CS 4345A Computerization in Society

Spring 1999

Class Time Tuesday and Thursday 8:00-9:30am
Instructor Peter Freeman
COC 156
404 894-4222
freeman@cc
hours: by appointment
TA Deidre Paris
deidre@cc
hours:9:30-10:30, Tuesdays & Thursdays
Text Zuboff,S. (1988) In the Age of the Smart Machine. Basic Books (Req'd)

Contents

Course Description

As a 4000-level course, Computerization in Society is offered primarily for seniors and graduate students as a required course for undergraduates majoring in computer science. Courses in the ethical considerations and social impact of computing have become an important component of computer science curricula. This is because the computer science community has come to believe that, as computer scientists, technologists, and engineers, we have a special responsibility to be well informed about the social aspects and consequences of the technologies we create. A well-educated computer professional is one who is aware of both the opportunities and problems created by computerization. As society becomes increasingly more dependent on computing, today's computing professional is challenged not only by decisions about technical issues, but also about the impacts of those choices on local and global communities.

Grading

Class project/deliverables
40%
Class attendance/participation 20%
Discussion leadership 20%
Mid-Term 20%