Internet Giants: The Law and Economics of Media Platforms

Internet Giants: The Law and Economics of Media Platforms Course

This course offers a rich, interdisciplinary look at how legal and economic systems respond to the rise of tech giants. It’s ideal for learners who want a serious, case-based understanding of platfor...

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Internet Giants: The Law and Economics of Media Platforms is an online beginner-level course on Coursera by The University of Chicago that covers social sciences. This course offers a rich, interdisciplinary look at how legal and economic systems respond to the rise of tech giants. It’s ideal for learners who want a serious, case-based understanding of platform power and media transformation. We rate it 9.7/10.

Prerequisites

No prior experience required. This course is designed for complete beginners in social sciences.

Pros

  • Taught by a leading academic from a top university
  • Real-world case studies with depth and context
  • Covers music, video, books, and internet infrastructure
  • Excellent for legal, economic, and tech professionals

Cons

  • Requires background in law or economics for full comprehension
  • Time-intensive but highly rewarding

Internet Giants: The Law and Economics of Media Platforms Course Review

Platform: Coursera

Instructor: The University of Chicago

What will you in the Internet Giants: The Law and Economics of Media Platforms Course

  • Understand legal and economic frameworks that govern digital media platforms.

  • Analyze landmark antitrust cases involving companies like Microsoft and Google.

  • Explore how music, video, and book industries have been reshaped by technology.

  • Evaluate issues around network neutrality, copyright, and digital privacy.

  • Understand how emerging technologies influence laws, markets, and society.

Program Overview

Module 1: Introduction to the Course
Duration: ~1 hour

  • Overview of media platforms in the digital age.

  • Introduction to law, economics, and technology intersections.

Module 2: Microsoft: The Desktop vs. The Internet
Duration: ~8 hours

  • Study of Microsoft’s market power and antitrust investigations.

  • Analysis of software licensing and browser bundling.

Module 3: Google Emerges (and the World Responds)
Duration: ~10 hours

  • Examination of Google’s search dominance and advertising models.

  • Discussion of antitrust cases and policy challenges.

Module 4: Smartphones
Duration: ~8 hours

  • Legal issues in the smartphone ecosystem.

  • Patent disputes and platform control between Android and iOS.

Module 5: Nondiscrimination and Neutrality
Duration: ~7 hours

  • Network neutrality principles and open internet regulation.

  • Arguments for and against non-discrimination in internet traffic.

Module 6: The Day the Music Died?
Duration: ~7 hours

  • Digital disruption in the music industry.

  • Licensing, copyright enforcement, and digital rights management.

Module 7: Video: Listening and Watching
Duration: ~7 hours

  • Legal and economic structures of streaming platforms.

  • Case studies on companies like Netflix and broadcasters.

Module 8: The Mediated Book
Duration: ~6 hours

  • The shift from print to eBooks.

  • Amazon’s role and legal disputes in publishing.

Module 9: Course Review
Duration: ~2 hours

  • Review of key legal cases and economic concepts.

  • Summary of lessons across different media sectors.

Module 10: Internet Giants: Experimental
Duration: ~20 minutes

  • Brief insights on emerging technologies and digital trends.

Module 11: Continuing Legal Education Info
Duration: ~10 minutes

  • Information for legal professionals on CLE credit eligibility.

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Job Outlook

  • Lawyers and Legal Scholars: Deepen understanding of antitrust, IP, and digital rights.

  • Policy Makers: Inform policy decisions on tech regulation and competition law.

  • Technology Professionals: Learn about legal constraints affecting innovation and platforms.

  • Researchers and Academics: Explore interdisciplinary topics at the intersection of law, economics, and media.

Explore More Learning Paths

Deepen your understanding of the legal and economic frameworks that govern media platforms with this curated program designed to provide insights into international law and dispute resolution.

Related Courses

Related Reading

  • What Is Management Consulting? – Explore how consulting frameworks analyze business and regulatory challenges, relevant to understanding the operations and economics of major media platforms.

Last verified: March 12, 2026

Career Outcomes

  • Apply social sciences skills to real-world projects and job responsibilities
  • Qualify for entry-level positions in social sciences and related fields
  • Build a portfolio of skills to present to potential employers
  • Add a certificate of completion credential to your LinkedIn and resume
  • Continue learning with advanced courses and specializations in the field

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FAQs

What are the prerequisites for Internet Giants: The Law and Economics of Media Platforms?
No prior experience is required. Internet Giants: The Law and Economics of Media Platforms is designed for complete beginners who want to build a solid foundation in Social Sciences. It starts from the fundamentals and gradually introduces more advanced concepts, making it accessible for career changers, students, and self-taught learners.
Does Internet Giants: The Law and Economics of Media Platforms offer a certificate upon completion?
Yes, upon successful completion you receive a certificate of completion from The University of Chicago. This credential can be added to your LinkedIn profile and resume, demonstrating verified skills to employers. In competitive job markets, having a recognized certificate in Social Sciences can help differentiate your application and signal your commitment to professional development.
How long does it take to complete Internet Giants: The Law and Economics of Media Platforms?
The course is designed to be completed in a few weeks of part-time study. It is offered as a lifetime course on Coursera, which means you can learn at your own pace and fit it around your schedule. The content is delivered in English and includes a mix of instructional material, practical exercises, and assessments to reinforce your understanding. Most learners find that dedicating a few hours per week allows them to complete the course comfortably.
What are the main strengths and limitations of Internet Giants: The Law and Economics of Media Platforms?
Internet Giants: The Law and Economics of Media Platforms is rated 9.7/10 on our platform. Key strengths include: taught by a leading academic from a top university; real-world case studies with depth and context; covers music, video, books, and internet infrastructure. Some limitations to consider: requires background in law or economics for full comprehension; time-intensive but highly rewarding. Overall, it provides a strong learning experience for anyone looking to build skills in Social Sciences.
How will Internet Giants: The Law and Economics of Media Platforms help my career?
Completing Internet Giants: The Law and Economics of Media Platforms equips you with practical Social Sciences skills that employers actively seek. The course is developed by The University of Chicago, whose name carries weight in the industry. The skills covered are applicable to roles across multiple industries, from technology companies to consulting firms and startups. Whether you are looking to transition into a new role, earn a promotion in your current position, or simply broaden your professional skillset, the knowledge gained from this course provides a tangible competitive advantage in the job market.
Where can I take Internet Giants: The Law and Economics of Media Platforms and how do I access it?
Internet Giants: The Law and Economics of Media Platforms is available on Coursera, one of the leading online learning platforms. You can access the course material from any device with an internet connection — desktop, tablet, or mobile. Once enrolled, you have lifetime access to the course material, so you can revisit lessons and resources whenever you need a refresher. All you need is to create an account on Coursera and enroll in the course to get started.
How does Internet Giants: The Law and Economics of Media Platforms compare to other Social Sciences courses?
Internet Giants: The Law and Economics of Media Platforms is rated 9.7/10 on our platform, placing it among the top-rated social sciences courses. Its standout strengths — taught by a leading academic from a top university — set it apart from alternatives. What differentiates each course is its teaching approach, depth of coverage, and the credentials of the instructor or institution behind it. We recommend comparing the syllabus, student reviews, and certificate value before deciding.
What language is Internet Giants: The Law and Economics of Media Platforms taught in?
Internet Giants: The Law and Economics of Media Platforms is taught in English. Many online courses on Coursera also offer auto-generated subtitles or community-contributed translations in other languages, making the content accessible to non-native speakers. The course material is designed to be clear and accessible regardless of your language background, with visual aids and practical demonstrations supplementing the spoken instruction.
Is Internet Giants: The Law and Economics of Media Platforms kept up to date?
Online courses on Coursera are periodically updated by their instructors to reflect industry changes and new best practices. The University of Chicago has a track record of maintaining their course content to stay relevant. We recommend checking the "last updated" date on the enrollment page. Our own review was last verified recently, and we re-evaluate courses when significant updates are made to ensure our rating remains accurate.
Can I take Internet Giants: The Law and Economics of Media Platforms as part of a team or organization?
Yes, Coursera offers team and enterprise plans that allow organizations to enroll multiple employees in courses like Internet Giants: The Law and Economics of Media Platforms. Team plans often include progress tracking, dedicated support, and volume discounts. This makes it an effective option for corporate training programs, upskilling initiatives, or academic cohorts looking to build social sciences capabilities across a group.
What will I be able to do after completing Internet Giants: The Law and Economics of Media Platforms?
After completing Internet Giants: The Law and Economics of Media Platforms, you will have practical skills in social sciences that you can apply to real projects and job responsibilities. You will be prepared to pursue more advanced courses or specializations in the field. Your certificate of completion credential can be shared on LinkedIn and added to your resume to demonstrate your verified competence to employers.

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