HIGHLIGHTS OF THE COURSE

This course features video lectures and an extensive list of readings. A description of assignments is also available. This course is offered during the Independent Activities Period (IAP), which is a special 4-week term at MIT that runs from the first week of January until the end of the month.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is an introduction to copyright law and American law in general. Topics covered include: structure of federal law; basics of legal research; legal citations; how to use LexisNexis®; the 1976 Copyright Act; copyright as applied to music, computers, broadcasting, and education; fair use; Napster®, Grokster®, and Peer-to-Peer file-sharing; Library Access to Music Project; The 1998 Digital Millennium Copyright Act; DVDs and encryption; software licensing; the GNU® General Public License and free software.

HOW TO TAKE THIS COURSE

1) Watch the Video Lectures and complete the readings and assignments with their respective lecture.

2) The links on the left-hand-side of the screen provide quick access to the various sections of this course.  In detail they are:

Syllabus - Provides a detailed understanding of the course, an outline you can follow as to when to view the lectures, complete the assignments, etc.

Readings - Strongly recommended readings provided by the professor.

Assignments - Assignments given to you by the professor that will assist you in your learning.

Video Lecture Notes - Video lectures provided by the professor in addition to study notes.

ADVISORIES AND NOTICES

This website is not a credit or certificate/degree granting program. This content is freely available as an educational resource for faculty, students, and self-learners.

REQUIREMENTS

RealOne™ Player software is required to run the video files found in this course (free).