Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/technology-shaping-democracy-2020-election
In an era where digital platforms wield immense influence over public discourse and civic engagement, understanding the intersection of technology and democracy is more crucial than ever. Coursera’s course, ‘How Technology is Shaping Democracy and the 2020 Election,’ offers a timely and insightful exploration of this complex relationship.
The course begins with a foundational introduction that sets the stage for the critical issues at hand. It highlights how well-informed citizens are the bedrock of a thriving democracy and immediately dives into the unprecedented ways technology impacted the 2020 U.S. presidential election. From voter mobilization to opinion shaping, the course underscores the pervasive influence of digital tools and platforms.
A significant portion of the syllabus is dedicated to ‘Election Administration in the COVID-19 Era.’ This module provides a deep dive into the decentralized U.S. election system and the unique challenges faced by election administrators, especially in the context of the pandemic. The inclusion of experts like Tiana Epps-Johnson and Nate Persily lends considerable weight and practical insight to this section.
The ‘Technology and the Digital Public Sphere’ module is particularly compelling. It examines how digital tools shape public opinion, influence movements, and impact the agency of individuals, governments, and even foreign entities. Featuring insights from Joan Donovan and Joshua Tucker, this section offers a nuanced understanding of how information flows and is manipulated in the digital age.
‘Where Speech and Tech Policy Collide’ tackles the thorny issues of content moderation and the ongoing debate surrounding the governance of speech online. The course thoughtfully explores the trade-offs involved and the difficulties in crafting effective public policies, with contributions from Evelyn Douek and Nick Pickles.
Finally, ‘Confronting Misinformation and Disinformation’ provides a crucial analysis of how the 2020 election cycle differed from previous ones in addressing disinformation campaigns. The module differentiates between foreign and domestic information actors and grapples with the complexities of combating these threats in a free society, featuring valuable perspectives from Alex Stamos and Camille François.
Overall, ‘How Technology is Shaping Democracy and the 2020 Election’ is a highly recommended course for anyone interested in the future of democratic processes in our increasingly digital world. The course is well-structured, features leading experts, and tackles critical contemporary issues with clarity and depth. It equips learners with the knowledge to critically assess the role of technology in shaping our political landscape and to engage more thoughtfully in the democratic process.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/technology-shaping-democracy-2020-election