Timothy J. Hickey, associate professor of computer science and one of the key pioneers of the new program, said the main benefit of Internet studies will be that it will allow students to think more critically about Internet-related issues since they will have developed a solid understanding of the Internet from related disciplines, including computer science, legal studies, economics, anthropology, literature and fine arts. For example, Hickey explains that the Napster phenomenon can be viewed as one of many examples of peer-to-peer computing technology, or as a challenge to and popular reinterpretation of Intellectual Property law. This phenomenon can be seen as a social phenomenon with its own culture, or as harbinger of the emerging online entertainment industry, or as the beginning of a new social contract between artists and their public. "Each of these views is strengthened by a deeper understanding of the other views, and any single viewpoint alone is clearly missing important aspects of the phenomenon," Hickey said. via Brandeis Reporter 18(6) 2001

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