Cyberlaw assignments

CYBERLAW ASSIGNMENTS

Assignments.

Initial assignments are posted below. This page will be updated regularly, so come back often. The syllabus can be found here.

Readings, Laptops, and Notes.

Please print out all assigned materials. Read them on paper, you’ll understand them better. Notes should be taken by hand, but always bring your laptops or tablets. We may use devices from time to time to learn things about technology and the internet.

Books and course materials.

The casebook and course materials are all available on the internet.

  1. Course Website: Site at https://nathenson.org/courses/cyberlaw/. This website is your source for assignments, project information, and other materials. Details on the course website are provided below.
  2. Casebook: James Grimmelmann, Internet Law: Cases and Problems (6th ed. Semaphore Press), available at https://semaphorepress.com/InternetLaw_overview.html. The book can be downloaded as an unprotected PDF, which allows you to mark up and annotate the book. Keep in mind, however, that laptops are not normally permitted in class, so be sure to print out your assignments and bring them with you. Regarding the value and cost, Professor Grimmelmann and his publisher allow you to name your price, with a suggested price of $30. That’s a great price compared to $250 casebooks. If you’re strapped for cash, they allow you to “freeride” and download the book for free. However, this is a fantastic casebook and a steal for only $30, so unless you are truly strapped, I recommend you pay for the book. And no, I will not ask you if you paid. Honor system!

Projects.

You will do two experiential projects, which together will constitute the bulk (two-thirds) of your score. These projects will be ongoing all semester.

Project 1: Attorney self-branding. Brand yourself online in preparation for practice. Develop your professional online profile using tools such as Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and more. This project will continue through the semester.

Project 2: Online legal commentary. Comment on hot online topics. You will draft two blog postings for a class blog on internet law issues. 

Each project is 1/3 of your final course score. The other 1/3 is from class participation, which includes attendance, punctuality, leadership, and discussion.

Important project dates:

  • June 14, 19, 21, 26, 28; July 3: in-class training (account creation and enhancement; networking; Twitter and LinkedIn strategies; photo sessions; backing up data; selecting media; using media in postings; analytics; template usage)
  • July 3 and 5: optional meetings with professor
  • July 5: Symposium # 1
  • July 6: draft 1 of blog posting due
  • Week of July 9 (Mon. through Thurs.): required meetings with professor for blog draft feedback and any questions you may have
  • July 10: Symposium # 2
  • July 12: Symposium # 3; last day of class
  • July 20: Social media self-report + certification due
  • July 27: Revised blog posting due

Discussion leaders.

Although all class members must be well-prepared, several students will serve as assigned discussion leaders in each class session. For details on participation and discussion leaders, see the syllabus. For further guidance on class leading and class discussion, see here.

The tentative leader schedule is below. Please let me know if there are any conflicts and we will adjust:

Day Date Class # Leader
Thurs May 24 1 Professor
Tues May 29 2 Daniel and Jessie
Thurs May 31 N/A Go to Monday classes
Tues June 5 3 Oscar, Zach, and Jonathan
Thurs June 7 4 Paul, Joe, and Samantha
Tues June 12 5 Leah, Gladys, and Julian
Thurs June 14 6 Jessie, Oscar, and Paul
Tues June 19 7 Daniel, Zach, and Joe
Thurs June 21 8 Jonathan, Samantha, and Julian
Tues June 26 9 Leah and Gladys
Thurs June 28 10 Professor
Tues July 3 11 Professor
Thurs July 5 12 Symposium panelists: Dan, Jessie, Oscar, Zach
Tues July 10 13 Symposium: Jonathan, Paul, Joe, Sam
Thurs July 12 14 Symposium: Leah, Gladys, Julian

Another way of looking at the leader schedule is via this table:

Name Lead # 1 Lead # 2 Symposium
Daniel May 29 June 19 July 5
Jessie May 29 June 14 July 5
Oscar June 5 June 14 July 5
Zach June 5 June 19 July 5
Jonathan June 5 June 21 July 10
Paul June 7 June 14 July 10
Joe June 7 June 19 July 10
Samantha June 7 June 21 July 10
Leah June 12 June 26 July 12
Gladys June 12 June 26 July 12
Julian June 12 June 21 July 12

Resources.

A listing of Cyberlaw resources can be found here.

WEEK 1

THURSDAY, MAY 24 (class 1): Introduction

For the first class, you have only two things to do: read the syllabus and assigned pages in the casebook, and 2) prepare thought-provoking discussion questions. The casebook can be downloaded for any price between $0.00 and $30.00 (see above). Be sure to print out the assigned pages and bring them with your notebook.

Readings:

  • Read syllabus
  • Casebook pp. 9-13, 17-49

Create thought-provoking discussion questions:

  • Come up with at least one discussion question for each of the parts of the readings shown below. Be prepared to discuss—not necessarily answer, but to discuss—your own questions.
  • Parts of readings with sample questions are shown below:
    • The “law of the horse” (pp. 9-10) [example: what is a “law of the horse”; what, if anything, can one learn through it?]
    • Themes of the book (p. 12) [example: how do they differ? How are they intertwined?]
    • The technology of computers and internet (pp. 17-35) [example: how does TCP/IP technology affect human behavior and why?]. Also feel free to bring any questions you may have on these pages to help you clarify the reading.
    • The technology of P2P networks (pp. 36-39) [example: how does P2P technology affect music markets and why?]
    • Lessig’s modalities of regulation (pp. 40-43) [example: how does a change in “code” affect “markets” and “social norms”? Give examples beyond those in the reading.]
    • Zittrain’s generativity (pp. 44-49) [example: whereas Lessig speaks of “regulation,” Zittrain speaks of “empowerment.” Is the distinction significant?]

WEEK 2

TUESDAY, MAY 29 (class 2): What is “Cyberspace”? Is “cyberspace” a dirty word?

  • Leading and Discussion
    • Class co-leaders: Daniel and Yessenia (leaders, please prepare at least three thought-provoking questions per “professor” reading and at least two TPQs for each case)
    • Discussants: That’s everyone else (please prepare at least one TPQ per reading)
    • Everyone:
  • Here is link to syllabus if you have not yet read it
  • We’ll pick up with Lessig & Zittrain and then move on to new readings.
  • Casebook, pp. 51-63, 68-83

THURSDAY, MAY 31: Treat as a Monday

  • No Cyberlaw class today
  • Go to your Monday classes, if any

WEEK 3

Note – the next several weeks’ readings are noted below. I will shortly be adding materials and dates relevant to the projects as well, as well as future readings. A more detailed leader schedule is provided at the top of this page. 

TUESDAY, JUNE 5 (class 3): Enforcement and Jurisdiction in “Cyberspace”

  • Leading and discussion:
    • Class co-leaders:
      • Oscar, Zach, and Jonathan
      • For new readings, each leader should prepare at least 3 TPQs for non-case readings, and 2 TPQs for case readings.
      • The leaders’ primary role is to post TPQs, to ask discussants to share their TPQs, and to make sure the majority of discussion is by the class as a whole. It is not the leaders’ job to provide the bulk of discussion.
    • Discussants: as usual, prepare at least 1 TPQ per reading. You will be asked to share your questions (as well as your thoughts regarding your own questions).
  • Readings:
    • I do want to finish the remaining readings from last class. I will lead those readings and then the new leaders will take charge for new readings. We left off with Dow Jones.
    • Casebook, pp. 83-95, 97-116

THURSDAY, JUNE 7 (class 4): Speech

  • Note: See the leader and discussant instructions above, which remain standing assignments throughout the semester.
  • Note: I will be adding additional instructions regarding our projects, which will commence shortly.
  • Class co-leaders: Paul, Joe, and Samantha.
  • Casebook, pp. 119, 123-43, 144-68
  • Read these two articles about the Trump Twitter-blocking suit: this (article 1) and this (article 2)

WEEK 4

TUESDAY, JUNE 12 (class 5): Pornography, filtering, section 230

  • Class co-leaders: Leah, Gladys, and Julian
  • Casebook, pp. 168-212 (skip problem on page 211)
  • Also read the U.S. case of Google v. Equeestek, available here. Is the court right that CDA immunity applies? What about 47 U.S.C. 230(e)(2) (CDA has no effect on IP laws)?
  • Read discussion of FOSTA-SESTA, which limits CDA, available here.
  • Read text of FOSTA, available here.

THURSDAY, JUNE 14 (class 6): Access to computers

  • Class co-leaders: Jessie, Oscar, and Paul
  • Casebook, pp. 323-35, 338-61 (we’ll come back to the privacy and security readings later in the semester)
  • During this week we will discuss Project 2 (client online enforcement), which will tie into the three readings following this class.
  • Added and emailed 6/13: As mentioned in yesterday’s class:
    1. Tech. Please bring your tech to Thursday’s class (and really all future classes), so that we can do project-related work. Tech should be used just for the project-related segments of our time together tomorrow.
    2. TPQs by discussants. A heads-up to all. I see that leaders are . . . reticent(!) to ask class members what their TPQs are. Please let me emphasize that it’s very important for each discussant to prepare at least one TPQ per reading. Therefore, I do expect leaders to ask people what their TPQs are (and I will ask as well), and I want (by “want” I mean expect) to hear at least one from each class member tomorrow. Letting you know!!!
  • Project-related: in class creation of Twitter and LinkedIn accounts; handouts on account creation and topic guidance

WEEK 5

TUESDAY, JUNE 19 (class 7): Trademarks and domain names

  • Excellent job last week on the TPQs. Everybody keep them coming! 🙂
  • Today we’re going to focus on the readings, with much project stuff on Thursday.
  • We’ll start with the remaining “access” materials from last week. We’ll keep last Thursday’s leaders for the old stuff.
  • For new stuff, we’ll use the new co-leaders: Daniel, Zach, and Joe
  • New readings: Casebook, pp. 363-404
  • Project-related: discussion and guidance on selecting Twitter @handles/names; LinkedIn bios; handouts

THURSDAY, JUNE 21 (class 8): Copyright

  • Class co-leaders: Jonathan, Samantha, and Julian
  • Readings: Casebook, pp. 405-19, 422-28, 443-49, 453-56
  • More info on projects TBA (email will be sent out as well)
  • Project-related:

WEEK 6

TUESDAY, JUNE 26 (class 9): Copyright (cont’d)

  • Class leaders: Leah and Gladys
  • Casebook, pp. 457-66, 473-84, 497-508
  • Project-related:
    • Dress professionally. I will bring in a camera and take professional portraits of everyone for your own use.
    • Proposed blog topics due

THURSDAY, JUNE 28 (class 10): Privacy and security

WEEK 7

TUESDAY AND THURSDAY (JULY 3 and JULY 5)

  • I would be happy to meet individually with any student to discuss anything project-related.
  • Email me to set up a time for either Tuesday or Thursday afternoon. (Not Wednesday, the school is closed for the July 4th holiday.)

TUESDAY, JULY 3 (class 11): Privacy and security

  • Class leader: Professor
  • Reading:
    • Note: this is the same reading as last Thursday.
    • If you already did last Thursday’s reading, then just give this a quick look-over before class so that you’re fresh:
    • The assigned pages (same as last week): Casebook, pp. 215-42, 261-72
    • TPQs: per my recent email, I will be asking people to share their TPQs. At least one per reading please! Thank you! 🙂
  • Project-related (we’ll do this together in class):

THURSDAY, JULY 5 (class 12): Privacy and security; Cyberlaw Symposium # 1

  • In class, we will have a symposium, cover readings, and discuss any needed project-related issues. Have your laptops handy.
  • Project-related: In Tuesday’s class, we discussed the consolidated guidance project pages I posted, which consolidate all the project-information I’ve given you previously. This should give you one-page resources to guide you as you complete the projects. You should read both pages before today’s class so that you can ask any questions you might have. You can find links to both pages at https://www.nathenson.org/courses/cyberlaw/projects/.
  • Cyberlaw symposium # 1
    • Presenters: Dan, Jessie, Oscar, Zach.
    • Each presenter will speak 10-12 minutes on their blog topic. They will tell us about their topic, and seek our input to the extent we can help one another. In other words, each presenter should explain what your topic is, what is important about it, what is interesting about it, and what you think. Share any concerns or things you are still trying to figure out in order to spur class discussion.
    • Presenters may, but need not, use audiovisuals (please email me any AV ahead of time). If you use PowerPoints, keep the slides to a minimum number, always use big type, and avoid using too many bullet points.
    • After each presentation, we’ll discuss the presenter’s issue as a group.
    • We will live-tweet. Live-blogging Twitter hashtag: #ILPSP
  • Readings:
    • The remaining readings for the semester have been culled back a bit, as we will be spending significant class time working together on the projects.
    • Casebook, pp. 273-74, 296-302, 303-14
    • Reading on GDPR:

FRIDAY, JULY 6: First draft of blog posting due

  • Your first draft of your blog post is due at the end of the today, today, Friday, July 6, at 12 midnight EST
  • To submit it:
    • Simply save your work to the digital garbage site and click submit for review.
    • Then email me when your draft is complete and ready for my review. If you don’t email me I won’t be sure you’re done.
  • I will give you comments on your draft when we meet next week.

WEEK 8

MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY (JULY 9 TO JULY 12)

  • Schedule a student-professor meeting to discuss project-related issues.
  • I will be available Monday through Thursday.
  • At the meeting, I will give you feedback on your blog draft.
  • Come prepared to ask any questions that I can help with and to show me your progress to date.
  • A sign-up sheet will be posted.

TUESDAY, JULY 10 (class 13): Internet of Things; Blockchain; Cyberlaw Symposium # 2

  • In class, we will have a symposium, cover readings, and discuss any needed project-related issues. Have your laptops handy.
  • Cyberlaw symposium # 2
    • Presenters: Jonathan, Paul, Joe, Sam.
    • Each presenter will speak 10-12 minutes on their blog topic. They will tell us about their topic, and seek our input to the extent we can help one another. In other words, each presenter should explain what your topic is, what is important about it, what is interesting about it, and what you think. Share any concerns or things you are still trying to figure out in order to spur class discussion.
    • Presenters may, but need not, use audiovisuals (please email me any AV ahead of time). If you use PowerPoints, keep the slides to a minimum number, always use big type, and avoid using too many bullet points.
    • After each presentation, we’ll discuss the presenter’s issue as a group.
    • We will live-tweet. Live-blogging Twitter hashtag: #ILPSP
  • Readings:
  • We will also devote time to questions regarding your projects. Bring your laptops.

THURSDAY, JULY 12 (class 14): Wrap-up; Last class; Cyberlaw Symposium # 3

  • In our final class, we will have our final symposium and discuss any last-minute project-related issues. Have your laptops handy.
  • Cyberlaw symposium # 3:
    • Presenters: Leah, Gladys, Julian.
    • Each presenter will speak 10-12 minutes on their blog topic. They will tell us about their topic, and seek our input to the extent we can help one another. In other words, each presenter should explain what your topic is, what is important about it, what is interesting about it, and what you think. Share any concerns or things you are still trying to figure out in order to spur class discussion.
    • Presenters may, but need not, use audiovisuals (please email me any AV ahead of time). If you use PowerPoints, keep the slides to a minimum number, always use big type, and avoid using too many bullet points.
    • After each presentation, we’ll discuss the presenter’s issue as a group.
    • We will live-tweet. Live-blogging Twitter hashtag: #ILPSP
  • The rest of class will be devoted to guidance and Q&A for the projects. Bring your laptops.
  • Last day of class! Happy summer!

FINAL PROJECT DEADLINES

FRIDAY, JULY 20: FINAL SUBMISSION, SOCIAL MEDIA PROJECT

  • Social media self-report due end-of day, 12 midnight EST on Friday, July 20 along with certification form
  • This document is to be submitted electronically using the social media branding template form.
  • It must include the required certification form.
  • Please email me when your report is complete and ready for my review. If you don’t email me I won’t be sure you’re done.

FRIDAY, JULY 27: FINAL SUBMISSION, REVISED BLOG POSTING

  • Revised second blog draft due due end-of day, 12 midnight EST Friday, July 27 along with certification form.
  • This document is to be submitted electronically.
  • It must include the required certification form.
  • Please email me when your final draft is complete and ready for my review. If you don’t email me I won’t be sure you’re done.

Revised July 4, 2018