Values Embodied in Information & Communication Technologies
E58.2295
Mondays 4:55-7:05pm, 194M 209
Helen Nissenbaum, Department of Media, Culture, and Communication

Virtually all parts of our lives are touched by computing and information technology. It mediates much private and public communication, interaction, and transaction, and forms the infrastructure for critical social and institutional functions in commerce, banking and finance, utilities, national defense, education, social networking, and entertainment, The course steps back and considers social, political, and ethical implications of these systems, evaluating how they promote or impede the values to which we, individually and as societies are committed, such as freedom, privacy, sociality, justice and autonomy.

The course follows two paths. The first takes us through social commentary and key works in the philosophy and social study of technology that seek to understand the rich and sometimes troubling relationship between development and deployment of technology, on the one hand, and social and political factors, on the other. We address questions such as: Does technology make the world better, or worse? Is technology neutral? Who should be in charge of directing technological development? What is the role of scientists and engineers? The second path directs us through the arena or information and communication technologies as we consider how the general questions and theories of the first path apply to ICT and new media.

This is a project-centered course in which students will collaborate in small groups, applying philosophical and social theories of technology to analyze and, possibly, design computer and information systems. From the start, students will be guided in the selection and development of project ideas and will be matched with one or two other students, based on mutual interests and complementary skills.

The course welcomes students with a variety of backgrounds, including technical computer science and engineering students interested in learning about social, political, and ethical implications of their field, as well as students with humanistic, social science, and communications backgrounds interested in learning about the technology behind digitally mediated communication and experience. Project goals and deliverables will be adjusted according students? backgrounds and skills.

Readings

All articles are available through the seminar website.

Blackboard Course Homepage

The course homepage includes the most up-to-date schedule as well as course requirements, readings, and announcements. In addition, you will find external links and an online discussion board.

Requirements and Grading Policy

Students are expected to attend all classes, complete assigned readings before class, and turn in readings responses each week. Grades will be assessed according to four criteria: participation (in-class, online, and written responses to readings), a short paper due mid-term, a collaborative project presentation, and a term paper.

***To pass the class, students must pass each of the four elements.

20% Participation (attendance, in-class and online)
20% Weekly readings responses
20% Project presentation
40% Term paper (12-15 pp)

Course Project Planning Guide

Guide to Collaborative Projects: Target Timeline:

Sept 24: Settle on a Topic and Group

Oct 1: Outline Project; Decide on Project Type

Oct 15: Project Sources (Submit Bibliography, Websites, Objects)

Oct 22: Divide Tasks (Meet with Instructor)

Nov 5: Working Draft (Analysis, Design)

Dec 3 or 10: Project Presentations

Dec 17: Term Paper Due