Park Logo, Jack L Espinal, NLU Logo

Draft Syllabus for CS 300 - Computers & Society

Course Syllabus:  Click Here

Course Objectives:

Educational Philosophy:

The instructor’s educational philosophy is one of instructiveness based on discussions, readings, lab experiments, observations, quizzes, examinations, video, internet-mail exchange and writings.  The instructor will engage each learner in the lively exploration of computer technology, discussions of readings, oral reports/presentations; field trips; videos, and other media that may be deemed appropriate and available.  Collaborative learning techniques will be used to analyze and solve problems in small groups. 

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, the successful student will be able to:

  1. Recognize the major historical implications of information technology.
  2. Assess some of the basic concepts of a global society influenced by Information Technology. (Singapore social system, English trading system, Privacy issues.)*
  3. Compare some of the effects of technology upon the cultures of different ethnic and racial groups in the United States and other countries. (Literacy and Artistic Expression in all types of media.)*
  4. Apply the tools for critical thinking, scientific reasoning and inquiry to emerging technologies and recognize, analyze and evaluate their possible effects upon the social, cultural, economic, and ethical values of the United States and the world. Knowledge of the history of Information Technology is necessary.
  5. Work as a member of a group in exchanging knowledge and ideas about technology and its role in the world.
  6. Collaborate with a group applying the illiteracies listed above in a mini-term presentation format at least 15 PowerPoint slides in length. This will provide practice in a group setting before preparing the individual term presentation.
  7. Maintain an individual electronic journal of all readings and reference sources in a word-processed journal to be handed in bi-weekly.
  8. Write a term presentation using a format provided by the instructor. The presentation will be at least 15 PowerPoint slides in length and demonstrate evidence of applying the illiteracies to the topic.

In addition,

  1. Students will be able to explain the merging of communications and information systems and discuss how this impacts society.
  2. Students will be able to describe security threats to computers and communications systems.
  3. Students will be able to demonstrate methods of safeguarding computers and communications against security threats.
  4. Students will be able to discuss and explain ethical issues resulting from the use and availability of Information technology.
  5. Students will be ale to critically read, analyze, and make presentation on Information Age social issues.
  6. Students will be able to resolve non-technical information systems problems that occur in the workplace.
  7. Students will be able to relate observations on the course field trip to the material presented in the class.
  8. Students will be able to discuss the relationship between Intellectual Property Rights and computer technology.

 

The required course field trip will be to the Information Age Gallery of the Smithsonian American History Museum on Saturday, 22 April 2006

This area and course remains under construction