James Madison University

IA 405. Ethics, Law And Information Analysis:

This course will examine ethical and legal issues raised in the practice of information analysis.  It will draw on philosophical ethical theories and reasoning to explicate the issues addressed, and will explore the relevant constitutional and other legal constraints on the practice of information analysis, particularly issues of information privacy, civil liberties and limitations on government action.

Learning Objectives:

Students will develop the knowledge and skills to:

  1. analyze ethical and legal issues raised by information analysis
  2. apply philosophical ethical theories to issues in information analysis
  3. construct compelling arguments on ethical issues
  4. evaluate the merits of arguments related to ethical issues
  5. describe the Constitutional and legal constraints on the practice of information analysis, including information privacy, civil liberties and limitations on government action
  6. apply constitutional and legal principles to contemporary legal issues in the practice of information analysis, including information privacy, civil liberties and limitations on government action
  7. identify information analysis activities that require advice of legal counsel

Course Outline:

Ethics of information analysis      

  • Philosophical theories of ethics
    • Utilitarianism
    • Deontological ethics
    • Social contract theory
    • Virtue ethics
    • Ethics of care
  • Case studies of ethical issues in information analysis
    • Will vary from one semester to the next
      Legal issues in information analysis           
  • Legal and constitutional principles
    • General legal and constitutional principles
    • Information privacy law
    • Constitutional limitations on government actions
    • Individual liberties and human rights
    • Liability for harms
  • Case studies of legal issues in information analysis
    • Will vary from one semester to the next