PHIL-145 : Computers and Ethics

Course Information

Course, prefix, number, & title: PHIL-145 Computers and Ethics

Hours (Class, recitation, Laboratory, studio): 3; offered as needed

Credits: 3

Pre-requisites (if any): (Or Co-requisite) Students must complete any developmental requirements in English (see Proficiency in Math and English) prior to taking this course or enroll in ENGL-101 and BE-102 at the same time as this course.

Course Description in college catalog:

A consideration of the impact that computers have on society, emphasizing the effects on values produced by computerization and the responsibility that computer professionals have. Topics include: the process of ethical decision-making, privacy and confidentiality, computer crime, harassment, personal identification, checking honesty, mechani- zation, data secrecy, “computer” errors, computer decisions, proprietary rights, computer modeling, technological dependence, and professional codes.

Academic programs for which this course serves as a requirement or an elective:

A.S. Liberal Arts and Sciences (Mathematics and Science)

Can be used to satisfy requirement that reads: Free Elective, Liberal Arts and Science Elective, Humanities Elective, as elective credit.

General Education Outcomes: Below is a listing of General Education Outcome(s) that this course supports.

Communicate effectively in various forms
Use analytical reasoning to identify issues or problems and evaluate evidence in order to make informed decisions
Reason quantitatively as required in various fields of interest and in everyday life
use information management skills effectively for academic research and lifelong learning

Course-specific student learning outcomes:

1. Students will understand philosophical texts effectively through readings in the textbook and ancillary documents and articles on a diversity of philosophical perspectives on Issues with Computers and information systems and networks. Learning Activities will include: Readings, Discussions and written assignments.

2. Students will critically evaluate philosophical theories concerning ethical Issues with Computers and information systems and networks. Learning Activities will include: Readings, Discussions and written assignments.

3. Students will construct written essays, responses, and/or papers demonstrating the use of evidence-based information in drawing conclusions about ethical Issues with Computers and information systems and networks. Learning Activities will include: Readings, Discussions and written assignments.

4. Students will identify the fundamental concepts and methods of philosophy and how these can be used to better understand the relationship between the individual and society via ethical Issues with Computers and information systems and networks. Discussions and written assignments. Learning Activities will include: Readings, Discussions and written assignments

5. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the appropriate use of philosophical methods in analyzing different ethical perspectives related to ethical Issues with Computers and information systems and networks .. Learning Activities will include: Readings, Discussions and written assignments.

6. Identify and engage with local, national, or global trends and ideologies, and analyze their impact on individual or collective decision-making on ethical Issues with Computers and information systems and networks .. Learning Activities will include: Readings, Discussions and written assignments.

Methods by which student learning will be assessed and evaluated; describe the types of methods to be employed; note whether certain methods are required for all sections:

All sections will satisfy the college requirements for Writing Intensive instruction.

All sections will involve exercises involving reading comprehension and critical thinking skills development.

Academic Integrity policy (department or College):
Academic honesty is expected of all students. Any violation of academic integrity is taken extremely seriously. All assignments and projects must be the original work of the student or teammates. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Any questions regarding academic integrity should be brought to the attention of the instructor. The following is the Queensborough Community College Policy on Academic Integrity: "It is the official policy of the College that all acts or attempted acts that are violations of Academic Integrity be reported to the Office of Student Affairs. At the faculty member's discretion and with the concurrence of the student or students involved, some cases though reported to the Office of Student Affairs may be resolved within the confines of the course and department. The instructor has the authority to adjust the offender's grade as deemed appropriate, including assigning an F to the assignment or exercise or, in more serious cases, an F to the student for the entire course." Read the University's policy on Academic Integrity opens in a new window(PDF).

Disabilities
Any student who feels that he or she may need an accommodation based upon the impact of a disability should contact the Office of Accessibility Services in Science Building, Room S-132, 718-631-6257, to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. You can visit the Office of Accessibility Services website.