The University of Texas at Dallas Fall 2005

Dr. Dachang Cong, GR 2.210 972-883-2297

Office Hours: W & F 9:30 - 11.30 AM dccong@utdallas.edu

CS 3385/001
(Call # 10684)
Ethics, Law, Society, and Computing

Course Description
This course studies broader topics on business ethics, business law, and the challenges and implications
of computer technology. As information revolution is reshaping business world and social life,
organizations (governments, corporations, and NGOs) and individuals are coming to grips with a wide
array of ethical dilemmas, legal/political complexities, and management challenges. In the global high-
tech world, the protection of intellectual property, especially software, is crucial. And professional ethics
must be emphasized more rigorously when job market is fluid and computer technology is omnipresent.
Other topics include career development, censorship, computer crimes, wiretapping, encryption,
privacy, and network reliability and safety. The course also examines risks from failures and malfunction
of computer systems. The instructor encourages students to find solutions (technical, market-based,
regulatory, or social) to computer-related challenges. In addition, the course probes the impacts of
artificial intelligence, biocomputing, and nanotechnology. The instructor encourages innovation and
originality. There are no prerequisites. Poor attendance and late work will impact on the grade
negatively.

Required Reading

Baase,Sara.

A Gift of Fire: Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues for Computers and the Internet
(second edition).

Recommended Web Reading

www.nytimes.com www.techreview.com www.scientificamerican.com

www.wired.com www.economist.com www.sjmercury.com
www.msnbc.com www.washingtonpost.com www.chron.com

Method of Evaluation

1) Term Paper 50% of final grade

2) Two Exams 50% of final grade
CS 3385 Page 2

Topics and Reading Assignments

I Orientation and Introduction Aug. 19

II Introduction to the Computer Revolution and the Digital Economy

The Rise and Half-Fall of Silicon Valley Aug. 22, 24, and 26

III Benefits of Computers Aug. 29, 31, and Sept. 2

Baase, A Gift of Fire, pp. 2-34.

IV Privacy and Information Sept. 7 and 9

Baase, A Gift of Fire, pp. 35-95.

V Wiretapping and Encryption Sept. 12, 14, and 16

Baase, A Gift of Fire, pp. 96-134.

VI The Trustworthiness of the Computer Sept. 19, 21, and 23

Baase, A Gift of Fire, pp. 135-191.

VII Political and Legal Issues Sept. 26, 28, and 30

Freedom of Speech

Baase, A Gift of Fire, pp. 192-233.

*Midterm exam to be scheduled.

VIII Software Protection and IP Oct. 3, 5, and 7

Baase, A Gift of Fire, pp. 234-279.

IX Computer Crimes Oct. 10, 12, and 14

Baase, A Gift of Fire, pp. 280-327.

X Computers and Workplace Oct. 17, 19, and 21

 Baase, A Gift of Fire, pp. 328-363.

CS 3385 Page 3

XI The Impact and Control of Computers Oct. 24, 26, and 28

Baase, A Gift of Fire, pp.364-399.

XII Professional Ethics and Responsibilities Oct. 31, Nov. 2, and 4

Baase, A Gift of Fire, pp. 400-453.

XIII Ethical Decision Making Nov. 7, 9, and 11

Harnessing Technology with Humanistic Values
Economic Disparities
Social Responsibility

XIV Career Development Nov. 14, 16, and 18

Organizational Culture
The Impacts of AI, Biocomputing, and Nanotechnology

**Final take-home exam questions to be distributed.

XV The future of Computer Technology Nov. 21 and 23

The Global Economy
The Bubbles in the Digital Economy

XV Conclusion Nov. 28

XV Study Report and final Take-Home Exam Due Nov. 30

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Format and Guidelines for the Term Paper

1. The cover page.

2. A description of your fieldwork (one typed and double-spaced page, about 250
words).

3. The background information about the characters (one typed and double-spaced
page, about 250 words). Please do not use real names.

4. A sample page of your field notes (about 150 words). The completion of Part 6
requires at least 30 pages of field notes.

5. A summary of Part 6 (about 150 words).

6. Through original/ethical/adequate ethnography and in your own words, narrate a

real story (significant, well-organized, polished, and with a focus and rich details) about
how computing has changed one aspect of American business (business ethics,
management, workplace, or career development) or American culture/society (family,
friendship, dating, communication, or law/criminal justice). Highlight an ethical
dilemma, an economic/financial crisis, a legal conundrum, a management challenge, a
career predicament, a cultural/social change, or a state of workplace turmoil (8 typed
and double-spaced pages, about 2,000 words). Discuss a tangle that the characters in
the story face in the beginning of the 21st century (one typed and double-spaced page,
about 250 words).

7. By drawing inspiration from Part 6 and resources from the book and lectures,
elaborate on what your story tells us about the impact of computing on ethics,
business, law, culture, and society. You are asked to present logical and convincing
arguments (3 typed and double-spaced pages, about 750 words). Then, offer one
innovative solution to the tangle (1 typed and double-spaced page, about 250 words).
You need to cite our book and other sources in a meaningful way (five times, in-text
style) in Part 7.
8. Works Cited.