COMM 257 / GEOG 257/ ID 238

INTERNET GEOGRAPHY

Socio-Economic Impacts of Information Technologies

(Geography Capstone course)

 Last offered in Fall 2005

Instructor: Dr. Yuko Aoyama

Course description

Has the Internet Revolution put an end to geography?  Has it exacerbated social polarization?  How has it helped those in the developing world?  Is Internet Revolution more profound than Industrial Revolution?   How have new technologies changed our industries, daily lives, and social relationships? 

This course examines the impact of information technologies on economic, cultural, social, and spatial aspects of contemporary life.   It is designed to engage students in discussing some of the most contested aspects of new technologies.  It begins with an examination of theories on technological innovation, and the history of technological innovation from the Industrial Revolution.  It will then explore dimensions of the internet, in particular, production and consumption of digital commodities.  On the production side, we will examine the role of entrepreneurship, the impacts on cities, and the importance of globalization in both developed and developing country contexts.  On the consumption side, we will analyze the use of digital technologies with specific examples such as Electronic Commerce, Mobile Commerce, Video Games, and Logistics.  The class ends with the social impacts of the internet, including Digital Divide, Social Movements and Cyber culture.

This course requires heavy reading assignments, and is oriented toward generating discussions among students.  There will be a weekly assignment based on the readings, as well as a final research project.  Students are expected to come to class prepared to engage in discussions based on the readings. 

Course schedule

Week 1: Introduction

Week 2: Technology and Innovation I: Theories of Technological Innovation

Week 3: Technology and Innovation II: From Industrial Revolution to Internet Revolution 

Week 4: The Origin of the Internet

Week 5: The New Economy? 

Week 6: Production of Digital Commodities I: Infrastructure and talent

Week 7: Production of Digital Commodities II: Entrepreneurship and Globalization -- Software production in India, China, Israel, Singapore, Malaysia.

Week 8: Production of Digital Commodities III: Video Games, Animation, and Special Effects -- Production in Tokyo, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Seoul, Bombai, Chennai

Week 9: Consumption of Digital Commodities I: Electronic Commerce, Mobile Commerce

Week 10: Consumption of Digital Commodities II: Finance

Week 11: Consumption of Digital Commodities III: Transportation and Accessibility

Week 12: Social Impacts of the Internet I: National and International Digital Divide

Week 13: Social Impacts of the Internet II: Social Movements -- Mexican Zapatistas’ use of the Internet

Week 14: Social Impacts of the Internet III: Cyberspace and Cyber culture