ITK 214 Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues in Information Technology

Transcription

1 ITK 214 Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues in Information Technology Instructor: Dr. Bryan Hosack Office: Old Union 107 Phone #: ITK Dept Phone #: Course Promise You illegally download a music file joining the ranks of some 30+ million people. Given that 30 million people are doing it, should it be a law not to? If it becomes legal, is then ethical to download someone s work for free without their consent to use as you please? You are working on a company team whose job it is to install software that allows you to use the computer speaker on the machine in someone s office as a microphone, enabling you to monitor what is occurring in the office. Should you participate? Now that you know this is possible, how much do you trust technology? We will address these issues and more in the study of personal, societal, legal, and ethical issues raised by the effects of information technology. The course offers you the opportunity to develop your critical thinking skills and apply them to questions, like: What are the ethical ramifications of information technology? Text Ethics in the Information Age by Michael J. Quinn - Second Edition Course Opportunities Throughout this course, we will explore the dynamic and complex nature of the world of information technology and its impact on society and on our individual lives. This course is designed to encourage the student to: Think critically about information technology issues, actively engage others in dialogue about them, relate them to personal and societal values, and take informed action. Gain insight and a richer understanding of the dynamic and complex social, legal, and ethical issues involved in the adoption and deployment of information technology. Analyze and critically evaluate ideas, arguments, and points of view. Express a reasoned position on an issue, both orally and in writing. Develop a clearer understanding of and commitment to personal values. Understand and appreciate intellectual and cultural differences between individuals and cultures. Topics covered will include, but are not limited to: definitions of information technology, approaches to ethical reasoning, benefits of computer technology, information privacy, freedom of speech, intellectual property, computer crime, computers and work, and professional ethics. Communication with Me: Students may communicate directly with me by . I welcome feedback from you, including anonymous feedback. You can send it via or in form of a

2 note by placing it under my office door. If you have questions about the course please put ITK214 Question in the subject line. If you are submitting assignments electronically please put ITK214 Assignment [number] in the subject line. Class time will consist of the following activities: Lecture Discussion Student Presentations In-Class Exercises Assignments will be given in the following formats: Writing personal reflection, persuasive, and summary papers Preparing and giving in class presentations Exams The grading scale is: Grading A - 92%, B - 84%, C - 75%, D - 66%, F 65% or less Your grade will be determined by the following categories: Exams 2 in-class exams (100 points each) for 200 points In class presentation - 50 points Final Project points Short essays points There can also be an occasional on-line quiz on the assigned reading material. Thus, there will be about total points in the class. The actual number will depend on the actual assignments / quizzes given during the class. Course Policies Participation Policy Participation at each class meeting is vital for learning the material in this course you can t participate if you aren t in class. The material in your textbook will not be covered during class meetings. The textbook is background material which will enhance your understanding of the classroom material. Should you miss a class, you are responsible for obtaining any handouts, announcements, assignments made or given during these times and being prepared for the next class period. You should arrange to find out what was covered from another student (exchange names and phone numbers with a couple of your classmates in case you miss class). Do not expect the instructor to repeat or summarize a lecture for you. However, your are encouraged to see the instructor with specific questions regarding points that are confusing after having made an effort to learn the missed material. In order to get the most out of this class, active class participation is essential. It will be necessary for students to ask questions, answer questions, debate others, voice opinions, etc. The instructor may call upon students to participate, or you may volunteer to contribute during the class period. Students are expected to conduct themselves as professionals during the class. Students behaving in an unprofessional or disruptive manner will be asked to leave class.

3 Assignment Policy ALL assignments must be word-processed. A specific format for written assignments is on the class website. Points will be deducted for failure to follow the specified format. Points will also be deducted for poor spelling and poor grammar. Missing an Exam, Test or Assignment Deadline Exams: Make-up exams are NOT allowed except in extreme circumstances (as determined by your instructor). If you will miss an exam, it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to make contact with your instructor (prior to the exam). The instructor reserves the right to request written confirmation of any circumstances presented by the student. Late Assignments: Assignments may be submitted one class period late for half-credit. Assignments submitted more than one class period late will receive a zero. If you have extended illness, that is likely to interfere with your ability to keep up your work in the course, speak with your instructor as soon as possible before the situation gets out of control. Academic Integrity Unless specifically assigned and stated otherwise by the instructor, any work you turn is to be YOUR WORK, not a group effort. You may help each other with understanding the material, but do not copy work of another student or use assignments and projects developed by another student. Duplicate assignments will receive an automatic grade of zero. More than one duplicate assignment may result in failure of the course. For a complete description of ISU s Academic Integrity Policy, please refer to the current Illinois State Undergraduate Catalog. Please note that Academic Integrity prohibits plagiarism. Plagiarism is the unacknowledged appropriation of another s work, words, or ideas in any themes, outlines, papers, reports, speeches, or other academic work For this definition and more information, visit: THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR PLAGIARISM. Should you be caught plagiarizing any portion of your work during this course, you will automatically receive a grade of zero for the assignment. More than one instance of plagiarism may result in failure of the course. If you have any questions during the course about what plagiarism is and isn t, do not hesitate to seek the advice of the instructor. It is much better to bring up the issue and have your questions answered before turning in an assignment that may contain plagiarized material. Computer Use As a student in ITK 214 you will have access to the ITK computer labs on the first floor of Old Union. To enter the ITK computer labs you must present your student ID at the desk outside the labs. Lecture notes are available to you on Web CT or by going to the ITK computer lab and accessing the T drive on any labe computer. The first time you go to the ITK labs, you may wish to note the times the labs are open, which are posted across from the lab monitor s station.

4 Use of Labs and Equipment You are expected to follow all rules and guidelines for ITK Lab use as set by the ITK Department. No food or drinks are allowed in the ITK labs under any circumstances. Also, you are NOT to attempt to fix or repair any aspect of hardware in the labs. All such problems should be reported to an ITK Lab Monitor, who will report it to the maintenance staff. Printing in the ITK Computer Labs Printing in the ITK Labs will require you to have money in your Student ID card, which you will swipe each time you wish to get a printout, paying for it as you go. Make sure you have some money in your account to use for this, in case the need arises. Each page costs $.08. Keys to Success Read the text, as assigned, and re-read later Read the reading assignments before the topic is covered in class. Expect online quiz material to cover textbook material. Attend lecture, take notes, and participate Materials covered in class will go beyond the text. Topics raised during class discussions will be included on the exams. This includes material from student presentations Participating in discussions and in-class activities will not only assist you in learning the material in-depth, but it will also make each class period and the material more interesting. Get started early on assignments Give yourself time to ask questions if necessary. Avoid late assignment penalties. Ask questions, seek assistance Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns throughout the course. I sincerely want to help you make the most of this course.

5 Topics Assignment Due Dates 1 Introduction Ch , 1.4, 1.5, and the summary Ethical Theory Ch. 2 - all 2 Critical Thinking Skills Autobiography due Future Assignments / Expectations Technology is Everywhere due 3 Technology and Privacy Ch thru 5.6 and 5.9 Technology and Privacy 4 Technology and Privacy Technology and Free Speech Ethical Theory Assignment due 5 Technology and Free Speech Ch , 3.6, Technology and Free Speech Privacy Assignment due 6 Encryption and Communication Ch , 5.8, 5.11 Group Presentations 7 Group Presentations Group Presentations 8 Review Encryption and Wiretap Assignment due Exam 9 Break 10 Intellectual Property Ch. 4 - all Crime and Technology Ch , Crime and Technology Ch Artificial Intelligence Reading assignment - See Blackboard 12 Artificial Intelligence Artificial Intelligence Ch. 8 all and Ch thru Social Issues and Technology Social Issues and Technology 14 Can You Trust the Computer? Ch. 3.10, Chap 6.5/AI Assignment due Presentations 15 Presentations Presentations 16 Presentations Wrap up 17 Final EXAM 3:10 PM Community Assignment due