Class Meeting
Mon/Weds, 2:15-4 pm

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course explores the theory, history and current issues raised by communication technologies. In part, we do this by incorporating practical experience with digital media -- computing, the Internet, and the World Wide Web.

Most of our communication is mediated by technology, whether it is through writing, printing, broadcasting, computing, or telecommunicating. How are these technologies shaped by economic, social and political factors?  What have been these technologies' impacts on us as individuals and as a society? What skills and abilities do communication technologies enhance for us, and what skills and abilities do they diminish or make "obsolete"? Do some groups in society benefit more from new technologies, while others are hurt by their adoption? When we engage with these technologies, what psychological and social relations do we also accept? These are the central questions we will pursue together. They are particularly urgent for us to think about in relation to contemporary media, which are transforming how we live, work, and play in this "age of information."

The goals for this course are for you to develop a basic understanding of:

1. Major theories about the forces that shape communication technology

• Technological utopianism and dystopianism, determinism and neutralism
• "Biases" of different media: how they constrain and enable ways of thinking, organizing society, and social relations

• Historical and contemporary debates over technology's impact on privacy, community, democracy, access and intellectual property
• Ethical and policy suggestions about how technology might be designed, implemented or  regulated to benefit society
  

• Using applications to search the World Wide Web critically and effectively, develop multimedia presentations, and contribute responsibly to knowledge online
  

This course fulfills the University Core Curriculum requirement in technology, which is designed to help you study the social analysis of technology and develop basic skills with technology.

Last Update: 3/28/08