Schedule of case study discussion topics
From the syllabus:The second round of case studies will follow a discussion format. Again in pairs, students will lead 25-minute discussions based on longer-form reading from news and magazine articles. The leaders will do some additional background reading and frame the question, but the whole class will be expected to participate in the discussions. Each student will lead twice. The unit will be worth 15% of the course grade (5 for each discussion led and 5 for attentiveness and thoughtful participation in other discussions---quality rather than quantity of discussion is important here).
Tue 10 Oct
- Nathan and Andrew: Automation/self-driving cars/trolley problem Should A Self-Driving Car Kill Its Passengers In A “Greater Good” Scenario?
- Cedar and Carolyn: Psychological manipulation/phones: Tristan Harris believes Silicon Valley is addicting us to our phones. He’s determined to make it stop.
Thu 19 Oct
- Dave and Patrick: Programmer error/legal system: Judges refuse to order fix for court software that put people in jail by mistake
- Terrence and Derrail: Cheating on regulations/Volkswagen: VW engineer sentenced to 40 months in prison for role in emissions cheating
Tue, 24 Oct
- Joey and Katie: IP-copyright/scientific research: Scientific research piracy site hit with $15 million fine
Thu, 26 Oct
- Dave and Andrew: Psychological manipulation/advertising: How Online Shopping Makes Suckers of Us All
- Cedar and Patrick: Psychological manipulation/health: The code I’m still ashamed of
Tue, 31 Oct
- Katie and Derrail: Automation/employment: A World Without Work
- Nathan and Joey: Automation/airplane control The untold story of QF72: What happens when 'psycho' automation leaves pilots powerless?
Thu, 2 Nov
- Carolyn and Terrence: Gender/Gamergate: SXSW Cancels Panels On Harassment In Video Game Community After Threats