Semester.ly

Johns Hopkins University | EN.600.104

Computer Ethics

1.0

credits

Average Course Rating

(3.75)

Students will examine a variety of topics regarding policy, legal, and moral issues related to the computer science profession itself and to the proliferation of computers in all aspects of society, especially in the era of the Internet. The course will cover various general issues related to ethical frameworks and apply those frameworks more specifically to the use of computers and the Internet. The topics will include privacy issues, computer crime, intellectual property law -- specifically copyright and patent issues, globalization, and ethical responsibilities for computer science professionals. Work in the course will consist of weekly assignments on one or more of the readings and a final paper on a topic chosen by the student and approved by the instructor.

Fall 2012

(3.61)

Fall 2014

(3.89)

Spring 2013

(3.83)

Spring 2014

(3.71)

Spring 2015

(3.71)

Fall 2012

Professor: Sheela Kosaraju

(3.61)

Students mentioned that this was an enjoyable and thought-provoking course. They enjoyed having intel ectual discussions with fel ow students. Some students thought the discussions got too long and boring, and that certain students often dominated the conversation. Some suggested that the course could use more structure or more assignments instead of just discussions. The course has a light workload and can be very interesting. Students are encouraged to do the readings and speak up in class.

Fall 2014

Professor: Sheela Kosaraju

(3.89)

Students enjoyed the discussion-oriented nature of this class as well as the opportunity to debate issues it covered. Some students thought that the weakest element of this class was its loose structure. They believed that the course could be improved with more engaging reading assignments. The also thought the course could benefit from dedicating some class time to more extensive review of the readings by the instructor. Students thought it was important for potential participants in this course to know that classroom participation was important to being successful in this class.

Spring 2013

Professor: Sheela Kosaraju

(3.83)

The best aspects of this course included the open-discussion format and the light homework. One student felt that particular students were permitted to dominate the class discussions at times. Another student felt that the class schedule was too unpredictable. Suggestions included incorporating more activities besides debates and adhering to a regulated schedule. Prospective students should know that the class requires a lot of critical thinking and participation in group discussions is imperative.

Spring 2014

Professor: Sheela Kosaraju

(3.71)

The best aspect of this course was the in-class discussions about the subject matter. Many students agreed that they learned a great amount by both talking and listening. The 1-credit course actually corresponded to the work load and the professor was “chil .” But, some students said that they felt it was pointless to go to class because they weren’t learning anything. Also, the professor was tardy all the time and there were only about six classes. To improve this course, it was suggested that the final essay topic have more guidelines, that there be more classes but shorter class periods, and that there be more feedback and homework given. Prospective students would be happy to know that this course pairs perfectly with a heavy schedule.

Spring 2015

Professor: Sheela Kosaraju

(3.71)

The best aspects of this course included the discussion-based approach to class and the debates that emerged from it. Some students claimed that conversations sometimes drifted off topic and resulted more in opinion stating than productive discussion. Thus students suggested that the professor be a bit more proactive in moderating discussions, or present more discussion topics so that debates are shorter and more poignant. Prospective students can expect a light workload and prepare for classes that are comprised of discussion and debate.