Course Description

The history and current cultural, social, technological, and legal ramifications of our information-focused world and how this infrastructure permeates all aspects of global society.

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Athena Title

Issues in Information

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Grading System

A - F (Traditional)

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Course Objectives

• To explore issues related to the international information infrastructure, including the legal and moral implications surrounding copyright and how emerging technologies shape the way we find information; • To explore how information is used to manipulate political, social, and economic events; • To learn and practice research skills in order to navigate research sources and databases; • To demonstrate creativity and critical thinking through several writing assignments and active discussion.

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Topical Outline

• Brief History of Information Technology • Overview of the Internet and how it works • Information Warfare in Future (and Past) Conflicts • International Politics and Propaganda • Information Manipulation in Domestic Politics • The Information Economy • Information Security: Benefits and Risks of Mobile Technology • Sociological (and Biological?) Impact of the Information Infrastructure on Humans • Forecasting and Using Future Information Trends

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