CS 492 The Social Implications of Computing


Watch a video introduction to this course on YouTube.

Objectives

This course considers the impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society. Its aim is to equip the student to make informed judgements about the social and ethical consequences of the deployment of computing technologies, and to foster critical thought and professional responsibility.

Intended Audience

CS 492 is a course for CS major students, and is normally completed in a student's fourth year. A thorough knowledge of computing is assumed.

Related Courses

Prerequisites: CS 240; Computer Science students only.

Hardware/Software

Used in Course: Unix-based text editor/formatter of student's choice for preparing assignments and Web documents.

References

Computerization and Controversy, 2nd ed., edited by R. Kling, Academic Press, 1996. Instructors may also package additional topical readings on a term-by-term basis.

Schedule

3 contact hours per week, split between lecture, discussion section, and tutorial at the discretion of the instructor. Normally available in Winter and Spring.

Notes

  1. Because of the nature of this course, enrolment may be limited. A small number of graduate students may also be permitted to take the course.
  2. The mark for the course will be based on assignments, project work, and class participation; these may involve doing library research, writing essays and term papers, and preparing presentations.
  3. The course may include presentations by guest lecturers.

Outline

Following the introduction, the course will explore a number of themes through reference to specific technologies and case studies. Emphasis is placed on understanding the depth and range of possible problems before suggesting and evaluating possible solutions.

Introduction

General issues which arise with the introduction of computer technologies. Comparisons with other forms of technology. Methodologies in the natural and social sciences. The philosophical basis of ethical discussion.

Themes

Major aspects of the impact of computing, including some of the following: privacy and social control, security and safety, utopianism and dystopianism, social interactions, the workplace, crime, intellectual property issues, public perception of computers, professionalism and responsibility, human rights.

Specific Situations and Technologies

Possible specific topics include: responsibility in the software engineering cycle, the Internet and its services, the information highway and convergence of media, computerized voting, the social responsibility of artificial intelligence researchers, educating the computer scientist, office automation and telecommuting, critical systems, hacking, and computer viruses.