Course Overview Becoming a professional in the fields of computing and engineering requires one to learn far more than just technical skills. Indeed, there is a growing sentiment in these disciplines that so-called skills” in “soft communication, teamwork, project management, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning are just as important to professional success. In this course, you will learn and practice these skills within the context of real-world dilemmas and scenarios brought about by the advent of technology. The emphasis will be on helping you to develop the knowledge and soft skills that you will need as a professional in the computing and engineering fields. To that end, the course aims to lay a foundation for you to become a computing or engineering professional who is able (a) to develop carefully-reasoned and well-grounded positions, (b) to engage in civil discourse with others, (c) to formulate sound professional policies and practices, (d) to behave professionally and responsibly on the job, and (e) to manage team projects. Learning Outcomes After successfully completing this course, you will recognize the ways in which computing and communications technologies have given rise, and continue to give rise, to social and ethical dilemmas. understand, and be able to formulate analyses and positions based on four ethical frameworks: Kantianism, Act Utilitarianism, Rule Utilitarianism, and Social Contract Theory. be able to engage in civil discourse regarding the benefits and risks of computing technology in many different areas. This includes the ability to (a) convincingly articulate the arguments on all sides of a controversial issue rooted in ethical frameworks; (b) listen carefully to others’ arguments; and (c) critique and provide constructive feedback on others’ positions. be able to formulate, and make decisions based on, sound policies for professional conduct that take into consideration the rights and needs of all those with a stake in software products and services. be able to work efficiently and productively as a member of a team. Be able to effectively manage team projects. Materials and Resources As indicated above, there are two required textbooks for this course, and you are required to purchase an iClicker. In addition, you should bring a laptop computer to each class, as it will prove useful for some of the in-class activities. Course Schedule Week Topics Readings Work Due Introduction to course Quinn 1 1 Ethics I Quinn 2.1-2.3, 2.6. 2.7 Reading Quiz #1 2
Course Overview Becoming a professional in the fields of computing and engineering requires one to learn far more than just technical skills. Indeed, there is a growing sentiment in these disciplines that so-called “soft skills” in communication, teamwork, project management, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning are just as important to professional success. In this course, you will learn and practice these skills within the context of real-world dilemmas and scenarios brought about by the advent of technology. The emphasis will be on helping you to develop the knowledge and soft skills that you will need as a professional in the computing and engineering fields. To that end, the course aims to lay a foundation for you to become a computing or engineering professional who is able (a) to develop carefully-reasoned and well-grounded positions, (b) to engage in civil discourse with others, (c) to formulate sound professional policies and practices, (d) to behave professionally and responsibly on the job, and (e) to manage team projects. Learning Outcomes After successfully completing this course, you will recognize the ways in which computing and communications technologies have given rise, and continue to give rise, to social and ethical dilemmas. understand, and be able to formulate analyses and positions based on four ethical frameworks: Kantianism, Act Utilitarianism, Rule Utilitarianism, and Social Contract Theory. be able to engage in civil discourse regarding the benefits and risks of computing technology in many different areas. This includes the ability to (a) convincingly articulate the arguments on all sides of a controversial issue rooted in ethical frameworks; (b) listen carefully to others’ arguments; and (c) critique and provide constructive feedback on others’ positions. be able to formulate, and make decisions based on, sound policies for professional conduct that take into consideration the rights and needs of all those with a stake in software products and services. be able to work efficiently and productively as a member of a team. Be able to effectively manage team projects. Materials and Resources As indicated above, there are two required textbooks for this course, and you are required to purchase an iClicker. In addition, you should bring a laptop computer to each class, as it will prove useful for some of the in-class activities. Course Schedule Week Topics Readings Work Due 1 Introduction to course Quinn 1 2 Ethics I Quinn 2.1-2.3, 2.6. 2.7 Reading Quiz #1
EE302-syllabusVer2.docx