GISDepartment of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies

Information is now a fundamental feature of the human experience: we consume, produce, and use it to make important decisions. In this course, we will be approaching information studies from the lens of human-computer interaction, data visualization, and analytics. We will be introducing the students to various aspects of information and society: our changing views, how we utilize it, the effects of technological advancements, and our responsibility.

At the end of this course, the students are expected to apply critical thinking to exercise responsible digital citizenship. They should be able to discuss how information affects them as individuals and as a society, evaluate information credibility, and exercise caution in presenting information.

Will be able to gain “DP 1”, “DP 2”, “DP 3”, and “DP 4”.

英語 / English

Course materials will be provided at least a week in advance via the learning management system. Each class will be kicked off with a short review from the previous week. This will be followed by lectures, discussions, and activities covering the topics given in the weekly schedule. Each class will close with a short retention quiz that students can choose to work on individually or collaboratively. A reminder of the assigned study materials and other announcements for the following week will also be given.

あり / Yes

なし / No

授業形態/methods of teaching：対面/face to face

※各回の授業形態は予定です。教員の指示に従ってください。

1[オンライン/online]：Introduction

Introduction: briefing on the course coverage and setting expectations.

2[対面/face to face]：Evolution of Information

A historical overview of the evolution of information will be presented: how was it disseminated and how has it grown through time.

3[対面/face to face]：Information Stakeholders

Custodianship, ownership, and access will be discussed.

4[オンライン/online]：Argumentation and Information

Critical thinking concepts such as fallacies will be reviewed. Examples where information was used for faulty argumentation will be presented.

5[対面/face to face]：Human Factors of Information Consumption

Cognitive biases will be reviewed and methods on how these biases were used to influence information consumption will be presented.

6[対面/face to face]：Information and Public Opinion

Landmark cases where information has swayed public opinion, both for the good and for the bad, will be discussed.

7[対面/face to face]：Midterm Reflection

Students will write a short reflection paper in advance on the lessons learned thus far and will be given a few minutes to explain portions of their reflections in a guided discussion manner.

8[対面/face to face]：Big Data and AI

Big data in key sectors such as healthcare, education, and national security will be introduced. Enablers of big data (e.g., increased computing power, internet) will also be discussed.

9[対面/face to face]：Data and AI Ethics

Examples of algorithms and practices used with information and how they can potentially threaten the society will be presented.

10[対面/face to face]：Information Security

Information security (confidentiality, integrity, and accessibility) along with its related concepts (cybersecurity, cryptography) will be introduced.

11[対面/face to face]：Digital Footprint

Landmark cases where digital footprints were used, both for the good and for the bad, will be discussed.

12[対面/face to face]：Future of Information

Expert predictions on how the future will change as we advance in the knowledge economy will be explored.

13[対面/face to face]：Responsible Digital Citizenship

Protective and ethical measures to prevent misinformation and promote healthy information activism will be debated.

14[オンライン/online]：Final Examination and Wrap-up

An open-book closed-response timed exam will be administered.

Students are expected to read the relevant material for the week prior to class to promote lively discussion. Students may optionally prepare short reports for knowledge sharing in advance. Preparatory study and review time for this class are 2 hours each.

All reference materials will be made available at the start of the term.

These texts are recommended but not required:
Tufte, E. R. (1990). Envisioning information. Graphics Press.
Mackenzie, I. S. (2013). Human-Computer Interaction. An Empirical Perspective.
O'Neil, C. (2016). Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy.

Quizzes: 40%
Participation: 20%
Midterm Reflection: 20%
Final Examination: 20%

Grading criteria were adjusted to lessen the percentage of participation. The contents for Introduction and Midterm Reflection were clarified. The Methods section was additionally modified to reflect how the class was actually conducted the previous year.

None