School of Information and Library Science
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

INLS 584, Information Ethics
Spring 2008

Syllabus

Course description / Textbook and readings / Assignments and evaluation

Syllabus / Schedule / Assignments / Blackboard site

Class meetings: Monday & Wednesday, 11:00-12:15; 307 Manning Hall

Course Description

Overview. The intention of this course is to introduce students to the variety of ethical issues they will need to address as information professionals. After a brief overview of ethical theories and their application to moral issues, as well as ethical codes of conduct for the information professions, the class will focus on particular issues that are most salient to information professionals, such as information/data as intellectual property, software as intellectual property, data integrity/accuracy, software accuracy, privacy, access to information/censorship, access to information technology, effects of computerization on the work environment (job displacement, deskilling, ergonomic issues, electronic monitoring), effects of computer-mediated communication on understandings of identity and relationships, and effects of computerization on democracy and government.

Rationale and relationship to the current curriculum. Many of the courses in the SILS curriculum briefly address ethical issues, such as censorship, intellectual property rights, the effects of systems design, and others. By focusing entirely on ethics, this course will enable the participants to develop their skills in reasoning about such issues.

Textbook and Readings

Rachels, J. (2007). The Elements of Moral Philosophy. 5th edition. Boston: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

The text is available at UNC Student Stores. Additional readings will be available as noted in the class schedule. These readings will be selected by the instructor and class participants.

Assignments and Evaluation

The final grade will be based on one major paper, two small assignments, and class participation:

• The major paper will be due at the end of the semester (3:00 pm, April 28). It may be an integrative literature review on a particular ethical issue/case, a review of a particular court case or set of cases with implications for information ethics, or a critical review of a current book related to topics discussed in the course. In each case, there will be intermediate deliverables due throughout the semester. (45%)
• Each student will be asked to develop one scenario describing an ethical dilemma. (10%)
• Each student will be asked to respond to one scenario describing an ethical dilemma. (10%)
• Each student will be expected to participate actively throughout the semester, including the planning of one or more class sessions (35%).

Honor Code. The Honor Code, which prohibits giving or receiving unauthorized aid in the completion of assignments, is in effect in this class.

Library and Lab Resources. You will be using SILS library and lab resources during the course of the semester. Please remember that many of your fellow students also need to use the same material. Follow the proper checkout procedures and return materials promptly to be a good SILS citizen.

Syllabus / Schedule / Assignments / Blackboard site