This course deals with the impact of computers on us as individuals and on our society. Rapid changes in computing technology and in our use of that technology have changed the way we work, play, and interact with other people. These changes have created a flood of new social and legal issues that demand critical examination. For example, technologies such as Gmail, Facebook, MySpace, along with music sharing sites and wikis create new social, ethical, and legal issues. This course is offered as both CSE 312 and ISE 312.
Prerequisite: U3 or U4 standing, one D.E.C. E or SNW course
Course Objectives
• Demonstrate an understanding of how computing and information systems give rise to social issues and ethical dilemmas
• Demonstrate an ability to discuss the benefits offered by computing technology in many different areas and the risks and problems associated with these technologies
• Demonstrate an understanding of some social, legal, philosophical, political, constitutional, and economic issues related to computers and the historical background of these issues
* Recognize the need for continuing professional development
Grading Policy
Course grades will be based on a combination of:
• four written homework assignments (2 @ 2% each, 2 @ 6% each, total weight 16%)
• one ten-minute in-class pair presentation (16%)
• class participation (in the form of constructive contributions to the class discussion forum on Blackboard, as well as regular attendance checks) (10% total)
• four closed-book in-class quizzes (2% each, total weight 8%)
• one closed-book written midterm exam (20%)
• one closed-book comprehensive written final examination (30%)
Extra credit opportunities may be offered as the semester progresses (their existence is not guaranteed). The total of any extra credit points that you earn throughout the semester cannot exceed 25% of the difference between your "regular" final grade (not counting extra credit) and 100 points. For example, if your (non-extra-credit) final grade is 84, your accumulated extra credit will only increase your final grade by a total of 4 points (100 - 84, divided by 4).
All grades will be posted on Blackboard. Each assignment's contribution to the final weighted grade is calculated as follows: Divide your assignment score by the total points available for that assignment. Multiply that percentage by the assignment weight. For example, if you score 83 out of 100 on the midterm exam (worth 20%), you would earn (83/100) * 20 or 16.6 points toward your final weighted grade (measured on a scale of 0–100).
Final letter grades will be assigned according to the following scale (we will use the ceiling function to automatically round any grades with fractional components to the next whole integer):
| Weighted Point Total | Final Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 94-100 | A |
| 91-93 | A- |
| 88-90 | B+ |
| 84-87 | B |
| 81-83 | B- |
| 78-80 | C+ |
| 74-77 | C |
| 71-73 | C- |
| 65-70 | D |
| 0-64 | F |
Assignment Submission Policy: Each assignment clearly states its due date and specifies important submission information (formatting/style guidelines, etc.). Late or improperly-submitted assignments will NOT be accepted for grading. Presentations MUST be made on the scheduled date, barring weather, religious, or medical issues. Failure to present on the assigned date may result in the complete loss of those points. Submissions with offensive or defamatory content will receive a point deduction, possibly up to the assignment's full value (thereby earning a 0).
Grade Challenge Policy: The TAs and I will endeavor to post grades as soon as possible after homework assignments and exams are turned in (normally within 7–10 days of the assignment due date or exam date). Questions about or challenges to assignment or exam grading MUST be made IN WRITING within ONE WEEK of that grade being posted; after that period, grades are considered final for that assignment.
Attendance Policy: Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class meeting. Absences may be excused for documented medical or religious reasons, or for documented participation in University-sponsored events. Each student is permitted up to TWO (2) unexcused absences for the semester. Additional unexcused absences will result in a 2-point deduction per absence from your final weighted grade total (for example, if your weighted final grade is a 92 and you have four unexcused absences for the semester, the two additional unexcused absences will lower your final grade to an 88).
Exam Policies: All students must bring photo ID to each exam. Students will not be admitted more than 10 minutes late to any exam. Make-up exams will be granted at the instructor's discretion, and ONLY for valid medical reasons (a doctor's note is required), for religious reasons, or for documented participation in University-sponsored events. Except for medical excuses, reasonable prior notification (at least 48 hours prior to the exam) to the instructor is REQUIRED in order for a make-up opportunity to be considered.
Policy on Electronic Devices in Class
Students are encouraged to bring laptops and tablet devices to class for note-taking purposes only. All communication and entertainment devices should be silenced or (preferably) turned off for the duration of the class unless otherwise directed by the instructor. No electronic devices of any sort may be consulted or used during exams; this will be considered an instance of academic dishonesty, and will be treated as such.
Americans With Disabilities Act
If you have a physical, psychological, medical or learning disability that may impact your course work, please contact the Student Accessibility Support Center (SASC), located in room 128 of the ECC (Educational Communications Center) Building. SASC’s phone number is (631) 632-6748. They will determine with you what accommodations, if any, are necessary and appropriate. All information and documentation is confidential. The SASC Web site is available online at http://stonybrook.edu/SASC. They can be reached via email at SASC@stonybrook.edu.
Students who require assistance during emergency evacuation are encouraged to discuss their needs with their professors and Disability Support Services. For procedures and information please visit http://www.stonybrook.edu/ehs/fire/ and search Fire Safety and Evacuation.
Academic Integrity Policy
Each student must pursue his or her academic goals honestly and be personally accountable for all submitted work. Representing another person's work as your own is always wrong. Any suspected instance of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Academic Judiciary. For more comprehensive information on academic integrity, including categories of academic dishonesty, please refer to the academic judiciary website at http://www.stonybrook.edu/uaa/academicjudiciary/ (Adopted by the Undergraduate Council 9/12/06)
Students who are found guilty of academic dishonesty will automatically receive a final grade of 'F' for the course.
Critical Incident Management
Stony Brook University expects students to respect the rights, privileges, and property of other people. Faculty are required to report to the Office of Judicial Affairs any disruptive behavior that interrupts their ability to teach, compromises the safety of the learning environment, or inhibits students' ability to learn.
Use of Email for Official Communication
Students, faculty, and staff are responsible for making sure they are receiving and checking for official University communications at their primary campus email address (@stonybrook.edu) on a regular basis, or making sure they forward their Stony Brook mail to a personal email account (Google Apps users only).