GEOG357

Description

Spring 2018 Course Description: In the span of a few decades, the Internet has become a driver of global change and has connected people and places to an unprecedented degree. However, to what extent does the Internet transform or supersede the structures, configurations, and arrangements that make up our world? How does the Internet interact with, and produce, geographies at various scales? In light of the rapidly changing environment influenced by the information revolution and the Internet itself, the answers to these questions are not universal, or even immediately apparent. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an explanatory framework that places the Internet into a broader historical, social and political-economic context. By adopting a geographical perspective, this course prepares students to challenge abstract notions of the Internet as a placeless informational cloud, by analyzing its grounded causes, consequences, and impacts at various scales. This course will cover a range of topics related to the history, technology, politics, regulation, and practices of the Internet and associated communication technologies. The course is centered on weekly readings and group discussions. Prior Semesters Course Description: Examines how the Internet has changed our society, economy, culture and geography. Explores the myths and the realities of the impacts derived from technological changes. Issues for discussions include an examination of 'the death of distance', social polarization and the 'digital divide' at the national and international scales, as well as the changing practices and modes of everyday social interactions. Explores how consumption and our conceptualization of leisure is changing as a result of the widespread use of the Internet.