Politics of Information

Catalog description

Ratings, rankings and certifications have become a ubiquitous form of power in American society. Through in-depth case studies, this course explores the validity, credibility and effectiveness of these hotly-contested “information-based governance” strategies (such as food sustainability certifications, corporate “green” rankings, or doctor quality ratings), particularly in the health and environmental fields. Satisfies depth and breadth course requirement in the Social Science track of the Environmental Studies major or interdisciplinary minor. Satisfies a major or interdisciplinary minor requirement in Communication Studies. Counts as an elective in the Data Science interdisciplinary minor. Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought requirement.