LAW 5671: Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Democracy - 2214

Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Democracy
Class Term:
Spring Term 2020-2021
Catalog Number:
5671
Professor(s): Type:
Seminar
Credits:
3 (2 Contact, 1 Field)
Graduation Requirements:
Upper-Level Writing
Priority:
General Enrollment Course
Full Year Course:
No
Category:
Standard Courses

Grading Details

75% of the course grade will be based on a research paper, which will function as the final exam.  For law students, the expected length and complexity of the paper will meet the standard for satisfying Pitt Law’s upper-level writing requirement.  For other students, the expected length and complexity of the paper will be tailored to the expectations of their degree program.

Description

This course will explore the intersection of cybersecurity issues and democracy. The proliferation of technology in the cyber age has not only collided with existing norms and laws around privacy, but also stressed American democracy in profound ways. The proliferation of algorithmic tools within government and cyber threats to our critical election infrastructure (including digital disinformation and hacking) are among the most pressing challenges that our democracy must confront to preserve popular legitimacy in the face of cyber’s growth. By first exploring the legal framework around cybersecurity and privacy, students will have a sufficient grounding to examine these complex issues facing American democracy.

Cybersecurity, Privacy, & American Democracy