*This sample syllabus provides a glimpse of how the course is structured and the topics it addresses. This sample syllabus is based on the course's Spring 2024 execution. The course is frequently updated, so students should not rely on the course being the same during the semester when they enroll. The course consistently requires the completion of at least two complex writing assignments that require students to complete research and write from someone else's perspective. This sample syllabus shows what the course may look like when it meets once per week for class sessions. The course has been offered in a format where sessions occur twice per week. Both formats are possible for future offerings of this course.*
CSCI 1800: Cybersecurity and International Relations
Ernesto R. Zaldivar, J.D.
Associate Professor of the Practice of Computer Science
Brown University
Overview
Welcome! This course examines the role that cybersecurity plays in the relationships of nation state governments. Through interactive discussions, exercises, guest speakers, and readings we will examine how international norms, diplomacy, international law, and technology provide a de facto infrastructure for how nation states operate in the cybersecurity domain. This is a writing-designated (WRIT) course.
Prerequisites
This course has no prerequisites. You can be successful in this course even if you’ve never heard about cybersecurity before or have never taken a computer science course. This course is specifically designed to be an opportunity for students throughout the university to be introduced to the study of cybersecurity. Beginners and advanced students alike will have opportunities to learn about complex cybersecurity issues in a way that challenges them and advances their understanding. This course does not require any previous CS coursework, programming, or familiarity with cybersecurity.
Major Topic Areas Addressed
International Relations, Negotiation, Diplomacy, International Law, Cyber Attribution, Cybersecurity Threat Intelligence, Intelligence, Research Methods, Cybersecurity Tradecraft
Assignments & Grading
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Assignment
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Page or Word Target and Limit
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Due
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Total Points
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Written Discussion Posts
(4 Posts worth 5 points each)
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Varies
(Between 400 and 900 words)
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2/18 Discussion #1
2/25 Discussion #2
3/10 Discussion #3
4/7 Discussion # 4
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20
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OP-ED
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5 pages
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March 17th
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25
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Short Writing Exercise (Timed exercise where you will write a title and introductory paragraph)
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Approximately 350 words
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April 14th
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5
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Quizzes
(Short [2 questions] quizzes that are composed of only multiple choice, true or false, and fill in the blank questions.)
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N/A
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2/18
2/25
3/3
4/7
4/14
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30
(5 quizzes of 6 points each)
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Speech
(Written Deliverable/No Presentation)
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5 Pages
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May 5th
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20
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100
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Asynchronous Canvas Discussion
You will have an asynchronous Canvas discussion that is open and available to you throughout the entire semester. This discussion can be used to share articles of interest, to introduce new ideas, to ask questions, or to continue class discussions. I encourage you to use the discussion to connect with each other and amplify your understanding of our course topics. I will read your posts and provide feedback as needed, but my hope is that the forum will be driven by peer engagement and organic conversation.
Time Expectations
Students will attend 10, 2-hour synchronous class sessions (20 hours total). Required reading, class preparation [such as study note writing], and engagement with asynchronous material [not including assignments] such as instructor related recordings and modules on the course website is expected to take up approximately 8 hours per week of the semester (approximately 96 hours total). There will be two weeks of fully asynchronous modules with no synchronous class sessions. Assignments and quizzes are estimated to require about 80 hours over the course of the term. Cumulatively approximately 190 hours of effort by students is expected.
Grading and Tracking Your Grades in Canvas
Your final grade is based on how many points you earn from each of the course assignments. There are a total of 100 available points. Each point earned goes directly to your numerical grade. Thus, if you earn 90 points, you have earned a 90% in the course. Canvas might not always clearly tell you your grade in the course for a variety of reasons; among the reasons why Canvas might be inaccurate is that when grades are not published, Canvas shows an incomplete picture of your standing in the course. If you are in a degree program that permits you to take this course S/NC, and you select that grading option, then you must earn a numerical grade of 75 or higher and complete all assignments in order to receive an “S.”
In order to pass this course, satisfactory completion of all assignments is required to earn an “A,” “B,” “C,” or “S.”
Our course will use the following grade scale*:
90% and above: A
79% to 89%: B
70% to 78%: C
69% and below: No Credit
*Exceptional performance on any assignment can gain extra credit points.
Class Schedule
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Topics
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Class 1
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Main Topic: Introduction to International Relations and Cybersecurity
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Class 2
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Main Topic: Introduction to Diplomacy
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Class 3
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Main Topic: The Role of Intelligence and Information Sharing
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Class 4
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Main Topic: Design & Operation of the Internet + Satellites
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Class 5
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Main Topic: Attribution
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Class 6
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Main Topic: Cyber Economics
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Class 7
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Main Topic: The Environment and Cybersecurity + International Law
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Class 8
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Main Topic: Cyber Conflict
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| Class 9 |
Main Topic: Major Cyber Attacks |
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Class 10
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Main Topic: Information Warfare and Cyber Conflict
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Class 11
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Main Topic: The Future of Cybersecurity and Negotiation Simulation
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Class 12
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[Final Class Session]
Course Review and Preparation for the Speech Assignment
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