Understanding and Challenging the Images of Computing
In this new “research and action” based mini course we will explore computing from a cultural perspective. We will reflect on some issues often taken for granted e.g. are our attitudes to computing generalizable or culturally specific? How are computing and computing professionals perceived and represented in US culture and in cultures from around the world? Can this cultural perspective help us understand the declining interest in computing in the USA?
Technology and Global Development
This undergraduate course studies meaningful ways to use advanced technologies
to support the development of communities where the world's poorest people
live. We will review the history and politics of development over the last
century, the economic and social contexts in which development work takes
place and current applications of advanced technology for sustainable
development. Students will participate in discussions and debates, evaluate
existing development projects, participate in a simulation field study and
a small group class project.
Technology for Developing Communities
This graduate course studies meaningful ways to use
advanced technologies to support developing communities worldwide. It
focuses on communities that include the poorest 4 billion people: people
who today lack access to modern technologies and infrastructure. Each
student will carry out a project of the student’s design, and
participate in a whole-class fielded project.
Technology & Policy for Disaster and Humanitarian Response
This graduate course engages students in exploring the technologies
and technology-related policies involved in response to natural disasters
and humanitarian emergencies. This is a seminar course that will require
active student participation and contribution. Students will perform
literature reviews, contact practitioners, participate in discussions,
document findings, and deliver presentations.
Ethics and Policy Issues in Computing
In this undergraduate course students will discuss the social impacts of computing
technology. The course will provide a brief introduction to ethics and to the
history of computing and the Internet. It will focus on a number of areas in
which computers and information technology are having an impact on society
including privacy, freedom of speech, intellectual property, work, distribution
of wealth, and the environment.
Technology and Development for 4 Billion (T&D4B)
This Readings and Research (Special Topics) course studied meaningful
ways of utilizing advanced technologies for development with regard
to the world's poorest people. We considered technology to
be an enabler of development, and studied the intersection of technology,
policy, and the business case with an emphasis on sustainable solutions.
The course was an updated version of the ICT4B class taught in 2004.