To examine personal and contemporary organizational ethical issues and challenges in the design, development, and use of computing technologies in a global environment. Special emphasis on philosophical basis for computer ethics, reliability and safety of computer systems, protecting software and other intellectual property, computer crime and legal issues, and professional codes of ethics.

Demonstrate the ability to include ethical considerations in your decision-making

1. Outline the manner in which historical philosophers have addressed ethical issues
2. Explain the ethical issues and options that confront IT workers and IT users
3. Identify the actions that should be taken upon discovery of a security intrusion
4. Summarize the capabilities of surveillance technologies as they impact privacy
5. Analyze key federal laws and their effects on technological freedom of expression
6. Examine the scope of intellectual property issues and the available protection measures
7. Define potential ethical issues software manufactures face when making decisions
8. Elaborate on the manner in which AI and machine learning may introduce bias
9. Discuss ethical issues associated with the use of social networks and social media
10. Survey recent whistle-blowing cases focusing on associated ethical issues

Grade will be assigned based both on concepts and practical application. An overall grade will be assigned on the following grading scale:
     90%  - 100%         A
     80%  -  89%          B
     70%  -  79%          C
     60%  -  69%          D
     0%    -  59%          F

Time Commitment: This class is a junior level college class. Please plan on spending roughly 12 hours a week dedicated to this class (this includes weekly meeting). 

Reading Assignments: All assigned readings and supplemental material will be used as a basis for class discussions, labs, projects, and final paper. Students are expected to study the assigned readings and materials before each class meeting and may be called upon at random to participate in discussions.

Class Participation: For in-person sections, attendance is required for all days the campus is open. For distance learning students, there is no attendance. 

Technology Requirements: Basic use of Microsoft Office applications.

Quizzes: There will be quizzes throughout the semester to assist with reinforcing concepts introduced through readings and supplemental materials. These quizzes will take a variety of formats.

Exams: There will be one midterm and one final exam, as well as a pre-course assessment. There are no makeups for these tests.

Projects: In this course, you will have projects which will be used to enhance your knowledge of topics covered in this class. Projects may, or may not, reflect current topics but may be used to refresh previous topics or to introduce new topics to ensure success in this course. Projects may be assigned on an individual basis or as a group. If assigned as a group, all group members will receive the same grade.

Labs: In this course, you may have labs, each with its unique purpose. These labs are all about helping you truly grasp the important concepts we cover. Some of these labs will be from the book while others may be custom made. You can find detailed instructions for each lab assignment on Blackboard. Make sure to read each lab thoroughly on Blackboard BEFORE attempting.

Final Paper: You will be submitting a paper on computer ethics near the end of the semester – it is about preparing you for the real challenges you'll face in the IT world. By diving into ethical dilemmas and studying real world cases, you are developing critical thinking skills that are crucial for making tough decisions in your future career. This is not just about learning theories; it's about learning how to apply these principles in real-life scenarios, which is what you will be doing as a professional. Plus, it is a great chance for you to practice articulating and debating complex issues, skills that are invaluable in any collaborative work environment. This paper is a stepping stone towards becoming a responsible, ethically-aware IT expert – a role that society really needs right now.

More details will be given on Blackboard. Midway through semester, you will propose a topic. Once approved, your paper will consist of:

     •    12 – 15 pages, not including supplemental material – charts, graphs, images, tables, etc.
     •    APA Style 7 formatting for all parts of the paper
     •    Times New Roman
     •    12-point, double spaced
     •    1-inch margins
     •    Minimum of eight references (four of which must be from peer-reviewed sources) 
 

NOTE: ALL requirements are subject to change based on the needs of the students.

Approved Course Texts/Readings:

Ethics in Information Technology – MindTap by George W. Reynolds   ISBN: 8220118180445

Throughout the course, there may be other supplemental readings and resources assigned.

Our primary goal is to equip you with a robust ethical framework, essential for navigating the complex terrain of the IT field. In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, understanding the intricate interplay of ethical, legal, and societal issues is not just beneficial but crucial. This course is tailored to sharpen your ethical acumen, enabling you to make informed decisions that reflect responsibility, transparency, and accountability. By comprehending the wider implications of your actions, you'll be better positioned to contribute positively to individuals, organizations, and society at large.

Throughout this course, we will delve into various key areas. You will learn how to integrate ethical considerations into your decision-making processes, drawing insights from historical philosophers who have grappled with ethical dilemmas. We will explore the unique ethical challenges faced by IT workers and users, including the appropriate responses to security intrusions. A significant focus will be on understanding the capabilities and ethical implications of surveillance technologies, particularly in relation to privacy concerns. Additionally, we will dissect key federal laws that influence technological freedom of expression, and scrutinize intellectual property issues, including protection mechanisms.

Further, we will discuss the ethical challenges software manufacturers encounter and the potential biases introduced by AI and machine learning. The ethical landscape of social networks and media will be analyzed to understand their broader societal impacts. Lastly, we will survey recent whistleblowing cases in the tech industry, examining the ethical issues they highlight. By the end of this course, you will not only have a theoretical understanding of these topics but also practical insights into applying ethical principles in real-world IT scenarios.

The instructor reserves the right to make changes to this syllabus and schedule during the semester for the benefit of the students. Any changes that affect grades or grading will be made as needed.

Also, there may be supplemental material added to the syllabus in order to benefit the student. These supplements may include videos, outside readings, special presentations, news articles, case studies, i.e. You are responsible for these materials as outlined on Blackboard.

Basic use of Microsoft Office applications.