Privacy Theory Seminar

Catalog description

This seminar explores the meaning and value of information privacy. What is privacy? Why might we want to protect it? How can we think about the relationship between privacy interests and other social values? The course considers both privacy relative to the government and privacy relative to the media and the public. The relevant concepts will be explored both broadly and in the context of specific issues, such as national security, the privacy of consumer data, or the relationship between privacy and freedom of expression. No specific background is required, and in particular, it is not necessary to have taken the Privacy Law course in order to take this seminar (though it may be helpful). The reading materials will be drawn primarily from secondary sources. This course does not have a final exam. Grading will be based on class participation, short weekly writing assignments, and a final paper. (This class was formerly known as the Privacy Law Seminar and is not open to students who took it under the prior title.)