How did some ‘netizens’ grow from anonymous small chat groups to world domination in such a short amount of time?  This course explores and analyzes the most illustrious people and institutions on the internet, including influencers, meme makers, gamers, e-commerce sites, political trolls and social media icons, to better understand the online communities that influence opinions, create trends, and change economies.  Debates and discussions will be centered around privacy, identities, scams, and the evolution of language.  Students will be expected to make predictions about the future of the internet based on what they explore in class. 

This class, taught in English, will help students practice using critical thinking skills, being analytical, doing research, arguing an opinion, providing feedback and listening to others.   

This class has a strong emphasis on speaking and presenting ideas.  Students will need to do research in English and work on structuring written work.  Students are expected to give feedback to their peers. 

• Types of activities

During the semester, students will have the opportunity to give a group presentation and lead a panel discussion. Students will also experience role plays and debates. 

Students are going to understand the history behind the popular communities on the internet by examining places like message boards, blogs, chat rooms, instant messaging, and underground sites. 

Autonomous learning will be expected through homework and will include doing research, preparing class activities and reading academic articles, short videos and excerpts from books. Students should expect around 20 hours of homework per semester. 

Assessment  

Students will be graded on presentations, tests and formal discussions.   

Emerging technological advances have created alarming ethical dilemmas. This class explores questions about the grey areas in ‘progress’, and how technology relates to concepts like hierarchy, economic development, and biopolitics. Some topics to discuss include self-driving cars, rights, GMOs, facial recognition software and cybersecurity.  Where should we make or change laws?  Who needs to or is allowed to make decisions and regulations?   

This class, taught in English, will help students practice using critical thinking skills, being analytical, doing research, arguing an opinion, providing feedback and listening to others.