Computers in Society: professional, ethical and legal issues

Aims

Computing takes place in a social context which can affect the ways in which technology develops and in turn may be affected by those developments. In this course, we study these influences, and examine questions that must be answered by computing professionals, policy makers, and members of the public, in relation to the potential uses and abuses of computing technology.

The course is illustrated by a number of case studies, and students are encouraged to draw upon a number of perspectives to address the issues raised by the case studies.

The course is designed to enable participants to:

• Be aware of a variety of views of computing, including: historical; professional; social; political and cultural.
• Identify areas of society where information technology has had a substantial impact and where its effects may be of concern.
• Appreciate how different perspectives can contribute to making choices about the development and use of computing technology.
• Appreciate the legal and social issues associated with the use of computers in organisations and computer crime.
• Critically assess the concepts, theories and issues in recent public debates about technology and society and develop a personal position.

Coursework consists of discussion questions, a group presentation, and a final written exam with essay-style questions. By those means it is expected that participants will also improve their verbal and written communication skills.