Teaching professional and ethical aspects of electrical engineering to a large class

As electrical engineering has expanded and diversified with the technology it creates, it has also more firmly established itself as a well-respected profession that has provided significant benefits to society. Electrical engineering education is continually diversifying to keep step with the profession. For instance, the area of professional and ethical aspects of electrical engineering is increasingly found in electrical engineering programs, either as a stand-alone course or as a topic discussed in conjunction with design (courses). Most view this as a positive development since it is often thought that the focus on professionalism and ethics is likely to help maintain the integrity and respect of the profession as a whole. In this paper we identify resource materials, background information, a syllabus, and outline for teaching a course on professional and ethical aspects of electrical engineering. Special attention is given to issues encountered when this topic is taught to a large class. In particular, it is explained how to turn the large class “problem” into an advantage that can actually enrich the educational process of teaching professional and ethical aspects of electrical engineering