Course Syllabus
Temple University
College of Liberal Arts / POLS 2232
Cyberpolitics- 3 Credit Hours
Instructor: Dr. Julien Ehrenkönig
Email: ehrenkonig@temple.edu
Office Hours: Wednesdays 10:00AM-12:00PM & 2:00PM-4:00PM, or by appointment.
Office Location: Gladfelter Hall, 10th Floor, Room 1019
Course Meeting Times: Tuesdays/Thursdays, 2:00PM – 3:20PM
Course Prerequisite: None.
Course Overview:
New information and communication technologies (NICTs) allow for unprecedented, unlimited access to people and information worldwide. In this survey course, we will examine the implications and impact of the diffusion of NICTs, with particular attention to: Interpersonal communication; The revitalization or weakening of democracies; The Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence, and Privacy; Economic development and Women’s empowerment; Cyberwarfare; Clicktivism; and social media and “transitions” to democracy. We will explore NICTs in the United States, Mexico, Egypt, Russia, the European Union, Indonesia, Kenya, and other regions.
This course also serves as preparation for research, incorporating a variety of research, writing, and data analysis activities directly connected to the course material. These activities are designed to help you develop the interpretive and analytical skills essential to the study of political science. Some assignments will require you to complete training exercises in conducting Human Subjects Research in the social sciences. The class will follow a seminar format, and all students are expected to participate actively in discussions.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Discuss what political science is all about, explaining its scope, key concepts, and methods.
- Examine the social and political impact of new information and communication technologies.
- Identify and distinguish between independent and dependent variables in political science research.
- Locate and assess relevant data sources for political science studies.
- Conduct primary research using appropriate methods such as surveys, interviews, or observations.
- Evaluate data to determine how well it supports specific arguments or hypotheses.
- Use library resources effectively to locate and retrieve political science data.
Further, this course is intended to improve students’ skills in:
- Information literacy: Identify, access, and evaluate sources of information.
- Critical Thinking: Think critically about the materials presented during the course.
- Contextualized Learning: Understand historical and contemporary issues in context.
- Interdisciplinary Thinking: Understanding and applying knowledge in and across academic disciplines.
- Communication Skills: Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Required Course Materials and Readings: All course materials and readings are available on Canvas and can be accessed in each week’s module. Each of the readings we cover can also be accessed directly through the library’s catalog. Assigned readings should be completed each week before class so that students can effectively participate in our weekly discussions.
Technology Specifications: The minimum technology and equipment required for this course is access to a computer and the internet. If you find that you need technological resources, you can visit the following link to see Temple’s Information Technology Services available to you: https://its.temple.edu/tech-students All students are required to comply with Temple University’s Computer and Network Security Policies.
Limited resources are available for students who do not have the technology they need for class. Students with educational technology needs, including no computer or camera or insufficient Wifi-access, should submit a Student Technology Assistance Application located in TUPortal and linked from the Dean of Students Support and Resources webpage. The university will endeavor to meet needs, such as with a long-term loan of a laptop or Wifi device, a refurbished computer, or subsidized internet access. The Affordable Connectivity Program is available to purchase discounted internet services and devices for qualified individuals.
On-campus computer labs are available for student use. Here is a list of computer labs available to students: https://its.temple.edu/computer-labs. Please note that there are technology resources available for students, including laptop share and battery share. Some software that is available for free download on the ITS Academic Support page. Other specialty software may be available for remote access through ITS.
Course Assessment and Grading: This course will be treated as a seminar course, emphasizing active participation and collaborative learning. Together, we will engage with introductory lectures, weekly readings, media, in-class discussions, student presentations, and graded assignments. Your class grade will be based on the following:
-
CITI (IRB) Training Exercise 10%
-
Final Presentation & Report 40%
-
Reflection Assignments (x 6) 30%
-
Attendance & Participation 20%
All assignments will be submitted via Canvas. In the event that a student has technical issues submitting their assignments online, please email your assignment to the instructor ( ehrenkonig@temple.edu ) so that the assignment is on time and the student receives credit. Canvas can be accessed at canvas.temple.edu. Please note that the only file types accepted are Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx, .txt), and Adobe (.pdf).
CITI (IRB) Training Exercises 10%
The CITI IRB (Institutional Review Board) Training is an online program that teaches students, faculty, and researchers how to conduct research with people in an ethical and responsible way. It introduces important topics like the history of research ethics, the rules that guide research, how to get proper consent from participants, and how to protect the rights and well-being of those who take part in studies. As part of preparing for your semester research project, you will complete several Social/Behavioral training modules through the CITI training website.
Research Presentation & Report 40%
This assignment asks you to carry out a small-scale research study on how privacy is practiced in everyday public spaces. You will select two different sites, conduct participant observation at each location, and analyze the ways people create, protect, or negotiate privacy in those settings. Your observations will be compared across sites and connected to course concepts on privacy. The project will conclude with a short in-class presentation of your findings and a written report that outlines your research sites, methods, data, and analysis.
Assignments (x 6) 30%
Throughout the semester, you will complete six (6) short reflection papers. These assignments give you the chance to think critically about how technology and politics connect in the world around us. You’ll use the course readings and media to explore how digital platforms influence political behavior, how technology impacts governance, and what these changes mean for society. The goal is to move beyond summary and make meaningful connections between our class discussions and real-world examples of Cyberpolitics.
Weekly Attendance & Participation 20%
Attendance will be recorded at every class meeting. Regular attendance and active participation in group discussions are expected. You are allowed two unexcused absences without penalty. Any additional unexcused absences will result in a deduction from your attendance and participation grade. Students can have an absence excused if they provide proper documentation to the instructor (i.e. a doctor’s note, letter from coach, military service letter, etc.).
Grading Scale
Letter Grade |
A |
A- |
B+ |
B |
B- |
C+ |
C |
C- |
D+ |
D |
D- |
F |
Percentage |
93-100 |
90-92 |
87-89 |
83-86 |
80-82 |
77-79 |
73-76 |
70-72 |
67-69 |
63-66 |
60-62 |
0-59 |
Keep track of your own grades in the course (via Canvas) and seek help to improve grades as soon as possible.
Course Policies and Etiquette
Communication with Instructor: During the semester, I will generally respond to emails within 24 hours of receiving them during the week (Monday-Friday). Please keep in mind that emails received after 5:00PM during the week will not be seen or replied to until the following day.
Late Work: Assignments are always due the day and time listed. All late work will be penalized one fraction of a letter grade for each day it is late; e.g., one day late moved what would be an A to an A-. I do not grant extensions except in emergency situations in order to be fair to all students. Notify me as soon as possible by email before the assignment is due if you will not be able to submit your assignment on time so that I can consider the circumstances and decide whether and extension is appropriate.
Class atmosphere: This is a course based on the discussion of ideas and the connection of those ideas to aspects of the world around us. In order to provide an environment conducive to the open sharing of ideas, I ask that you show respect for me and for your fellow classmates. You are asked to be tolerant of others’ opinions and show thoughtful consideration in your interactions.
Our differences, some of which are outlined in the University's nondiscrimination statement, will add richness to this learning experience. Working as a community of learners, we can build a polite and respectful course atmosphere.
Statement on recording and distribution of recordings of class sessions: In general, recording class lectures via audio or video devices is not permitted without permission from the instructor ahead of time. Any recordings that are permitted by the instructor can only be used for the student’s personal educational use. Students are not permitted to copy, publish, or redistribute audio or video recordings of any portion of the class session to individuals who are not students in the course or academic program without the express permission of the faculty member and of any students who are recorded. Distribution without permission may be a violation of educational privacy law, known as FERPA, as well as certain copyright laws. Any recordings made by the instructor or university of this course are the property of Temple University.
Statement on the Use of Generative AI in This Course: Generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Bing Chat, Claude, Google Bard, etc.) may be used in limited ways and only with proper acknowledgment. To ensure fairness and maintain academic integrity, you may not submit AI-generated text for any classwork, assessments, or projects. This includes using AI to generate answers, complete assignments, or perform any graded course tasks. You may use AI tools during the research or preparation phase of your work—for example, to brainstorm ideas—but all submitted work must be written by you. AI may also be used as a writing aid (e.g., grammar or clarity suggestions), but it must not replace your original thought, voice, or writing. Keep in mind that while AI tools can be helpful, they are not always accurate or reliable. It's important to critically evaluate any information or suggestions they provide. Misuse of AI in this course will be considered a violation of Temple University’s Academic Honesty policy and Student Conduct Code. If you're unsure whether a specific use of AI is acceptable, please ask for clarification.
Writing Center: If you think that you may need extra help developing your writing this semester, you should contact the Writing Center, located in the Tuttleman Learning Center, Suite 201. For more on the Writing Center, visit www.temple.edu/writingctr/.
University Policies
Academic Honesty Standards: Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Each student is required and expected to complete their own and independent work. Plagiarism consists of presenting the material of others as your own. This is a serious offence. Plagiarism, as defined by the Oxford English Dictionary, is “the wrongful appropriation or purloining, and publication as one’s own, of the ideas, or the expression of the ideas (literary, artistic, musical, mechanical) of another.” The instructor will demonstrate the proper ways to cite sources for assignments in order to prevent the misuse of these materials. Proper citation for the writing assignments will prevent plagiarism. If the instructor discovers plagiarism on a student’s work, that assignment will receive a 0%. If further incidence of plagiarism is detected, the student will receive an F as their final grade for this course. Temple University believes strongly in academic honesty and integrity. Please follow this link to see Temple University’s Policy on Academic Honesty: http://www.temple.edu/bulletin/Responsibilities_rights/responsibilities/responsibi lities.shtm.
Services for Students with Disabilities: Any student who has a need for accommodation based on the impact of a documented disability, including special accommodations for access to technology resources and electronic instructional materials required for the course, should contact me privately to discuss the specific situation by the end of the second week of classes or as soon as practical. If you have not done so already, please contact Disability Resources and Services (DRS) at 215-204-1280 in 100 Ritter Annex to learn more about the resources available to you. I will work with DRS to coordinate reasonable accommodations for all students with documented disabilities.
Online Learning Resources: Students can access any of the course materials directly through Canvas. Additionally, the course reading materials can be found in Temple University’s library. If you have issues locating a specific reading, please contact the instructor or a library staff member: https://library.temple.edu/. Temple students also have access to the Student Success Center which provides many different academic support services such as tutoring, a writing center, and academic coaching. To see a full list of services available to students, please visit the following website: https://studentsuccess.temple.edu/
Student and Faculty Academic Rights and Responsibilities: Freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom. The University has a policy on Student and Faculty and Academic Rights and Responsibilities (Policy #03.70.02) which can be accessed through the following link: http://policies.temple.edu/getdoc.asp ?policy _no=03. 70. 02.
Temple Learning Management System: The university uses Canvas as it’s learning management system. This course will use this platform. For information on how to use or navigate Canvas, please visit the following link: https://its.temple.edu/canvas-quick-reference-guide-students
Temple University's Technology Usage Policy: Temple’s policy on access to technological resources on campus can be found at the following link: https://computerservices.temple.edu/technology-usage-policy