GE Course Outline IT and Ethics

What this course is about?  This course is about understanding what people should or shouldn’t do on a computer and the controversies and debates behind these issues.  This course aims at exploring these issues, through in-class discussions and debates, to show different points of view.

What this course is about?  The course will cover case studies and basic legal and privacy aspects of IT use.  Topics may include basic concepts, such as software licenses to copyright infringements, file-sharing, free speech concerns, computer crimes, date privacy, etc.

What this course is about?  The course prepares students to behave in acceptable ethical manner when using IT in the workplace

CILOs 1.Explain key concepts of IT ethics 2.Explain ethics-related issues, such as copyrights, licenses, privacy and be able to debate on different viewpoints of these issues 3.Develop a better sense of IT ethics and acceptable behaviour for professionals

Format  3-hour lecture/tutorial  Student blog presentations  Weekly formal debates  Semester-long project progress  Lectures/discussions  Assessment:  70% Coursework  30% Exam

Assessment Details  Blog (10%)  Self-reflective journal (5%)  Class participation/debates (15%)  Presentations (10%)  Final Report (30%)  Final Exam (30%)

Weekly Topics  A different topic/issue will be explored and debated each week.  Realistic scenarios are created to help students related easier to the IT ethics issues being discussed

Scenarios for Discussion  “I’m a student working part-time at CityU admissions office and I have access to tons of personal contact information. Is it okay for me to give the info to my friend who is selling life insurance?”  “If we send secret (encrypted) messages to friends, should the Government be allowed to decrypt my messages without me knowing?”

Scenarios for Discussion  “We basically depend on computer software for everything. Should we have guarantees that it is safe and accurate?”  “Your best friend just bought a cool new computer game. Why not just make a copy for yourself?”  “I bought a new CD with really cool songs. Why can’t I rip it and share it with my friends on the Internet?”

Scenarios for Discussion  “Why can’t I post nude photos (pornography) on my website? Isn’t that freedom of speech?”  “My hacker friend just helped me erase my nemesis’ facebook page. How cool is that?”  “With my friend’s date of birth and address, I can easily set up an account to impersonate him. Won’t that be fun?”

Scenarios for Discussion  “Whenever no one’s watching, I surf the web and watch Youtube videos during work. Having fun and getting paid. Isn’t it cool?”