IEC 100: Introduction to Social Implications of Information Technology (Fall 2025)

This course introduces students to critical perspectives on emerging information technologies, including data systems, artificial intelligence (algorithms), and security technologies. It provides a forum for critical analysis of these technologies for communities and societies, with particular attention to marginalized populations around the globe. Students will be introduced to the strategies used by activists to ensure new technologies generate just and equitable benefit for all members of society. They will also learn about legal structures for regulating new technologies. Upon successful completion of the course, the students will be able to articulate key ethical and values-based issues associated with data, artificial intelligence and security technologies, as well as strategies for advocacy and policy to create a just society.

  • Semester: Fall 2025
  • Instructor: Chris Gamrat
  • Who: Students who can use this course as:
    • A required course for the future IEC (Information Technology Ethics and Compliance) major
    • A Custom Application Focus or an elective for all other majors in the College of IST
  • When: MW 4:00 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.
  • Where: 106 Boucke Building
  • Credits: 3.0
  • LionPATH Class Number: 27379
  • Analyze technologies for societal impacts.
  • Identify technical and policy features related to issues of misinformation, representational bias, analytic bias and privacy.
  • Understand of legal environment of technology.