CIS 4250-001: Ethical Issues and Professional Conduct

Fall 2008 --

Instructor     Dewey Rundus
ENB 341 Office Hrs: tba
974-4184 rundus@cse.usf.edu

Course Purpose

This course is intended to serve many purposes. First, It is expected that the readings and discussions which you engage in during this course will encourage you to think about the ethical and professional responsibilities which you will soon be assuming. While definitive answers may be elusive, excellent questions should abound. The process of considering, discussing, and writing about a variety of ethical and professional issues should also enhance your skills at reasoned argument. Most of your assignments will involve writing. This opportunity to hone your writing skills will: 1) enhance your ability to communicate in writing as a professional, and 2) satisfy the Gordon Rule writing requirements. You will also have many opportunities to practice expressing your ideas verbally, both during class discussions and in your formal class presentation. It is difficult to overstate the value of good communications skills to your quest for career success. Finally, this course satisfies the in-College Major Works / Major Issues requirement of the USF Liberal Arts Curriculum. As you can see, the aims of this course are both diverse and very significant. The course will require 1) a substantial writing effort, 2) that you come to each meeting prepared, 3) that you thoughtfully evaluate the topics discussed, and 4) that you share your thoughts. Such demands and expectations are, perhaps, also preparation for your professional future when you will often be faced with much to do and little time.

Course Topics

Details on Blackboard