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October 12th, 2020
Spring ’21 Course Spotlight
ILS 39500H: Conflict & Control: Information in the 20th and 21st Century
Meeting Times: TR: 1:30pm-2:20pm (1st 8 weeks) 1.0 Credits
Instructors: Jean-Pierre V M Hérubel, Thomas Gerrish, & Clarence Maybee
Anytime information is used for a particular means, conflict is inevitable. This seminar course examines historical and current societal issues and challenges related to the consumption and production of information. The course delves into how the use and misuse of information has resulted in historical and contemporary challenges, including ethical concerns in the dissemination of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) information, the capturing and sharing of surveillance and privacy information, the creation and sharing of disinformation and ‘fake’ news, and information on social media that takes on a life of its own (i.e., going viral). New issues will be examined weekly and students will be able to introduce topics of interest as well. The cumulative final project will allow students to select and explore their own topics on an evolving information practice and its influence on culture or society.
Learning Outcomes:
1) Describe the role that information plays in societal events or movements.
2) Explore how information has been used to influence historic or contemporary events.
3) Determine the benefits and/or challenges for individuals or society related to a historical or contemporary usage of information.
