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Course Summary: Information Ethics and Policy

Course Description: This course delves into the ethical and policy dimensions of information creation, dissemination, and usage. It provides a framework for understanding the moral and legal challenges faced by information professionals and the impact of these challenges on society. Students will critically examine issues such as privacy, intellectual property, access to information, and the digital divide, and explore the development and implementation of information policies.

Course Objectives:

• To understand the theoretical foundations of information ethics.
• To analyze the ethical implications of information practices and technologies.
• To explore the legal and regulatory frameworks governing information use.
• To develop skills in policy analysis and formulation in the context of information management.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Theoretical Foundations of Information Ethics:

   • Introduction to ethical theories (deontology, utilitarianism, virtue ethics).
   • Application of ethical theories to information practices.
   • Case studies on ethical dilemmas in information contexts.

2. Privacy and Data Protection:

   • Concepts of privacy and confidentiality.
   • Data protection laws and regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA).
   • Ethical issues in data collection, storage, and sharing.
   • Case studies on data breaches and their consequences.

3. Intellectual Property Rights:

   • Overview of intellectual property (IP) laws: copyright, patents, trademarks.
   • Ethical considerations in IP management.
   • The balance between protecting creators' rights and promoting access to information.
   • Case studies on copyright infringement and digital rights management.

4. Access to Information:

   • The principle of information access as a human right.
   • Barriers to information access (economic, legal, technological).
   • The role of libraries and information centers in promoting access.
   • Case studies on open access initiatives and information equity.

5. Digital Divide and Information Inequality:

   • Understanding the digital divide and its dimensions (economic, geographical, cultural).
   • Strategies for bridging the digital divide.
   • The role of public policy in addressing information inequality.
   • Case studies on successful digital inclusion projects.

6. Information Policy Development:

   • The process of policy development: analysis, formulation, implementation, and evaluation.
   • Key stakeholders in information policy (governments, organizations, communities).
   • The impact of policies on information management practices.
   • Case studies on policy responses to emerging information challenges.

7. Ethical Issues in Emerging Technologies:

   • Ethical implications of artificial intelligence, big data, and the Internet of Things.
   • Privacy concerns with biometric and surveillance technologies.
   • Balancing innovation with ethical considerations.
   • Case studies on ethical challenges in the adoption of new technologies.

8. Advocacy and Policy Implementation:

   • Techniques for effective advocacy in information policy.
   • Role of information professionals in shaping and implementing policy.
   • Strategies for building coalitions and engaging stakeholders.
   • Case studies on successful advocacy campaigns.

Learning Outcomes: By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Critically analyze ethical issues related to information practices.
• Understand and apply relevant legal frameworks to information management.
• Develop informed and ethical information policies.
• Advocate for policies that promote equitable access to information and protect privacy.
• Address contemporary challenges in information ethics and policy with well-reasoned solutions.

Assessment Methods:

• Written assignments and case study analyses
• Participation in class discussions and debates
• Policy analysis and formulation projects
• Exams testing knowledge of ethical theories, legal frameworks, and policy development processes

Recommended Reading:

• "Information Ethics" by Luciano Floridi
• "Privacy and Freedom" by Alan F. Westin
• "Code and Other Laws of Cyberspace" by Lawrence Lessig
• "The Digital Divide: Arguments for and Against Facebook, Google, Texting, and the Age of Social Networking" by Mark Bauerlein

This course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complex ethical and policy issues in the field of information studies, preparing them for leadership roles in managing and advocating for ethical information practices.