Software Development Ethics

This module examines the ethical and legal responsibilities of software engineers in an increasingly complex regulatory and social landscape. Through real‑world scenarios, learners explore how ethical conflicts arise, the role of collective employee action, and the professional standards that guide responsible decision‑making. The module also addresses the intersection of ethics, laws, and regulations in software engineering, with a focus on key legal concepts such as negligence, fraud, strict liability, and data protection. Industry‑specific ethical challenges in contexts such as healthcare, law enforcement, and education are discussed to highlight how ethical considerations vary across software development environments.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 22317 (English)
Author(s): Shreya Kumar, PhD - University of Notre Dame

This module explores core ethical principles that guide responsible software development, including expediency, equity, accessibility, and community. Learners examine how these principles shape decision‑making throughout the software lifecycle, with particular attention to accountability, transparency, inclusivity, and informed consent. The module also introduces the foundational principles of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and their practical implications for software design, development, and data handling practices, highlighting the role of ethical data stewardship in building trustworthy software systems.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 22318 (English)
Author(s): Shreya Kumar, PhD - University of Notre Dame

This module introduces practical approaches for integrating ethics and compliance into the software development lifecycle, with a focus on the Ethical Considerations and Codes of Ethics on Agile Development Approaches (ECCOLA) method. Learners examine how ethical considerations can be applied across key stages of software development and embedded within agile workflows to support responsible decision‑making. The module also explores the ethical implications of major software failures, highlighting how gaps in ethical oversight can lead to significant technical, social, and organizational consequences.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 22319 (English)
Author(s): Shreya Kumar, PhD - University of Notre Dame

This module focuses on ethical responsibilities associated with software deployment, maintenance, and business decision‑making. Learners examine the importance of security, privacy, and meaningful user consent in protecting data and maintaining trust in deployed software systems. The module also addresses ethical software maintenance practices, including documentation, versioning, and the responsible decommissioning of software. Finally, it explores how fundamental business ethics principles, such as risk management and corporate social responsibility, can be applied to navigate ethical dilemmas and long‑term impacts within the software industry.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 22320 (English)
Author(s): Shreya Kumar, PhD - University of Notre Dame