Date: Mon, 02 Dec 1996 15:03:21 GMT Server: NCSA/1.4.2 Content-type: text/html CSE 500/490B: Computers and Society -- Syllabus

CSE 500/490B: Computers and Society -- Syllabus

Instructor: Alan Borning
Class times: Tues Thurs 12:00-1:20, Sieg 225.

This winter CSE 500, Computers and Society, will focus on social, economic, ethical, and legal implications of the present Internet and the future national and global information highway. (For short, we'll just call both of these the Net.) Topics may include:

Class sessions during the first part of the quarter will consist of lectures and discussions led by me and by outside speakers. During the latter part of the quarter, some of the sessions will be devoted to project presentations (see below).

Coursework and Credits

The primary coursework will be a project, involving an in-depth investigation of one or more of these or related issues. Students are encouraged to work in in groups of 2-4 on the project. The results will be presented in class, and in a written report. There will also be class readings and other smaller written assignments.

The course meets Tuesday and Thursdays 12:00-1:20, Sieg 225. (Bringing a sack lunch to class is hereby declared acceptable.) A few outside speakers may be scheduled in the normal CSE colloquium time, 3:30-4:30 Tuesday or Thursday instead, to allow room for a larger audience.

CSE 500 is a 2 credit pass/fail course. (However, it will probably be 3 credit's worth of work; I will sign students up for additional independent study credits, or perhaps for a 590, if this is an issue for anyone.)

This class is also being offered to a limited number of undergraduate Computer Science and Computer Engineering majors, under the CSE 490B number. CSE 490B is 3 credits, graded, and counts as a senior elective for both Computer Science and Computer Engineering.

Text

The following book is the recommended text for the course:
Steven Miller, "Civilizing Cyberspace", ACM Press/Addison-Wesley, 1996.
This book has been ordered as a text. In the meantime, you may be able to find copies in the General Books section at the University Bookstore, on the south end of the wall next to University Ave. If you will definitely be taking the course, it would be helpful if you would buy the book now in the General Books section, so that we have some copies in hand in case the text order is delayed.

Mailing List

The mailing list for the class is cse500@cs. You can add or remove yourself from the list using majordomo, or send me a message if you have trouble with the mailing list. To subscribe: mail cse500-request subscribe To unsubscribe: mail cse500-request unsubscribe

Auditors

I'd prefer that students take the course for credit and do the project, rather than auditing. However, auditors are still welcome (particularly if they do the readings and participate). Please sign up for 1 credit of CSE 590CS (pass/fail), if you'll be auditing.