be, pp. 3-110.

III Transforming Culture, Society, Business, and Government Jan. 25 and 27

Computing

Dertouzos, What Will Be, pp. 113-226.

IV Harnessing Technology with Humanistic Values Feb. 1 and 3

Telecommunications

Dertouzos, What Will Be, pp. 229-328.

V Computing and Human Needs (1) Feb. 8 and 10

The Internet
Computing and Arts

DePalma, Computers in Society 05/06, Unit 1.

VI Computing and Human Needs (2) Feb. 15 and 17

Privacy, Human Rights, and Disparities

DePalma, Computers in Society 05/06, Unit 2.

VII Computing and Human Needs (3) Feb. 22 and 24

Business Ethics and Law

DePalma, Computers in Society 05/06, Unit 3.

VIII Computers in Society (1) Mar. 1 and 3

Computer Crimes and Disasters
Midterm

DePalma, Computers in Society 05/06, Unit 4.

ISEC 4395 Page 3

IX Computers in Society (2) Mar. 15 and 17

 Life Style and Work Style

DePalma, Computers in Society 05/06, Unit 5.

X Computers in Society (3) Mar. 22 and 24

Venture Capitalism and Wall Street
Bubbles, Crashes, and Panics

DePalma, Computers in Society 05/06, Unit 6.

XI Computers in Society (4) Mar. 29 and 31

Drucker on Entrepreneurship
Techie Entrepreneurialship
Dot.Com Fiascoes

DePalma, Computers in Society 05/06, Unit 7 and 8.

XII Leonard-Barton on Learning Apr. 5 and 7

Future of Communication and Society (1)
Drucker on Management Challenges

Rheingold, Smart Mobs, pp. xi-61.

XIII Kurzweil on the Spiritual Machine Apr. 12 and 14

Future of Communication and Society (2)
The Global Digital Revolution
Career Development

Rheingold, Smart Mobs, pp. 63-132.

*Take-home exam questions are distributed.

XIV Christensen on Innovator’s Dilemma Apr. 19 and 21

Future of Communication and Society (3)
Conclusion
Nanotechnology, and Med-Tech
Fighting Against Terrorism

Rheingold, Smart Mobs, pp. 133-215.

XV Study Report and Take-Home Exam Due Apr. 26