Computer Ethics & Society | BIT YR 1 SEM 1

TEAM UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

TEACHING PORTFOLIO
Lecturer: Muwanguzi Benard
Contact: +256708646603
Email: info@ictconnect.org    Email 2: muwanguzibenard2017@gmail.com

Course Title: DIT5225 – COMPUTER ETHICS & SOCIETY

Course Description
This course introduces students to the ethical, social, and legal issues surrounding the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). It explores how computers and the internet affect individuals, organizations, and society at large. Topics include professional conduct, intellectual property rights, privacy, cybercrime, and the responsibilities of ICT professionals in shaping a just and responsible digital society.

Course Objectives
This course aims to:
a) Develop awareness of ethical principles in computing.
b) Equip students with knowledge of the legal and social implications of ICT.
c) Train students to recognize and respond to ethical dilemmas in computing.
d) Explore the role of computer professionals in promoting responsible ICT use.
e) Enable students to analyze real-life cases and formulate ethical decisions.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
a) Define key concepts in computer ethics and social responsibility.
b) Identify and analyze ethical, legal, and social issues related to ICT.
c) Apply ethical theories to real-life computing dilemmas.
d) Explain intellectual property rights, privacy, and cybercrime issues.
e) Demonstrate knowledge of professional codes of conduct in computing.
f) Develop ethical decision-making skills applicable in professional ICT practice.

Detailed Course Description

• Unit 1: Introduction to Computer Ethics – meaning, importance, scope (3 Hrs)
• Unit 2: Ethical Theories – utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics applied to ICT (6 Hrs)
• Unit 3: Intellectual Property Rights – copyright, patents, software licensing (6 Hrs)
• Unit 4: Privacy & Civil Liberties – data protection, surveillance, social media privacy issues (6 Hrs)
• Unit 5: Cybercrime & Security – hacking, malware, identity theft, ethical hacking (8 Hrs)
• Unit 6: ICT and Society – impact on work, education, communication, and culture (6 Hrs)
• Unit 7: Professional Conduct – codes of ethics, responsibilities of ICT professionals (5 Hrs)
• Unit 8: Emerging Ethical Issues – Artificial Intelligence, robotics, digital divide (5 Hrs)
  Total Contact Hours: 45 Hrs

Mode of Delivery

• Lectures
• Case studies and debates
• Group discussions and presentations
• Role play and scenario analysis

Mode of Assessment

• Continuous Assessment (30%) → Assignments, Case Studies, Group Work, Tests
• Final Examination (70%)
• Total: 100%

References

1. Spinello, R. A. (2017). CyberEthics: Morality and Law in Cyberspace. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
2. Quinn, M. J. (2016). Ethics for the Information Age. Pearson.
3. Tavani, H. T. (2015). Ethics and Technology: Controversies, Questions, and Strategies for Ethical Computing. Wiley.
4. Johnson, D. G. (2014). Computer Ethics. Pearson.

Grade Scale
80–100: A
75–79: B+
70–74: B-
65–69: C+
60–64: C-
55–59: D+
50–54: D-
0–49: F