NORTHERN CARIBBEAN UNIVERSITY

College of Natural & Applied Sciences

Department of Computer & Information Sciences

Spring 2020

BACHELOR OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

SCIENCE COMPUTER INFORMATION SCIENCE

MAJOR: Computer Science & Computer Information Science

COURSE NAME: Computer Ethics

COURSE CODE: CPTR123 | SECTION - A

NUMBER OF CREDITS: 3

NUMBER OF HOURS: 45 Hours

CLASS SCHEDULE: Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 3:30 pm in Field View 3

NAME OF LECTURER: Melvin Narayana

EMAIL ADDRESS: melvin.narayana@ncu.edu.jm

CONTACT NUMBER: 963-7379 or 7276

OFFICE HOURS: MW 11.30 am - 12.20 pm

TuTh 9.30 am - 10.50 pm
TuTh 2.30 pm - 3.00 pm

PREREQUISITES: None

COURSE WEB ADDRESS: aeorion.ncu.edu.jm

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course aims to encourage students to think about current ethical implications in the context of computing.
Topics include social implications of computing, professional and ethical responsibilities, risk and liabilities of
computer based systems, privacy and civil liabilities, intellectual property and computer crimes. The course is
aimed at fostering a sense of morals that relates to responsible computer usage – as a developer and as an
end-user.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES
At the end of this course, the student will acquire a deep, working knowledge of the issues and implications of
ethical choices in computing. That is, student will be able to:
1. Understand various laws and ethical issues related to computer usage
2. Conduct themselves in a manner that is in accordance with computer laws and ethical behavior
3. Justify their moral stance on any selected ethical issue related to computer usage

COURSE OBJECTIVES
At the end of this course, the student will acquire a deep, working knowledge of the issues and implications of
ethical choices in computing. More specifically, a student will be able to:
• Understand ethical principles, theories and concepts related to computer usage
• Use ethical principles, theories and concepts related to computer usage in decision-making
• Justify their moral stance on any computer-related ethical issues using ethical principles
• Identify various policies and laws that exist to deal with computer-related crimes
• Examine various real world cases using various computer policies and laws that exist
• Endorse various policies and laws that exist to deal with computer-related crimes
• Identify concepts and ethical practices related to the IT profession
• Act in accordance with professional codes of conduct of the IT profession
• Adopt professional codes of conduct related to the IT profession
• Discuss the impact of computers on society and the ethical considerations of its use
• Write about the impact of computers on society and the ethical considerations of its use
• Argue the ethical considerations of computer use and impact of computers
• Discuss issues related to privacy, democracy and freedom of speech
• Research topics and issues related to privacy, democracy and freedom of speech
• Defend their position on issues related to privacy, democracy and freedom of speech
• Identify ethical guidelines and best practices for software development
• Act ethically using guidelines and practices for software development
• Adopt ethical guidelines and best practices for software development
• Identify referencing guidelines to minimize plagiarism in research papers
• Write research papers using APA referencing techniques and guidelines to minimize plagiarism
• Adopt APA referencing techniques and guidelines to minimize plagiarism

COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE

1. Ethical principles, theories and concepts
2. Professional ethics
3. Computer and internet crime
4. Privacy
5. Democracy & Freedom of Speech
6. Intellectual Property
7. Software development
8. Impact of ethics on society

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INTEGRATION OF FAITH AND LEARNING
Throughout the course, instructor and students will:
• Discover how the computer was designed using the blueprints that God used to design the human brain.
• Realize that trial with different situations may have irreversible and/or adverse effects on our document
as well as on our life.
• Learn that God wants us to live our lives in an orderly fashion; as a result, our work should portray proper
organization and structure.
• Confirm that although a book should not be judged by its cover, we are measured by the concept of
‘what you see is what you get’ (WYSIWYG), just as what is seen on the computer – is what you will get
as output.
• Learn that although we are all made in the image of God and are equal, our behaviour or lifestyle can
cause us to be filtered out from the crowd.

NCU VALUES AND ATTITUDES: FOCUS

1. Christlikeness
2. Integrity
3. Justice

Christlikeness:
I, Melvin Narayana and all the students of CPTR123: Computer Ethics class, commit to exercising the highest
levels of Christlikeness in all actions during this semester in relation to the following:

1. Handling student issues in a fair and equitable manner

2. Displaying honesty with submitted work
3. Displaying kindness to each other
4. Displaying humility, compassion and unselfishness to each other
5. Showing confidence in all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

Integrity:
The facilitator and students will undertake learning experiences that exercise the highest levels of integrity such
as:
• Honouring deadlines in submission of assignments
• Practising academic honesty with respect to the use of published works and other intellectual property
• Participating equally in group work and activities
• Good stewardship of tools, equipment and other resources in the teaching learning environment
• Give fair evaluation to student work
• Display proper deportment and conduct.

Justice:
The facilitator and all students will exercise the highest level of justice and fairness in all actions related to this
course in the areas of:
• Fair grading for tasks submitted for evaluation
• Timely feedback and redress of inquiries, challenges, issues, grouses
• Impartial treatment of all students regardless of race, age, religious affiliation, nationality or ethnicity.

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Access to Computer and Internet Resources: Completing these course requirements necessitates regular
access to computer technology and the Internet. If a student does not have a personal computer with Internet
access, computers on the University’s Main Campus and Extension Sites are available for student use.

Civility, Courtesy and Respect: As professionals, mutual respect is required; the instructor expects all class
members to communicate in a professional and courteous manner. While everyone may feel passionate about
a particular subject and is entitled to his/her opinions, classroom discourse must always be conducted in a
respectful and civil tone. No disrespectful or disparaging comments about gender, ethnicity, religion, et cetera
will be tolerated.

Honour Code: Regulations on plagiarism and other forms of cheating are strictly enforced. Since engaging in
either activity may result in very serious penalties, including failing grades, or dismissal from the University, you
should endeavour to avoid such activities. Any assignment or work submitted for this course must not have been
submitted for any other course. No written or digitally authored work may be submitted for academic credit
more than once. If you have questions about how this may apply to an assignment you are considering for this
course, please ask the facilitator for clarification.

Students with a Disabling Condition: Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some
special arrangements in order to meet course requirements, should communicate with the instructor in a timely
manner, to seek such special considerations. Students should present appropriate verification from the relevant
administrative office at the University. There is no guideline indicating that special considerations be given prior
to completion of the existing university verification process.

RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOK

Ethics in Information Technology

George Reynolds,
ISBN: 0-619-06277-0
Publisher: Course Technology
Copyright: 2012

POLICIES
1. Grading:
Scores for this course will be determined by book report, research paper, and an opinion paper weighted
as follows:

Opinion Paper ........................................ 05%

Discussions ……………………………………………10%
Presentations ......................................... 15%
Case Studies ........................................... 15%
Sectionals .............................................. 20%
Research Paper ..................................... 25%
Project ................................................... 10%

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 The grade, based on weighted score:

A 90 - 100% A- 85 – 89% B+ 80 – 84% B 75 – 79% B- 70 – 74%

C+ 65 – 69% C 60 – 64% C- 55 – 59% D 50 – 54% F 0 – 49%

N.B. A minimum grade of C+ is required for Computer Information Science & Computer Science majors.

2. Course Procedure:
The course is primarily self-taught/self-directed. This means the student will spend the majority of the time
reading the textbook, conducting research, and preparing papers to be graded.

a. Late Work. Assignments submitted after the due date will be subject to 10% penalty per day.

b. Neatness. All assignments must be done neatly. Use clean, 8½ x 11 typing paper for all assignments
where necessary. Sloppy assignments will be returned without being graded. Resubmitted work will be
liable for late penalties.

3. Integration of Faith and Learning:

“An appetite for knowledge and beauty exists in the human mind and God makes no appetite in vain. We
can therefore pursue knowledge as such, in the sure confidence that by doing so we are either advancing
to the vision of God ourselves or indirectly helping others do so.”
C.S. Lewis, Learning in Wartime, The Weight of Glory

Throughout this course, prominence will placed on the integration of faith and learning. As we pursue
knowledge, and specifically technological knowledge, are we advancing to the image of God? We need not be
fearful or apprehensive about using technology if we believe that in doing so we are indeed advancing to His
image.

However, we must ensure two things;

• That our reasons for pursuing this knowledge is in line with God’s will, and
• That everything we do with the technology is a reflection of God’s vision.

Work that is a reflection of God should be wholesome in content, exhibit neatness and order, and display our
creative God-given talents.

1. Course Procedure
Reading assignments will be given from time to time. Although no points are awarded for these, they will
definitely enhance the student chances of doing well on quizzes and exams as well having a better
understanding of class lectures.

When doing homework please keep in mind the following policies:

a) Working together. This is encouraged where the assignment is for a group. However, in the final
analysis each assignment must bear the mark of individuality. Copying will not be tolerated. Help can
be sought from the instructor, tutors or books. When information is gathered from external sources
(websites, books, people, etc), the APA style of referencing should be used.
b) Late Work. Assignments if submitted after the due date will attract a 5% penalty per day.

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 c) Submission. All assignments must be submitted electronically through Æorion as indicated by your
instructor.

✓ Quizzes may be announced or unannounced. It is therefore important that you do the assigned reading
or assignments to ensure you are always prepared.
✓ Assignments & Worksheets will be given based on concepts covered in class or reading assignment given.
No assignments will be accepted after the last day of class instruction.
It is your responsibility to reserve time in the computer labs in order to get your assignments
completed and printed. All work to be handed in should be typed (unless otherwise stated), and must
bear your name, ID #, the title of the assignment, the course title and section, and the date. Work must
be neat, tidy and free from spelling or grammatical errors.
✓ A Group Project may be given to assess the extent to which students understand the concepts covered
in the course and their ability to apply the applications used in the course to tackle real world problems.
The lecturer will provide more details later.

2. If it is necessary to miss a sectional exam, make arrangements with the instructor prior to the exam if at all
possible. It is, however, strongly recommended that the student should sit the exam on the date given. One
may not make up for quizzes.

3. Attendance at class is very important. In each class, new material is covered and assignments given. For
this reason, any student with more than 2 unexcused absences will receive a grade reduction at the
instructor’s discretion. Any student with a significant number of excused absences will also receive a grade
reduction at the instructor’s discretion. Students must also be in class on time. Two unexcused late
attendances will be counted as one unexcused absence.

If you incur 20% excused or non - excused absences you may

a. Withdraw from the course or
b. Be given a failing grade (FA) for the course

Entering or leaving the classroom or talking to classmates during the class session is extremely disruptive to
the instructor and to fellow students. Please do not enter or leave the classroom during the class without
informing the instructor in advance of your need to do so.

4. While in class all cellular phones must be shut down or put in silent/vibrating mode. If you need to take a
call during the class session, kindly step outside to do so.

5. Cheating, Dishonesty, and Plagiarism

Any form of cheating during quizzes and sectionals is sufficient for an automatic “F” for the course. The
instructor will always help any student who comes to him and asks for it, but cheating, dishonesty,
plagiarism, copying portions of another student’s assignments, etc, are totally unacceptable. The
instructor deals seriously with them. A minimum penalty will be a zero for the assignment, quiz or test.
And further action may be taken at the instructor’s discretion. Assignments are given with the purpose
that you practice, so if you wish to do well on the tests and quizzes, spend the extra time to do your
assignments with as little help from others as possible.

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6. Dress Code
The University has a dress code that must be adhered to. You will not be allowed to remain in the class
unless you are properly attired. For additional details, consult your Student Handbook, page 44 at
http://www.ncu.edu.jm/portals/0/Documents/Academics/docs/studentguide.pdf

N.B. Faculty members are authorized to deny class admission to any student who might be inappropriately
dressed.

1. Opinion Paper
Write a ONE (1) PAGE paper giving your views on ethics. INCLUDE:
1. Your OWN definition of computer ethics;
2. Suggest why (or why not) the study of computer ethics is important to a Computer Science
student;
3. What do you consider to be the greatest ethical-related issue plaguing our society today?
4. The paper should be double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, and 1” margins.

2. Case Studies
Students will be given a real world cases to analyze and provide feedback. These cases will be posted on
the Aeorion LMS website.

3. Sectionals
TWO (2) sectionals will be given based on the topics covered in class, case studies, class and online
discussions, opinion paper among other relevant areas.

4. Research Paper
Students will be required to:

1. Select a computer-related ethical issue [such as software piracy, hacking, libel, identity theft, etc.]
and
2. Discuss them in the Jamaican context. Address the laws that exist or are being tabled in
parliament that will affect these issues.
3. Compare the effects of US/British Laws on the Jamaican society or law system in relation to
computer ethics.
4. Write a 6 - 8 PAGE research paper using Times New Roman, double spaced, 12 point font with 1”
margins.
5. Use at least 5 scholarly references (books and other research papers). You may also include
interviews (where appropriate) and newspaper articles.
6. Discuss the pros and cons and use your own words to express your opinion on the topic.
7. Quote where appropriate (use APA style).
8. Do not submit a paper that is purely factual or historic; ensure you include a discussion of issues.
9. Use a variety of sources for information and arguments and document them appropriately.

Outline for the Research paper:

✓ Cover page with title and your name

✓ Introduction/overview of topic and outline of issues to be discussed
✓ Background, description, and/or history of the issue
✓ Issues, various points of view
✓ Your comments or evaluation
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 ✓ Summary
✓ List of references (APA Style)

5. Presentations
Students will be asked to make presentations of various topics related to computer ethics using Microsoft
PowerPoint. These presentations will be done in groups.

6. Project
Students will embark on an ethics project, this will involve the design of a game or app that incorporates
computer ethics or ethical behavior.

7. Individual Reflection Paper - ONE (1) PAGE

1. The first section (introduction) of the reflection paper should outline THREE (3) things that you have
learnt from the course. Students should have One from each of the following categories:
I. Topic/concept/theory
II. Law/Policy/Legal Act
III. Ethical principle/code of conduct/

2. The body of your paper should describe the way in which those THREE (3) things have impacted your
attitude, behavior and conduct (overview of your reaction or response).

3. The conclusion should examine how your changed conduct, behavior or attitude will impact on your
future profession and job performance.

A sample outline format should reflect the main points of your paper, from start to finish: (TENTATIVE)
THIS PAPER should be personalized (speak from the first-person point of view)
1. Introduction
1. Identification and explanation of knowledge gained (Lessons You have learnt)
1. Topic/concept/theory
2. Law/Policy/Legal Act
3. Ethical principle/code of conduct/
2. Body
2. Description of the impact of computer ethics on YOUR daily life (Application of
knowledge)
1. Supporting evidence 1
2. Supporting evidence 2
3. Supporting evidence 3
3. Conclusion
3. Evaluation of the future impact of lessons learnt and applied in relation to
computer ethics (Future relevance) – TO Yourself

PAPER should be no more than ONE page, double spaced

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