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

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Privacy Officer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Compliance Officer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technologist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Governance Officer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Researcher

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

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