7705. Legal and Cultural Issues in Cyberspace

This course introduces students to the theoretical and doctrinal questions raised by the emergence of the global information network. The course considers a series of readings, surveying current academic and popular work in this new area, as well as recent case law on issues such as defamation, free speech, copyright, jurisdiction, and governmental vs. private regulatory power. Attention is also given to the cultural changes brought about by the rise of cyberspace, including its potential impact on the nature and character of political participation and political community. Please note that, because the course takes a cultural rather than technical approach to cyberspace issues, technical expertise or experience is not required.