19-756 Special Topics:Information Technology Policy: Evidence, Communication, Advocacy
12 units, Carnegie Mellon University
In recent decades, developments in Information and Communication Technologies ICTs have rapidly moved from research environments to products and services used by billions of people. This rapid rate of change has often resulted in a public which does not understand the technologies shaping their lives and lawmakers who are poorly equipped to make sound policy. It is therefore incumbent upon specialists to communicate how ICTs work to the public and lawmakers so policy making is shaped by evidence and reflects public desires. This course will train students to be effective communicators and advocates in the ICT space. Students taking this course will learn about the broader scope of technology policymaking including formal lawmaking, agency rulemaking, strategic litigation, and corporate social responsibility. Current ICT policy topics in privacy, free expression, net neutrality, and competition will be covered. Public communication strategies such as writing opeds, interviewing with journalists, producing explanatory videos and interactive games will be explored. Finally, students will learn how to perform an expert role in areas such as writing policy briefs and providing testimony. The course is open to advanced undergraduate and graduate students. Graduate students whose research has public policy implications are encouraged to develop projects related to their research. There is no requirement for programming knowledge, but students with experience in developing interactive media and games will be encouraged to utilize such skills. The class will focus heavily on readings, critical evaluation of real ICT advocacy campaigns, and homework will provide handson experience with numerous strategies for public engagement. At the end of the semester students will have a portfolio of projects which they may release publicly.
Prerequisites: none listed
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