Computer science education and social relevance

The rise of computer science as a theoretical discipline should not be allowed to proceed without promoting the study of the social implications and applications of the field. This paper describes an undergraduate course whose primary goal is to foster an understanding of how computers can be used for socially relevant purposes. The students were required to propose and execute a project which could benefit people directly. The projects are described and suggestions for further work are given.The rapid rise of Computer Science as a major field of university study is unprecedented. In 25 years digital computers have risen from a laboratory experiment to a full-fledged academic discipline. Most major universities have created Departments of Computer Science and offer advanced degrees.