Open Source: Software and Beyond
Over the past decade, open source software has emerged as both a powerful player in the software market, and as a powerful tool in maintaining a balance between providing incentives for creators and maintaining a robust commons. This seminar will cover the open source licenses used in the software community, and will explore the major issues that individuals and corporations face in utilizing open source software. In particular, the seminar will discuss the enforceability of open source licenses, and examine the traditional firm model of software development and how open source software fits into that paradigm. It will also explore alternative applications of the open source model, such as use as a tool to promote economic growth in developing nations and applications to disciplines outside of software.
Please note that course organization and content may vary substantially from semester to semester and descriptions are not necessarily professor specific. Please contact the instructor directly if you have particular course-related questions.