Phrases such as “digital city,” “smart city,” “cyber city,” “intelligent city,” and “networked city” have become increasingly ubiquitous, but what do all these terms mean? Historically, cities and digital technologies have held a unique place within the cultural imaginary; both have been described as globalized spaces of international and inter-class contact and offer promises of autonomy, freedom, connection, community, and progress. This course examines both the “promises” and the “threats” of the digital city—how major cities around the world attempt to levy digital technologies to help enhance open government and democracy, urban sustainability, and social and public health, for example, as well as how these cities potentially threaten privacy in the form of increased data collection, surveillance, and governmental / corporate control.
May 17, 2013
