JOUR 4874.001/JOUR 4874.802/COMM 4000.003
The Meaning of Information Technology
Midterm Examination Questions

The midterm examination for this class takes the form of a “partial take-home” exam. Allow us to explain how this works. Today you are receiving 6 questions for thought, investigation and careful consideration. Of these 6 questions, 2 will appear on the in-class midterm scheduled for class time on October 28th. Take-home exams are desirable because (1) they cause us to think carefully about targeted issues of central importance to a course, (2) they allow us to investigate in areas where our knowledge may not be as strong so that we learn more about the key issues raised in a course, and (3) they take off the pressure to memorize massive amounts of information, allowing us to focus on key concepts and questions. The traditional drawbacks to take-home exams are that (1) we have no way to calibrate the length of an appropriate response (that is, how long did my classmates spend writing and how much did they write?), and (2) a take-home exam should, in an ideal world, have full time devoted to it from the time the question is handed to us to the time we turn it in. We address these drawbacks by having you write your answers within the time limit of the class.

So, carefully consider the following 6 questions. We expect your responses to be thoughtful, informed, well-organized, and convincing. While there is no “right” answer, your response must demonstrate your knowledge of the topic, your appreciation of the complexities and/or controversies of the topic, and it must demonstrate a clear argument, well-supported by examples and convincing points. Prepare your thoughts in advance. Please, bring no notes or other prompting devices to the exam. We will provide sufficient paper for you; blue books will not be used for this midterm exam.

1. Pundits and professors keep telling us that we are in the early stages of a new "Network Society" or "Information Age." Have the computer and the Internet changed everything? Should we believe the hype? Or is the "Information Age" just another example of an overblown reaction to the latest in a long line of technological inventions? Your answer should include three examples that support your argument.

2. Despite all of the admirable qualities of the "Hacker Ethic," there is no way that Linux and Open Source Software will be able to challenge Microsoft's dominance. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

3. In his novel Brave New World, Aldous Huxley famously observed that “technological progress has merely provided us with more efficient means for going backwards.” Comment on this view, providing at least 4 concrete examples to support your argument.

4. Should Congress pass a law that forces computer manufacturers to include a device in computers (a "broadcast flag") that prevents you from viewing pirated movies on your computer? What are the major arguments for and against such a move? Give three reasons why you feel the way you do about the subject.

5. You are building a personal website for a class (say, the meaning of IT). You plan to incorporate the following basic elements: text that you have written, a famous quote, photographs, links to other sites, background music, a personal web journal (blog) detailing your everyday life. How do you protect yourself from a potential lawsuit by an individual or a copyright owner? How do you obtain permission for elements that require consent?

6. You are planning to found an information technology-based startup company. Is a good idea enough? What are the key factors that can drive the success of your startup? What are the internal and external factors that can thwart your success and how do you address them?