INFORMATION ETHICS

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Subtitle	Fundamental Understanding of Technology, Ethics, and Responsibility in the Information Society
Lecturer(s)	KUROSE, KENTARO
Credit(s)	2
Academic Year/Semester	2026 Spring
Day/Period	Wed.4
Campus	Yagami
Class Format	Face-to-face classes (conducted mainly in-person)
Registration Number	02224
Faculty/Graduate School	SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Year Level	3, 4
Field	GENERAL EDUCATION
Grade Type	This item will appear when you log in (Keio ID required).
Course Description	It teaches information ethics.
K-Number	FST-ST-31563-211-60

Course Administrator	Faculty/Graduate School	FST	SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Course Administrator	Department/Major	ST
Main Course Number	Level	3	Third-year level coursework
	Major Classification	1	General Education Course
	Minor Classification	56	Yagami Courses - Natural Sciences
	Subject Type	3	Elective subject
Supplemental Course Information	Class Classification	2	Lecture
	Class Format	1	Face-to-face classes (conducted mainly in-person)
	Language of Instruction	1	Japanese
Academic Discipline		60	Information science, computer engineering, and related fields

Course Contents/Objectives/Teaching Method/Intended Learning Outcome

Information systems are evolving at an accelerating pace, bringing increased convenience and productivity to individuals, organizations, and society. At the same time, insufficient understanding, improper operation, and lack of ethical awareness can expose organizations and society to significant risks.

This course examines the structure and characteristics of the information society, as well as the principles of information ethics required for the safe and effective operation of information systems. Focusing on contemporary issues such as personal data and privacy, information security, and the use of AI, the course organizes key ethical considerations alongside relevant legal and institutional frameworks, including intellectual property rights and data protection. It also explores how organizations ensure IT governance through the framework of system auditing.

Through the analysis of real-world cases, students will learn to explain the roles and risks of information systems, organize ethical issues in light of relevant laws and regulations, and develop fundamental thinking skills to make appropriate judgments and decisions from multiple perspectives, including those of engineers, users, and managers.

Course Taught by Faculty Member with Professional Experience

Applicable

The instructor has professional experience in areas such as information systems, information security, privacy protection, and the use of AI, and has been involved in addressing issues related to system design and operation, risk management, and governance in organizational settings. Drawing on this background, the course incorporates real-world cases to illustrate how information ethics, laws, and institutional frameworks are applied in practice and how they influence judgment and decision-making in the information society.

Active Learning MethodsDescription

Not applicable

Preparatory Study

Students are expected to review materials and cases related to each lecture in advance. After each class, students should reflect on the topics and discussions covered in the lecture in order to deepen their understanding of the information society and information ethics.

Course Plan

Lesson 1

Introduction: Course Overview

Lesson 2

(1) Fundamentals of Information Systems I
- Management Strategy and Decision-Making
- Business Activities and Information Systems

Lesson 3

(1) Fundamentals of Information Systems II
- Risk Management and Information Security

Lesson 4

(2) Information Ethics I
- Concepts of Information Ethics

Lesson 5

(2) Information Ethics II
- Laws Related to Information Ethics (e.g., Data Protection Law)
- Law and Ethics in the Information Society

Lesson 6

(2) Information Ethics III
- Case Studies in Information Ethics

Lesson 7

(3) The Environment Surrounding the Information Society
- Transformation of the Information Society
- Acceleration of Digital Transformation (DX)

Lesson 8

(3) The Environment Surrounding the Information Society
- Corporate Initiatives in Digital Transformation (DX): Shaping the Future through DX

Lesson 9

(4) Management and Secure Systems
- Increasing Information Leakage Incidents and Computer Crime
- Real-World Cases of Security Incidents
- Policies on Information Security

Lesson 10

(4) Management and Secure Systems
- The Importance of Information Security in Organizations
- The Necessity of System Auditing

Lesson 11

(5) System Auditing I
- Theory and Fundamental Concepts of System Auditing
- Key Measures for Organizations to Prevent Problems and Failures

Lesson 12

(5) System Auditing II
- How System Audits Are Conducted
- System Auditing Procedures

Lesson 13

(5) System Auditing Exercise
- Role-Playing as a System Auditor
- Auditing of Applications and Development Projects

Lesson 14

Course Summary and Review

Other

Corporate Responses to the Transforming Information Society (Case-Based)
- Supplementary Review of Topics Requiring Further Clarification Throughout the Course

Method of Evaluation

This course is conducted on the premise of face-to-face classes. Grades are evaluated based on in-class exercises and report submissions (15%) and a written examination (85%). A total score of 60% or higher is required to pass. The scope and format of the written examination will be announced in advance.

If the written examination cannot be conducted due to unavoidable circumstances, grades will be evaluated based on in-class exercises (15%) and a report submitted in place of the examination (85%), with a total score of 60% or higher required to pass.

Generative AI Policy for Classes

In this course, students are actively encouraged to use generative AI tools (e.g., Gemini, NotebookLM). Such tools can support information gathering, outlining, and improving writing, and may enhance learning outcomes. When using generative AI, students must comply with the following rules:

- Students must verify the AI-generated content on their own and revise it as necessary.
- Students must clearly state the name of the AI tool used and the purpose of its use.
- Students must not enter prompts that include others’ copyrighted works or personal information.

Textbooks

Required and recommended readings will be introduced as needed during the course.

Reference Books

Yamamoto, K. (Supervisor), Kuboki, T. (Author).
Information Society and Information Ethics.
Kindai Kagakusha, 2011.
ISBN: 978-4764904163.

Lecturer's Comments to Students

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Lab / Skill-development / On-site training	An educational approach in which students deepen their understanding of educational content through first-hand experience and trial-and-error by initiating their own activities at facilities and accommodations both on and off campus.
Fieldwork	An educational approach in which students conduct surveys and observations on their own to collect information both on and off campus.
Presentations	An educational approach in which students deepen their understanding of educational content by preparing materials and delivering presentations in class.
Discussions, Debates	An educational approach in which students deepen their understanding of educational content through sharing and discussing their opinions on designated topics.
Group work	An educational approach in which students are divided into small groups and assigned tasks on issues related to educational content.
Role-playing	An educational approach in which students deepen their understanding of educational content by being assigned specific roles to play, thus allowing them to experience different viewpoints.
Flipped classroom	An educational approach in which students study the course lecture in advance, and questions and discussions relating to that content are then held in class.
Problem-based learning	An educational approach in which students acquire knowledge and skills related to educational content by attempting to tackle specific projects or problems posed to them.