CS 220 - Computing, Data, and Society

5.0 Credits
Exploration of the use and impact of technology on society. This includesissues that arise from artificial intelligence, algorithmic bias, social media, mass data collection, and the spread of disinformation. Also discussed are great computing failures, and legal issues related to copyrights and patents.
Prerequisite Completion of ENGL& 101 with a 2.0or higher or instructor permission.
Course-level Learning Objectives (CLOs)
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Describe the history of computing and identify key social, regulatory, political or technical advances which resulted in significant impact on society.
Compare and contrast the benefits and risks of generative AI systems to solve a given problem.
Describe Algorithmic Bias and identify impacts on society.
Analyze the effects of Social Media on society including mass data collection, mass personalization and the spread of disinformation.
Compare and contrast disinformation and misinformation.
Evaluate ways that technology erodes privacy and facilitates spying, providing assessment on the benefits and risks to society.
Describe ways that technology has benefited (and challenged) society.
Explain the application of copyright and patents to computer software.

Course Typically Offered
Spring