Communication 497GP - ST-Internet Gov & Info Pol

This class introduces students to actors, institutions and public interest battles fought nationally, regionally and globally for the control of the Internet. It considers the interaction between law and policy, technological design, industry, organized civil society and social movements in shaping infrastructure, code and content of the global web. Topics covered in the course include history of the Internet; evolution of the Internet?s technical architecture; digital inequalities worldwide; freedom of expression and intellectual property; surveillance, privacy and cybersecurity; data protection and social media governance in the era of datafication. Readings and online discussions with research partners, policy advocates and experts will expose students to diverse perspectives and first-hand information on these debates.

Open to junior and senior COMM students and senior and Masters SPP students. PreReq:COMM 121 or 122 Other students, with permission of instructor mfuentes@umass.edu.