College of Inform & Comp Sci 208 - DefendingDemocracyDigitalWorld

This course explores the significance of the public sphere - from pamphlets, newspapers and letters to radio, television, the internet and social media - and its relationship to participatory, democratic society. Moving back and forth between the history of the public sphere and contemporary debates about the tensions between media and democracy, students will learn why democracies prescribe protected roles of the media, how media manipulation plays a role in politics, and how media spaces serve as deliberative spaces. Students will write short reaction papers to the readings, which will be used to shape class discussions, and a longer final paper, focused on applying the theories of the public sphere to regulation of contemporary online spaces. This course does not count toward CS or INFORM Major requirements. (Gen. Ed. SB)

DUE TO A CHANGE IN THE TEACHING MODEL, THERE IS A DISCUSSION SECTION CONNECTED TO THE CICS 208 LECTURE. STUDENT MUST ENROLL IN BOTH THE LECTURE AND DISCUSSION. HOWEVER, STUDENTS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO ATTEND A SEPARATE DISCUSSION AND THE DISCUSSION SECTION WILL NOT CONFLICT WITH OTHER COURSES ON THE STUDENT'S SCHEDULE.

PREVIOUSLY CICS 297DP. CROSS-LISTED WITH SPP 208 AND COMM 208. STUDENTS NEEDING SPECIAL PERMISSION MUST REQUEST OVERRIDES VIA THE ON-LINE FORM: https://www.cics.umass.edu/overrides