CSE 391 Back to CSE Special Topic Courses

Course CSE391
Title Special Topics in Computer Science

Topic for Spring 2009: Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues for Information Technology
Credits 3
Course Coordinator Computer Science Undergraduate Director
Current Catalog Description A lecture or seminar course on a current topic in computer science. May be repeated as the topic changes, but cannot be used more than twice to satisfy CSE major requirements.
Prerequisite CSE or ISE major; U3 or U4 standing. Additional prerequisite may be required depending on topic.
Course Goals After successfully completing this course, you will:
  1. Understand how computing and information systems give rise to social issues and ethical dilemmas,
  2. Be able to discuss the benefits offered by computing technology in many different areas and the risks and problems associated these technologies,
  3. Understand some social, legal, philosophical, political, constitutional and economical issues related to computers and the historical background of these issues,
  4. Be able to explore the arguments on all sides of a controversial issue, and argue convincingly for the position you select, Understand the components of computer related patents.
Textbook See current course webpage for more information.
Major Topics Covered in Course Here are a few examples of the issues we will be addressing:
  • Wikis
  • Social Networking sites
  • Music sharing
  • Electronic Voting
  • Internet Gambling
  • Microsoft anti-trust case
  • Software patents
  • And lots more
Laboratory Projects

See current course webpage for more information.

Course Webpage /~cse391
Department of Computer Science • Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-4400 • 631-632-8470 or 631-632-8471

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