3 credits
Spring 2026 Lecture Upper Division
This course provides an overview of current and essential professional and ethical issues in computing and their impact on society. Topics specialize in the impact of computing, including algorithmic bias, motives behind design decisions, data ethics, privacy and security, and legal issues. The goal of this course is to equip students with the framework and context necessary to think critically about the impact of computing. Discussions and readings will include current events.
Learning Outcomes1Identify the causes behind some contemporary ethical concerns in computing.
2Apply critical thinking and analytical abilities to a conversation around the impact of computing on society.
3Apply reasoning to real-world case studies to analyze the ramifications of unethical practices.
4Appreciate the importance of diverse experiences, thoughts, and backgrounds in Computer Science, both in academia and industry.
5Understand some legal issues, privacy impacts, social issues, and other topics as they apply to computing.
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