CIS340: Computer EthicsUnit 4 Journal Assignment – Intellectual Property Protection and Ethical Innovation
Due Date: 11:59 pm EST, Sunday of Unit 4
Total Points: 50
Overview: Throughout the term, you will keep a journal that you will add to every other
week by reflecting on questions or scenarios that pertain to that week’s topic(s).
Although not required, to ensure comprehension of each week’s material, you should
first review the self-assessment questions in the textbook at the end of the assigned
chapter(s). These questions relate to the journal topic and can help you formulate your
thoughts and writing.
This week, you will compose a journal entry reflecting on your experiences and how it
has influenced your thinking on the following questions/scenarios:
Discuss the importance of protecting intellectual property and the ethical
implications of fair use and sustained innovation.
Specifically:
Recall from your reading this week that the founding fathers of the United States
included copyright protections in Article I Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution. Clearly, it
has been an important element of economic growth and property rights since the
nation’s beginning; however, some have argued that IP rights limit fair use and can stifle
innovation. One example of a modern computer ethics IP issue presented in your
readings this week that calls this into question is the concept of reverse engineering. As
stated in the textbook, Microsoft has at times been accused of this activity, including in
its development of the Windows operating system and Office applications.
Answer the following questions as you develop your thoughts and compose a journal
entry on the topic:
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Do you agree with the framers of the U.S. Constitution that Intellectual Property
is a fundamental right and was an important protection for a new country? Why
or why not?
Have you ever downloaded “pirated” or illegally obtained music or movies?
Whether you have or have not, do you believe that such activity constitutes an
infringement on someone’s intellectual property? How would you feel it was
music you composed, or an app you developed that others were stealing?
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If Microsoft is guilty of reverse engineering, did they engage in unethical
practices? Or did they engage in activity that fostered innovation and improved
peoples’ lives? Is it unethical regardless?
Notes:
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Your journal is an informal self-reflection and does not require sources or APA
formatting.
There are no specific length/words requirements. Simply provide your thoughts.
However, each of the elements described in the assignment should be covered.
You will be graded on the depth of your critical thinking and the strength of your
writing.
The optional self-assessment questions for your review can be found at the end
of Chapter 6 in the textbook.
Review the grading criteria below before and after you write your journal entry.
Evaluation Rubric for Weekly Journal Assignment
Criteria
Content
Reflection
Exemplary
Proficient
24-25 points
Reflection
demonstrates a
high degree of
critical thinking in
applying,
analyzing, and
evaluating key
course concepts.
Insightful and
relevant
connections
made through
explanations and
examples.
14-15 points
20-23 points
Reflection
demonstrates
some degree of
critical thinking in
applying,
analyzing, and/or
evaluating key
course concepts.
Connections
made through
explanations,
and/or examples.
11-13 points
Needs
Improvement
16-19 points
Reflection
demonstrates
limited critical
thinking in
applying,
analyzing, and/or
evaluating key
course concepts.
Minimal
connections
made through
explanations
and/or examples.
8-10 points
Deficient
0-15 points
Reflection lacks
critical thinking.
Superficial
connections are
made with key
course concepts.
0-7 points
Personal
Growth
Writing
Quality
Conveys strong
evidence of selfreflection on own
work with a
personal
response to the
questions posed
and
demonstrates
empathy for other
points of view.
9-10 points
Well written and
clearly organized,
characterized by
elements of a
strong writing
style and
basically free
from
grammatical,
usage, and
spelling errors.
Conveys some
evidence of selfreflection on own
work with a
personal
response to the
questions posed
and recognizes
other viewpoints.
Conveys limited
evidence of selfreflection on own
work to the
questions posed
and limited
understanding of
other viewpoints
Conveys
inadequate
evidence of selfreflection on own
work and no
analysis of other
viewpoints.
7-8 points
Above average
writing style and
logically
organized using
standard English
with minor
grammatical,
usage, and
spelling errors.
5-6 points
Average writing
style that is
sometimes
unclear and/or
with some
grammatical,
usage, and
spelling errors
that detract from
the content.
0-4 points
Poor writing style
lacking in
standard English,
clarity, language
used, and/or
frequent
grammatical,
usage, and
spelling errors
that greatly
detract from the
content.
