CS285L: Social Issues and Ethics in Computing

Credits: 3

Catalog Description

This course explores some of the ethical and societal issues that are raised by computing. Topics include privacy, freedom of expression, intellectual property, liability, the effect of computing on social interaction, and human-computer interface issues. Students write an analytical paper on an appropriate topic and also present their findings to the class.CS 285L and IT 285L are the same course.

Current & Upcoming Offerings

2025-2026

Fall 2025 4 sections
Section Schedule / Time Instructor Location
01
TuTh 12:30PM - 01:45PM
Potasznik, Amanda
M03-0730
02
TuTh 04:00PM - 05:15PM
Potasznik, Amanda
M02-0423
03
TuTh 05:30PM - 06:45PM
Potasznik, Amanda
W01-0006
04
TuTh 11:00AM - 12:15PM
Potasznik, Amanda
M02-0404
Spring 2026 4 sections
Section Schedule / Time Instructor Location
01
TuTh 04:00PM - 05:15PM
Potasznik, Amanda
M02-0404
02
TuTh 12:30PM - 01:45PM
Potasznik, Amanda
M02-0404
03
TuTh 05:30PM - 06:45PM
Potasznik, Amanda
Y03-3370
04
TuTh 11:00AM - 12:15PM
Potasznik, Amanda
W01-0004

Prerequisites

  • None.

Notes

This course is cross-listed with IT285L.

Intermediate course in social issues and ethics in computing covering ethics, privacy, and social impacts of computing.