"What are we thinking about when we think about computers?" (Turkle 47). Pick one specific text, character, representation, TV commercial, print advertisement, film, TV show, software, game, or other cultural artifact dealing with computers and analyze and explore the ideas it conveys about computers and our relationship to computers. Compare and contrast those representations with one of the science fiction portrayals we have discussed in class: 2001, Blade Runner, Neuromancer, or The Matrix. Making substantial use of Sherry Turkle's Life on the Screen, explore how these portrayals might affect the way we think about and interact with computers, with each other, and even with ourselves. Please use MLA bibliographic style for any works cited.
Post your paper as a Web page (or pages). Think carefully about how to best articulate the thesis and themes of your paper as a Web page (or pages) through your use of appropriate links, graphics, etc. You will be graded on both your writing and Web design. When you are finished, post a link to your paper on your blog.
Please also bring a printed copy of your paper to hand in to me in class, or put a copy in my box.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Third Web Writing Assignment
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Second Web Writing Assignment
Write an essay reflecting on the creation of your new blog in light of our readings from both Vannevar Bush and Nathaniel Hawthorne.
How does the internet in general, and your blog in particular, fit into the very different visions of the relationship between technology and society expressed by these two authors? Does the internet and blogging seem to you like a realization of Bush's dream of the memex? Or is it more like the insidious threat to social and domestic life Hawthorne sees in his new-fangled wood stove? Or is it something else entirely?
Take a clear position and argue for your view making specific use of both articles. Please use MLA bibliographic style for all works cited.
Post your essay as an entry in your blog using links and graphics as appropriate.
Please bring a printed copy of your paper to hand in to me in class, or put a copy in my box.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
First Web Writing Assignment
Write and post to your blog an entry about one (or more) of your early encounters with a computer -- maybe your first experiences with email, or web pages, or downloading music, chat, computer games, etc. Was it at school, at home, or at a friend's house? What machine did you use? What games and software did you use? What did you do on your computer? Was it fun or frustrating? Was it playing Oregon Trail at school that stands out for you? Or the first time your computer crashed and lost a research paper for you? In short, tell us a little about your early, formative history with computers. Be as specific, concrete, and detailed as possible. Include links and graphics where appropriate.
Bring a printed copy of your paper to hand in to me in class.
You will also present your blogs and papers to the class for discussion on Thursday 8/30.
