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Syllabus

Computer Ethics - Computer Science 2315

Course Syllabus and Requirements
Dr. John Durrett, Esq. © 2019

Course: Computer Ethics

Description: Computer Ethics. A course in computer ethics, primarily for computer science majors, focusing on the
ethical codes of the professional societies, the philosophical bases of ethical decision-making, and the examination of
several contemporary case studies.

Textbooks: Quinn, M., Ethics for the Information Age, 7th Ed. ISBN-13:978-0-429654-8.

Audience: You should find this course interesting if you are: A Computer Science Major or Minor; A Criminal Justice,
Law Enforcement, or Business Major and Minor; Interested in Computer Forensics, Security or Cyber law; or, Preparing
to attend law school or law enforcement training.

Purpose: This course is constructed and offered within the scope of the university's mission and shared values as
contained in the 2017-2023 Texas State University Plan. The purpose or mission of this course is to present an
organized overview of the professional codes, ethical standards, laws, regulations, policies, common law principles and
court findings related to computer science of which individuals, who program, manage, operate, or forensically analyze
computers, should be aware. These course goals are met by presentation of lecture, readings, written exercises,
presentations and class discussion in the field of ethics and law related to the field of computer science. The course
has seven major thematic goals:
To review the fundamental knowledge necessary to understand what ethics are and why they are critically important
concerning computer science and its applications,
To present an organized review of the basis of ethical decisions and the errors in logic that frequently are associated

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with developing, implementing and evaluating ethical decisions,

To present relevant Codes of Ethics developed by professional societies associated with computer science, engineering
and related fields,
To introduce the legal and regulatory structure that is rapidly replacing contemporary professional Codes of Ethics,
To provide exposure to the major federal and state legislation affecting the use of computers and the Internet,
To present opportunities to learn and perform research on cases related to the application of professional ethics, laws
and regulations in the field of computer science, and,
To provide a forum for the discussion of ethics and laws for improving your conceptual and moral development as
computer science professionals.

ATTENDANCE POLICIES

Class attendance is essential to both learning and student performance. The University strongly encourages student
attendance. Specific absence policies are generally determined by the academic departments/school or, if no
departmental/school policy exists, by the instructor. I follow the University’s recommendation that the following are
considered as valid excuses for an absence: Injury or illness requiring treatment at home or in a hospital including any
temporary medical condition; Death of a family member; Required participation in a sponsored activity (See UPPS
02.06.03); A field trip or off-campus activity required for a non-elective course essential to a degree program;
Required participation in active military service (See UPPS 02.06.03); Official religious Holy Days (See UPPS
02.06.01). Attendance will be taken on a random basis each week and the relative percentages of attendance will be
used to determine 10% of your final grade.
GRADES
Grade symbols are defined in the Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs under the heading, "Grade Symbols. Your
grade will be determined by the total number of points earned on assignments and assessments as a proportion of
the total number of points that could have been earned on assignments and assessments converted to a percentage.
Grading symbols will be assigned on the basis of the grading scale shown in the TRACS Gradebook.
GRADE CHANGES

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Grades may be changed for the following reasons: A grade of "I" or "PR" may be changed upon completion of course
requirements. A grade may be changed if an error occurs in computing or recording. A grade may be changed if
information unavailable when the original grade was recorded is acquired.

If you wish to protest a grade earned in a course you should first discuss the grade with me. If no resolution is
reached, you may appeal the grade to the department chair. If no satisfactory conclusion is reached at this level, you
may appeal to the college dean, whose decision is final. Your appeal for change of grade must be filed not later than
two years after the grade is issued.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
In accordance with university policy and federal law, all members of the university community are responsible for
ensuring that students are not discriminated against because of a disability. To accomplish this goal, reasonable and
appropriate academic accommodations may be necessary for qualified students with disabilities. The Office of
Disability Services will coordinate with faculty members to facilitate necessary accommodations for students with
disabilities. If you are a student with a disability who will require an accommodation(s) to participate in this course,
please contact me as soon as possible. You will be asked to provide documentation from the Office of Disability
Services. Failure to contact me in a timely manner may delay your accommodations.
OFFICE HOURS
I keep regular office hours suitable to meet, confer, and counsel with you. Office hours are chosen for your
convenience and are posted on the TRACS site. I have a minimum of five hours of office time per week on a regular
schedule. I am available to meet at other times by appointment.

If I must cancel any office hour because of illness, attendance at a professional meeting, or an important and
unavoidable commitment, I will inform you in class and/or email or by a note upon my office door.
Office Location: 309K Comal Hall
Email:
JohnDurrett@txstate.edu, or
hd01@txstate.edu
Office Hours: 1:00-3:30 MW
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INSTRUCTIONAL SEQUENCE
I have provided you with an electronic course syllabi at the beginning of the semester as a part of the TRACS site for
the course. The purposes and objectives of the course with specific learning objectives are included in the textbook
chosen for instruction. The textbook will be covered in its entirety, all chapters.
EVALUATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS
Assessments are administered by the TRACS system online and must be completed by the due date specified for
each assessment. Assignment are made according to the requirements specified on the TRACS site and are due by
the due date specified for each assignment. The TRACS system is the final arbiter of the time of submission. Because
the assessments and the assignments have a flexible time for submission prior to the due date, none of the class
assessments or assignments are excused. Each assessment is worth as many points credit as questions.

The Student Honor Code or statement (See UPPS 07.10.01.) is required to be submitted with both assignments and
assessments. Students are expected to follow the Code of Student Conduct.
If final examinations are given, they are administered according to the published schedule.

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