In a formal sense, Computer Science is not a professionalized discipline. There are certainly arguments that could be made for and against
professionalization. It is easy to imagine a discussion of this sort to fall victim to black and white reasoning, but of course it is likely more nuanced than
to simply state we should professionalize or not; there is the issue of degree.
Perform some research sufficient to help answer one of the fundamental questions of this course – would the professionalization of our discipline be a good
thing or a bad thing? As a starting point, consider answering a subset of the following questions:
Why might Computer Science not be considered a profession?
What exactly is our discipline? In this respect, doctors and lawyers have it easy.
What should we call ourselves? Yes, it is this fundamental - see comment about doctors and lawyers above.
What is your perspective on the professionalization of this discipline?
Is what we do more than just a job?
Where do you think we should be heading with respect to professionalism?
If you were to assume our discipline was to professionalize, it would be necessary to codify what is obligatory and what is prohibited as a professional. This
would normally be done through the mandatory adoption of a code of ethics. Is the CIPS Code of Ethics sufficient?
Can you envision being bound by a “universal” code regardless of where you were employed? What challenges might exist with respect to enforcement? Would you
want to work in a professionalized environment that effectively enforced these codes?
The above represent just some of the questions that can reasonably be asked. Think of others! Explore the above issues in a paper that is between 2200-2500
words. I am looking for and interested in your thoughts; this is not primarily a research paper although research will be the basis by which you formalize the
ideas that are likely already percolating within you. You have freedom to explore as you see fit – take advantage of this to write a paper that really does
reflect your thoughts.