IGS 175A: Digital Asia: Democracy in the Internet AgeInstructor: Avinash Singh Prerequisites: None Course Description: As mobile telephony and the Internet became more widely available throughout Asia, they democratized information and provided economic benefits. They have, however, contributed to social, political, and economic divisions, as well as the spread of increasingly partisan beliefs. As a result, governments frequently resort to censorship for the sake of national security. </br></br>This course explores how the Internet has driven growth and disrupted social and political systems in Asia, a region that has both the world's biggest democracy and the world's largest authoritarian state. We will investigate how social media and other forms of online media contribute to the propagation of religious and ethnic conflicts. We will specifically examine the influence of digital outreach, interactive messaging, and micro-targeting in Asian nations, as well as how they alter political and public debate in the "post-truth" period. Additionally, this course will investigate the role of social media and messaging applications in framing policy on issues such as immigration and security. It will also study how the Internet is used for cyber warfare, disinformation campaigns, and propaganda, especially in a region where three nuclear powers share disputed borders and Russia is nearby. Finally, the course will investigate whether increased Internet access can help cement democratic principles and practices while also empowering marginalized populations. </br></br>Learning Objectives: The following are some of the questions that will be addressed in this course:</br>• Create a historical and comparative framework for understanding Asian democracy </br>• Examine the role of the Internet in shaping political discourse and state ideology </br>• Research online political and social action in Asia. </br>• Assess the influence of online censorship and digital propaganda on gender and sexual politics in social media </br>• Examine the control exercised by populist and authoritarian regimes in the Internet Age.</br></br>By digging into these themes, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how the Internet has revolutionized Asia, particularly the extent to which it has transformed politics and society. Session: Session I Day: T, W, Th Time: 11:10am - 1:40pm Credit Hours: 4 Credits Course Format: On-Campus Course for Summer 2023 Brandeis Graduation Requirement Fulfilled: DJW, DL, NW, OC, SS Enrollment Limit: Course Classification: Undergraduate Level Course Course Tuition: $3,490 Course Fees: None Open to High School Students: No |
