Introduction to theories of propaganda and persuasion. Examination of symbolic strategies designed to secure or resist social and institutional change. Attention given to case studies of social, political, economic, and religious reformation. Special consideration of the ethical ramifications of such efforts.

Students learn the fundamentals of how the Internet works, gain practice with foundational technologies that power websites and learn how to solve problems like a programmer. A significant portion of he course covers web front-end design and development; students create a website using HTML/CSS, and are introduced to JavaScript language and responsive web design techniques. Topics include Internet history and structure, legal and ethical issues. No prior programming experience is required.

This course examines how mobile computing is transforming our everyday lives and the society and environment in which we live. In this course the students will engage the mobile ecosystem by inventing apps and solving problems of personal, social, and environmental relevance. Students will learn computational thinking skills and create mobile apps using AppInventor, a free and open source visual blocks-based programming environment. Students will share their creative apps with peers and communities. They will also exercise inclusion, civic engagement, and peer learning in the context of innovating with free and open source software that empower individuals and communities.

Integrates three essential computing competencies: Problem solving, data analysis, and programming. Problems are chosen from data-driven real-world examples such as astronomy, cryptography, environmental simulation, image processing, and video games. Emphasis is on formulating problems, thinking creatively about how computations can solve problems, and expressing solutions clearly and accurately. Using Python, students learn design, implementation, testing, and analysis of algorithms and programs.