CS 340 – Legal & Ethical Issues in Computing – SPRING 2013 - 3 hours
C Course designation: CS 102 or an equivalent is a required pre-requisite. Extensive use of the computer is required for a passing
grade in this course.
Course Objective: To increase awareness of the ethical and legal issues of computing and responsible use.
Course Description: By way of case study and fact pattern analysis, we will find and frame legal and ethical issues presented by
past, contemporary and emerging technology. Cases and events will be examined. At the conclusion of the semester, students
will be able identify and discuss legal and ethical issues presented by technology.
Instructor:
Leslie Dixon
Office: 202B Houser Hall; 205-348-1663
Email: Ldixon@cs.ua.edu (please include a subject)
Office Hours*:
Monday 1:15– 3:45 p.m.
Wednesday 1:15 – 3:45 p.m.
other times available by appointment.
Course Websites: http://cs340.cs.ua.edu & https://ualearn.blackboard.com/
Twitter: cs340
Required Text: Ethics in a Computing Culture Binkman ISBN: 1-111-53110-2
Grading:
Quizzes (may be online or in-class):
In-class work, participation, assignments:
Midterm Exam (Tuesday, March 5 in class):
Final Exam (Wednesday, May 1 at 3:30 pm, Lloyd 38.):
25%
25%
25%
25%
Participation and Attendance: CS 340 differs from most computer science classes for non-majors in that it is discussion-based as
opposed to project based. Tests, quizzes, and the project will be derived from not only the readings but also class dialogue. Due
to the nature of the material, attending class and being prepared and willing to discuss the topic of the day is crucial. Attendance
and participation will be factored into your course letter grade.
IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO COMMIT TO CLASS ATTENDANC OR PARTICIPATION, PLEASE DROP CS 340 AND CHOOSE ANOTHER
CLASS FOR YOUR REQUIREMENTS.
Grading Scale:
98.0-100.0
92.0-97.9
89.5-91.9
88.0-89.4
82.0-87.9
79.5-81.9
78.0-79.4
A+
A
AB+
B
BC+
72.0-77.9
69.5-71.9
68.0-69.4
62.0-67.9
59.5-61.9
00.0-59.4
C
CD+
D
DF
Makeup Work and Makeup Quiz and Exam Policy: Occasionally, students will miss class for legitimate reasons beyond their
control. Work should be completed and submitted on or before the due date. Late work will be accepted on a case-by-case basis,
and if accepted, a penalty may be imposed. Students with University-related travel must make arrangements in advance.
Students with chronic illness or experiencing sudden catastrophic events should contact me with details ASAP so that we can
make appropriate arrangements. A makeup quiz or exam may be in a different format than the regular quiz or exam. For
example, essay questions may be given for the makeup. If you miss a quiz or exam, please contact me ASAP for the best possible
outcome.
Academic Dishonesty: All students in attendance at the University of Alabama are expected to be honorable and to observe
standards of conduct appropriate to a community of scholars. The University expects from its students a higher standard of
conduct than the minimum required to avoid discipline. Academic misconduct includes all acts of dishonesty in any academically
related matter and any knowing or intentional help or attempt to help, or conspiracy to help, another student. The Academic
Misconduct Disciplinary Policy will be followed in the event of academic misconduct. Unless specified, all exams and outside class
work are to be each individual student’s own effort. Cheating will not be tolerated. Students agree that their enrollment in this
course allows the instructor the right to use electronic devices to help prevent plagiarism.
Accommodations: To succeed in this class you must be able to read and understand what you read, listen in class and
understand what you heard, follow directions, maintain responsible and courteous conduct, use the computer, and complete
work in a timely manner. All reasonable efforts to accommodate meritorious requests will be made. To request disability
accommodations, please contact Disability Services (348-4285). After initial arrangements are made with that office, contact me
so we can make a plan for your needs.
Outline of Topics:
I.
Cultural Implications of Technology
II.
Ethics
A.
B.
C.
The deontological and teleological viewpoints
Natural law and social contract viewpoints
Just Consequentialism
III.
First Amendment
A.
What kinds of speech are protected; what kinds are excluded?
B.
Special topics and areas of interest:
1.
Defamation
2.
Work place
3.
Sexting
4.
Spam
IV.
Intellectual Property
A.
Basics and case examples of:
1.
Copyrights
2.
Trademarks
3.
Patents
4.
Trade Secrets
B.
Special topics and areas of interest
1.
Fair Use
2.
Illegal downloading
3.
Trademark infringement
4.
Alternatives to traditional copyrights
V.
Privacy and Technology
A.
Constitutional fundamentals
B.
Implications of technology in law enforcement and investigation
C.
Informational privacy
D.
Workplace privacy
VI.
Crime and Torts in Technology
A.
Computer Security
B.
Hackers and “hacktivism”
C.
Computer and device safety and reliability