Classes (CICS 127)

Course Description:

Introduction to Public Interest Technology 

Today’s world is complex and tech-driven. How do we use the tools of information technology to solve problems in a socially responsible way, i.e. in a way that both empowers us and promotes the well-being of the communities in which we live?

Public Interest Technology focuses on the making, using and managing of technology to advance human welfare and reduce human risk. The course helps students build awareness, skills and strategies that will help them engage with tech more responsibly in their jobs and lives. The course is structured to engage students with a broad variety of public interest – focused topics, to build knowledge of how tech impacts society, to build skills for how society can manage technology, and to gain a sense of how to promote public interests and the common good.

This course is for everyone at all levels and with all interests. No programming or prerequisites are required. We focus on building skills to think analytically, broadly and strategically, as well as to communicate effectively about complex problems with societal impact. Course lectures will be given by Public Interest Technologist and Professor Fran Berman, and a diverse group of guest lecturers, all coordinated to introduce students to the emerging field of Public Interest Technology.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, you should be able to …

• Develop greater literacy about tech and the impacts of tech: Understand the basics and impacts of the digital technologies used to solve complex problems.
• Broaden your understanding of the public interest and strategies to promote it: Expand your understanding of how tech and its impacts can be managed by the public sector, private sector and individuals to promote the public interest. Sample strategies that promote the public interest in a variety of areas, applications and sectors.
• Develop writing and presentation skills: Storytelling and mastering the art of the 1-2 pager are important skills for any profession. This course will give you practice, feedback, and multiple opportunities for improving your writing and speaking/discussion skills.
• Expand critical thinking, assessment and communication skills: Learn to read popular and scholarly literature for ideas, strategies, and impact. Learn to communicate to a diverse set of stakeholder and general audiences about complex problems, strategies and solutions more effectively.

Course at a Glance

• Section 1: The Socio-technical World: Tech impacts and social outcomes
• Section 2: Making, managing and using tech responsibly
• Section 3: Making a difference — Public Interest Technology work, workforce and student projects

There is no textbook for the course; all materials will be available on the course website. 

View highlights from the spring 2023 semester.

For more information, contact Professor Fran Berman, fberman@umass.edu.