CSC 300:
Professional Responsibilities

FALL 2008
(Section 01)

Course Schedule
Fall 2008 - Evolving Schedule - check on occasion!
(Changes will be announced in class, reading here does not substitute for attendance. Important changes will eventually be posted here only  for your convenience and reference. )
Week # Dates 
Readings Activities Due Dates and Notes
  
1 Sept 22, 24, 26
Carefully read SE Code of Ethics this weekend, read  "Unskilled and Unaware" (hold on Unskilled paper till week 3)  and skim the Chaos Report for Friday class. Choose one of the recommended books to read before the end of Week 2. 		Introductions

What are we doing in CSC 300?  Week1slides, Spring 2008
Introduction to the course: themes and expectations.  Possibly Friedman video.  Form lab teams in lab, Reporter Duty assignments by class dates.

 Pop quiz on SE Code next week, be prepared. Know the SE Code of Ethics.  Check readings for next week.  Take notes on readings for short report on your chosen book.
  
2 Sept 27, 29,Oct 1
10 Commandments of Computing, Cal Poly Responsible Use Policy  and, Cal Poly policy on cheating.   No Silver Bullet and Rational Design Process readings (now for Week 3.)
 Discussion of basic issues.  Teams now formed for lab development projects.  Accessibility Lab (see Labs index for current version) Week 2 Slides. SE Code discussion.  WHAT is the nature of our work? 2 or 3 page report on your chosen book is due on Friday.
  
3 Oct 6, 8, 10
 Read above linked readings formerly for Week 2.  Read Chapters 1 and 2 of Johnson, carefully noting relevant terms and their meanings. 
 Lab 3 assigned.  What, exactly, are Ethics.  What, exactly is "computing" about?  What is "software"  What are we doing with our lives? Topic Proposal due on Friday of Week 4.
  
4 Oct 13, 15, 17
 Weyuker, Hamlet, Beizer and  Farrell-Vinay papers.  Chapter 3 of Johnson text.  Find and peruse ABET accreditation information (just look around to get a feel for what it is and what it requires) Responsibility for software: what is actually possible?
Degree program responsibility: Accreditation of YOUR degree (guest lecture by Dr. Dana possibly on Monday)
JOB FAIR Lab (Job Fair Oct 16 9-2 in Rec Center).
Discuss Computer "Professionals" vs. "Employees" 		Topic Proposal revision possible. Wonderful examples of submitted termpapers: paper 1 paper 2 for your information and review. 
 
5 Oct 20,22, 24
 Software liability and Products Liability for this week, Therac-25 article for next week.
Possibly EULA lab. Discuss the social implications of very technical problems.

MIDTERM on FRIDAY. Indicate preference for presentation date.  Presentation dates assigned.

  
6 Oct 27, 29, 31
 Therac-25 Investigation What happens when software causes harm?
Copyright Violation Lab and Source for Copyright Violations Lab. 		Draft of paper due soon.    
7 Nov 3, 5, 7
 Discuss responsibility for actions as a computer professional.  Therac case, legal liability, professional consequences of our actions. NEW  **Required meetings regarding Midterm 1 by Friday this week if you received a score below 60.  Come prepared to discuss how you would improve your last two essays.
 NEW  **Paper Drafts due on or before Fri, 7 November if feedback is desired (highly recommended).  
  
8 Nov 10, 12, 14
 Outreach Lab materials
Capstone Paper - how ethical is our own Software Engineering program? 
Presentation Suggestions!
Presentations begin this week. Slides must be preapproved two days in advance of presentation with a penalty of 10% for no approval.
  
9 Nov 17, 19, 21
Read ... Johnson's chapter on IP. My copyright slides.  

Presentations continue.  10 minute limit, 2 minutes for questions, penalty of 10 % for main presentation going beyond 10 minutes.  

  
10 Nov 24 (only)
 
Some security concerns and California Penal Code section 502.
Termpaper due in class on Monday, 24 November by 4 pm for 3 point bonus.  Papers may be turned into Turner's office by noon on Tuesday, 25 November.  No late papers accepted.  * Attach a self prepared CSC 300 paper evaluation.
  
 11
 Dec 1, 3, 5
 Readings: Other Social Implications.  Johnson Chapter 8




Final Exam Details:
300-01,  10 Dec. Wednesday, 1:10 - 4pm.  Turn in your exam to 14-222 before 4 pm (or to main office timestamped for delivery to my mailbox in the Dept.)
Special
Pre-Final
Office Hour
Session if needed.

FINAL, Weds, 10 Dec. 1:10 - 4 pm


TURNIN TAKEHOME FINAL ;  early or during normal exam time.
Potential oral exams - see Professor if you have circumstances that warrant one.
  
Notes:
  • Weekly Readings: You must read the material before the corresponding lecture. You may be questioned in class about the readings and you will be expected to be knowledgeable about them.
  • Attendance and active participation are required in classes.  They account for a serious component of the grade.

 

Clark Savage Turner.

Page created January 2004; last updated Sept 2008.