Computing, Ethics, and Society Foundations from Coursera

Computing systems and technologies fundamentally impact the lives of most people in the world, including how we communicate, get information, socialize, and receive healthcare. This course is the first of a three-course sequence that examines ethical issues in the design and implementation of computing systems and technologies and reflects upon the broad implication of computing on our society. It covers ethical theories, privacy, security, social media, and misinformation.

This course can be taken for academic credit as part of CU Boulder’s MS in Computer Science degrees offered on the Coursera platform. These fully accredited graduate degrees offer targeted courses, short 8-week sessions, and pay-as-you-go tuition. Admission is based on performance in three preliminary courses, not academic history. CU degrees on Coursera are ideal for recent graduates or working professionals. Learn more:

MS in Computer Science: https://coursera.org/degrees/ms-computer-science-boulder

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview and Ethical Foundations

In this introductory week, you will delve into the fascinating world of computing, ethics, and society. You will explore the fundamental concepts of ethics and ethical frameworks, providing a solid foundation for the entire course. You will gain insights into key ethical theories, including Kantianism, Virtue Ethics, Utilitarianism, and Social Contract Theory. Through interactive discussions and engaging resources, you will understand how these theories shape our moral decision-making processes and their significance in the context of computing technologies.

Internet Related Issues: Part 1

This week explores the internet's evolution and the ethical challenges of recommender systems and internet advertising. You examine recommender systems' operation, benefits, and ethical concerns, and broader issues in internet advertising such as personalized advertising and data usage on browsers and social media platforms. Through discussions and independent assessment of current articles, you will critically assess the ethics of online recommendations and advertising, gaining a comprehensive understanding of ethical considerations related to core aspects of the internet.

Internet Related Issues: Part 2

This week explores two key areas related to the internet: the influence of social media on youth and the widespread issue of misinformation in different contexts. You will analyze ethical responsibilities related to fostering a healthy digital environment and understanding and combating misinformation. This week aims to equip you with the knowledge and insights needed to contribute to the creation of a responsible online environment, and to a society that is better informed about major internet-related ethical issues.

Privacy and Security

This week delves into the concepts of computer privacy and security. You will explore privacy issues such as data collection, tracking, and anonymity, alongside legal approaches to safeguarding privacy such as the “Right to be Forgotten”. The module also covers security topics including types of security breaches, ransomware, and ethical hacking. By the end of this week, you will have a broad understanding of computer privacy and security, equipped with ethical insights to navigate this dynamic landscape responsibly.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Ideal for recent graduates or working professionals looking to advance their careers in computer science

Provides a strong foundation in ethical theories for designing and implementing computing systems

Covers emerging ethical issues in privacy, security, social media, and misinformation

Taught by experienced instructors with a strong background in computer science and ethics

Provides a solid overview of ethical issues in computing and their societal implications

May require some experience in programming or computer science for deeper understanding

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Computing, Ethics, and Society Foundations with these activities:

Understand the Fundamentals of Computing Ethics

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Reviewing the basic principles of computing ethics will provide a solid foundation for the course and enhance your understanding of ethical considerations in computing.

Browse courses on Ethical Theories

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Start by reading the introductory materials from the course.
Review the foundational concepts of ethics and ethical frameworks, such as Kantianism, Virtue Ethics, Utilitarianism, and Social Contract Theory.
Explore how these theories shape moral decision-making processes in the context of computing technologies.

Analyze Ethical Case Studies

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Active engagement with ethical case studies will enhance your ability to apply ethical principles to real-world scenarios in the realm of computing.

Browse courses on Ethical Decision-Making

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Identify ethical dilemmas and challenges presented in case studies.
Analyze the ethical implications and potential consequences of different courses of action.
Develop and justify your own ethical recommendations based on ethical theories and principles.

Develop an Ethical Framework for a Technology Project

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The creation of an ethical framework for a technology project will allow you to apply ethical principles to a practical scenario and develop a deeper understanding of their real-world implications.

Browse courses on Ethical Considerations

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Identify the ethical issues and concerns relevant to the technology project.
Research and analyze existing ethical frameworks and guidelines.
Develop a customized ethical framework that aligns with the specific context and objectives of the project.
Apply the ethical framework to guide decision-making throughout the project's development and implementation.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the ethical framework and make necessary adjustments as needed.

Two other activities

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Participate in an Ethics Bowl Competition

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Participation in an ethics bowl competition will provide a challenging and interactive way to test your understanding of ethical issues in computing and hone your argumentation skills.

Browse courses on Case Analysis

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Research and prepare for the competition by studying ethical theories, case studies, and current events related to computing ethics.
Analyze and evaluate cases presented during the competition, identifying ethical dilemmas and potential solutions.
Develop and present arguments that support your ethical recommendations, considering both the strengths and limitations of your position.
Engage in respectful and constructive dialogue with other participants to explore different perspectives and deepen your understanding.
Reflect on your performance and seek feedback to continuously improve your ethical reasoning and communication skills.

Contribute to an Open-Source Project Related to Computing Ethics

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Contributing to an open-source project focused on computing ethics will allow you to engage with a community of experts, apply your skills, and contribute directly to the advancement of ethical considerations in computing.

Browse courses on Open Source

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Identify open-source projects related to computing ethics and explore their goals and objectives.
Select a project that aligns with your interests and skills and reach out to the project maintainers.
Contribute to the project by submitting bug reports, suggesting improvements, or implementing new features.
Engage in discussions and collaborate with other contributors to enhance the project's ethical impact.
Reflect on your contributions and seek feedback to continuously improve your technical skills and understanding of computing ethics.

Career center

Learners who complete Computing, Ethics, and Society Foundations will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Technology Ethicist

A Technology Ethicist is responsible for advising organizations on the ethical implications of new technologies. This Computing, Ethics, and Society Foundations course can be valuable for Technology Ethicists as it provides a strong foundation in ethical theories and their significance in the context of computing technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technology Ethicist

Privacy Officer

A Privacy Officer is responsible for overseeing an organization's privacy program and ensuring compliance with privacy laws and regulations. This Computing, Ethics, and Society Foundations course can be valuable for Privacy Officers as it provides a strong foundation in computer privacy and the legal approaches to safeguarding privacy.

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Compliance Officer

A Compliance Officer is responsible for ensuring that an organization complies with laws, regulations, and ethical standards. This Computing, Ethics, and Society Foundations course can be valuable for Compliance Officers as it provides a strong foundation in ethical theories and their significance in the context of computing technologies.

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Social Media Manager

A Social Media Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing social media strategies for businesses and organizations. This Computing, Ethics, and Society Foundations course can be valuable for Social Media Managers as it delves into topics like the influence of social media on youth, misinformation, and fostering a healthy digital environment.

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Web Developer

A Web Developer is responsible for the design, creation, and maintenance of websites. This Computing, Ethics, and Society Foundations course can be valuable for Web Developers as it delves into topics like recommender systems, internet advertising, and privacy, all of which are highly relevant to the field of web development.

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Computer Forensic Analyst

A Computer Forensic Analyst is responsible for investigating computer crimes and recovering digital evidence. This Computing, Ethics, and Society Foundations course may be useful as it covers topics like security breaches, ransomware, and ethical hacking, all of which are highly relevant to the field of computer forensics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Forensic Analyst

Information Security Analyst

An Information Security Analyst, also known as an Information Security Officer, is responsible for protecting an organization's computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This Computing, Ethics, and Society Foundations course may be useful as it covers topics like security breaches, ransomware, and ethical hacking, all of which are highly relevant to the field of information security.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Technologist

A Technologist is a professional who works with technology in a variety of roles, such as research and development, design, and implementation. This Computing, Ethics, and Society Foundations course can be valuable for Technologists as it provides a strong foundation in ethical considerations related to computing technologies.

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Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst is responsible for analyzing and recommending policies to address public issues. This Computing, Ethics, and Society Foundations course may be useful as it provides a foundation in ethical decision-making and the consideration of ethical implications of computing technologies.

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Risk Analyst

A Risk Analyst is responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks to an organization's operations. This Computing, Ethics, and Society Foundations course can be valuable for Risk Analysts as it provides a foundation in ethical decision-making and the consideration of ethical implications of computing technologies.

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Information Governance Officer

An Information Governance Officer is responsible for developing and implementing an organization's information governance policies and procedures. This Computing, Ethics, and Society Foundations course may be useful as it provides a foundation in ethical considerations related to data collection, tracking, and anonymity.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer is responsible for creating user manuals, white papers, and other technical documentation. This Computing, Ethics, and Society Foundations course may be useful as it provides a foundation in ethical considerations related to the dissemination of information and the potential for misinformation.

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User Experience Researcher

A User Experience Researcher is responsible for understanding the needs and behaviors of users in order to design and improve products and services. This Computing, Ethics, and Society Foundations course may be useful as it provides a foundation in ethical considerations related to user privacy and data protection.

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Software Engineer

A Software Engineer, also known as a Computer Programmer, designs, develops, tests, and maintains software programs for use in a wide variety of applications. This Computing, Ethics, and Society Foundations course may be useful in this field as it helps build a foundation in ethical decision-making processes and their significance in the context of computing technologies.

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Data Scientist

A Data Scientist analyzes data and develops models to help businesses make better decisions. This Computing, Ethics, and Society Foundations course may be useful as it helps build a foundation in ethical considerations related to data collection, tracking, and anonymity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist