Computer Technology and Human Values

Sociology 4071-3: Technology and Modernization:
Computer Technology and Human Values
Tuesdays, 6:30 - 9:30
September 3 - December 3, 1996

This course is for people interested in humanities, social science, engineering, and computer science. Students will be encouraged to draw on their unique backgrounds to develop a new appreciation of how social and ethical values are shaping, and being shaped by advanced technology.

A wide variety of viewpoints will enhance the ability of the class to understand those human values that are likely to be most important and helpful during a time of rapid social change.

We will take a critical look at advanced computer technology, including the Internet and the World Wide Web. Case studies of real ethical conflicts that have arisen around computers will be studied, so that students can begin to refine their ethical perspective. In addition, we will study issues of individual autonomy and computer control. Subject areas we will consider include:

About the instructor | List of readings |
Comments on the course from previous years |
One excellent term paper from the course



Some comments from course evaluations Some term paper topics from the 1994 course: