CS 300: Technology in a Global Society
Course Description:
This course presents the social, political, economic, multicultural and ethical
issues surrounding the use of computers and computer technology. Course work includes
class discussion, readings, collaborative projects, and formal term papers on selected
topics. 3:0:3
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of the course the student will be able to:
- Recognize the major historical implications of information technology.
- Assess some of the basic concepts of a global society influenced by Information
Technology. (Singapore social system, English trading system, Privacy issues.)*
- Compare some of the effects of technology upon the cultures of different ethnic and
racial groups in the United States and other countries. (Literacy and Artistic Expression
in all types of media.)*
- Apply the tools for critical thinking, scientific reasoning and inquiry to emerging
technologies and recognize, analyze and evaluate their possible effects upon the social,
cultural, economic, and ethical values of the United States and the world. Knowledge of
the history of Information Technology is necessary.
- Work as a member of a group in exchanging knowledge and ideas about technology and its
role in the world.
- Collaborate with a group applying the literacies listed above in a mini-term paper format
at least 15 to 18 pages (double-spaced) in length. This will provide practice in a group
setting before writing the individual term paper.
- Maintain an individual electronic journal of all readings and reference sources in a
word-processed journal to be handed in bi-weekly.
- Write a term paper using a modified format similar to that found in scientific technical
journals. The paper will be at least 15 to 18 pages in length (double-spaced) and demonstrate
evidence of applying the literacies to the topic.
*These are only a few examples to illustrate and may cross all literacies areas in
addition to the ones mentioned.
## Guidelines for the collaborative project paper and final term paper will
be handed out at the end of week one.
Evaluation Rubrics are similar for the Collaborative Research paper and
Individual End of Term Research Paper.
Final Individual Research Term Paper
The research paper should be at least 18 to 20 double spaced pages, with standard
margins of 1" top, bottom, left and right, Times New Roman 12 point font. It should
include a minimum of 8 to 10 references cited using at least 4 different sources.
Internet sources may not be used exclusively. The number is largely dependent on the
quality of the sources and the research paper topic. The research paper should follow
a similar format to that found in technical journals. In particular, it must include
the following items:
- Title of Presentation
- Title page
- Table of Contents (required in Individual Research Paper)
- Introduction
- Discoveries, data found
- Summary of data (Optional)
- Conclusions
- References throughout the paper in the form of Footnotes/Endnotes
Evidence of student work will be evaluated. Plagiarism will not be tolerated*
and papers may be submitted to on-line evaluation services. The last two or three
weeks of class will be spent on individual term paper presentations. Each student will
have at least 15 minutes to present the research, discoveries, and conclusions.
PowerPoint or other media may be used to enhance the presentation but will not be
considered to be an integral part of the research paper. *see syllabus for
rules.
Grading Criteria
1 = Above Average, 2 = Average, 3 = Below Average, 4 = Incomplete, Not Available, or Not
Attempted
| Appropriateness of the paper's topic |
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| Appropriateness and complexity of the project - this is not a book report! |
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| Research effort (quality and sufficient quantity) |
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| Title Page |
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| Table of Contents in final paper |
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| Introduction |
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| Discoveries, data found |
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| Organization: Section headers, conclusion |
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| Content clarity: Introductory sentence in each paragraph, clear
explanations |
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| Grammar and spelling |
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| The student's ability to work independently |
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| Paper followed guidelines - 18 to 20 pages double spaced, 12
point Times Font |
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| Summary of data (if applicable) |
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| Conclusions |
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| Quality of the final product |
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| References (citations throughout paper using Footnotes or Endnotes |
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| Paper presentation on date due. |
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| Quality of the presentation - *speaker's presence, |
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| * delivery, |
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| *accurate and informed answers to questions from audience |
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| *appropriate attire |
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| Optional - enhancements to the research paper ex. PowerPoint,
other media |
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Textbooks
To view the approved textbook list, click
here.
