Chinese Cyberculture

(4 Credits)

This course provides a general overview of some of the key topics that constitute Chinese cyberculture. We focus specifically on four main areas: censorship and netizens; the companies which dominate the online economy; the history and development of the electronic industry and game culture and Internet addiction. These topics are examined within the context of several overarching themes: technological determinism, protectionism, the nature of innovation and the increasingly intimate relationship of humans and machines. In addition, this course will guide students through the development of a research project on a related theme of their choosing. Prerequisite: None. Fulfillment: CORE SSPC; IMA elective; IMB IMA/IMB elective.