Computers in Society

Catalog description

Introduction to the social, legal, and ethical issues of computing, including the professional code of ethics and ethical considerations in artificial intelligence. Topics include how software development and computer use affects society, communities, individuals, and work, at both local and global scales, in the contexts of risk, privacy, computer crime, intellectual property, and professional decision-making, considering legal and ethical principles to inform the development of computing solutions that address the needs of user communities. Students analyze scenarios that allow them to view ethical decision-making as crucial to understanding the world, computing, and their interplay. Oral presentation and written reports are required.