Course Objectives

The course will provide students with insight into the social and professional consequences of the “information revolution”, with respect to both the potential and the limitations of information technology. It will encourage a critical attitude to the use of information technology.

Course Description

1. General part (5 ECTS)

Political consequences. Does Internet stimulate democratic tendencies? How will social debate be affected? What will be the consequences for culture, gender roles, creativity, communication and the development of languages etc? Will the media become more integrated? What trends confirm this? Consequences for research and education. Will present methods of understanding and text writing be altered? Will traditional institutions of learning disappear? Does Internet present an obstacle to academic specialisation?

2. Ethical dilemmas (5 ECTS)
Moral philosophy and information technology. Copyrights, plagiarism and access to sources. What will happen to personal privacy? Technology and values. How vulnerable is society? Who, if anyone, controls the Internet?

Learning Methods

2-4 hours of lectures/seminars per week during the spring semester.

Assessment Methods

Obligatory submission of assignments and written examinations. Part A will conclude with the mid-term examination. Part B will conclude with the final examination. Both the midterm and the final examination must receive passing marks in order to receive a passing grade for the course.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean