New York University
School of Continuing and Professional Studies
Paul McGhee Division: Liberal Arts Program
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Fall 2003 - Y26.6074.01 Instructor: Toni Sant, Ph.D. [ contact ] Tuesdays 10:00am - 12:30pm ~ NYU Midtown Center - Room 1021 |
This course offers a critical analysis of the social, economic, political, legal, and cultural implications of new information technologies. Starting out with an introductory overview of current electronic media, the course examines related issues, including: media convergence, digital rights management, computer network security, peer-to-peer file sharing, and broadband Internet access.
Students will learn about the development and practical applications of many of the new technologies. Through book reports and research projects, the class explores specific topics showing the possibilities and dangers of communications innovation in social contexts, and their impact on people and their ways of life.
Required technical
skills before taking this course:
- Familiarity with the Internet
- Use of email and basic web browsing
Course Schedule (subject to change)
| UNIT
A: Introduction & Overview 09/02 Introduction to New IT 09/09 New IT and the Key Issues 09/16 Issues Grouping/Grouping Issues |
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| UNIT
B: New IT Key Issues 09/23 Convergence and Confluence 09/30 Broadband & Always-on Internet Access 10/07 Self: Remediated/Virtual/Networked 10/14 Mid-term Report and Proposals for Final Projects |
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| UNIT
C: New IT + Law/Politics/Commerce 10/21 Code 10/28 Privacy 11/04 Web Marketing and E-Commerce |
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| UNIT
D: Technologies of Cooperation 11/11 Digital Rights I : Peer-to-Peer File Sharing 11/18 Digital Rights II : Digital Rights Management 11/25 Digital Rights III : Security |
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| UNIT
E: Final Project and Presentations 12/02 Final Projects I 12/09 Legislative Day: Reserved for Thursday classes 12/16 Final Projects II |
Reading List
Several online articles are assigned according to the class schedule, details TBA. Each student is also required to read 4 books for this class. The first three books will be read by the whole class.
Beekman, George. Computer Confluence Concise Edition and CD, Fifth Edition
Lessig, Laurence. The Future of Ideas: The Fate of the Commons in a Connected World. (New York: Random House, 2001)
Rheingold, Howard. Smart Mobs: Transforming Culture and Communities in the Age of Instant Access. (Cambridge, MA: Perseus Publishing, 2002)
The fourth book can be any one of the following books, chosen by each student
in consultation with the instructor:
Recommended reading
for research projects focused on Unit B:
Bolter, Jay David, and Richard Grusin. Remediation. (Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2000)
Laurel, Brenda. Utopian Entrepreneur. (Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2001)
Recommended reading for research projects focused on Unit C:
Biegel, Stuart. Beyond Our Control? Confronting the Limits of Our Legal System in the Age of Cyberspace. (Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2001)
Brinson, J. Dianne and Mark F. Radcliffe. Internet Law and Business Handbook. (Menlo Park, CA: Ladera Press, 2000)
Isenberg, Doug. GigaLaw Guide to Internet Law. (NY: Random House, 2002)
Recommended reading for research projects focused on Unit D:
Rosenblatt, Bill. Digital Rights Management: Business and Technology. (NY: John Wiley & Sons, 2001)
Vaidhyanathan, Siva. Copyrights and Copywrongs: The Rise of Intellectual Property and How It Threatens Creativity. (NY: NYU Press, 2003)
Russell, Ryan et al. Stealing the Network: How to Own the Box. (Syngress, 2003)
Attendance Policy
Absence on day of your own presentations will automatically result in "F" as a grade for that day's assignment. Every student is allowed up to 2 absences during the semester, including absences for religious holidays and medical/personal emergencies. Each absence after the second will result in a lowered grade: an "A" becomes an "A-", a "B-" becomes a "C+", etc. No exceptions.
Grading - Book report: 25% | Mid-term paper: 30% | Final Project:
45%