Gender, Sexuality, and Digital Technologies (374-0-20)

Topic

Imagining the Internet

Instructors

Jillana B Enteen
847/491-4337
Crowe 1-113
Office Hours: by appointment

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-339: Tues, Thurs 11:00AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

Topic: Imagining the Internet: Fiction, Film, and Theory

Much recent fiction, film and theory are concerned with representing the internet and the World Wide Web. Sometimes cyberspace is depicted as a continuation of previous media such as television, cinema or telephone, but often it is envisioned as a new frontier. This course will examine the ways in which virtual media appears in cultural discourses. We consider how technological objects and tools participate in shaping elements of our culture that may appear natural, logical, or timeless. Our guiding questions will include the following: In what ways are these narratives shaping collective perceptions of the internet? How have virtual technologies challenged experiences of language, gender, community and identity? We will focus on social networking, gaming, artificial intelligence, and literary and filmic representations of these. Following a Cultural Studies model for inquiry, this course will be project-based and experiential. Your attendance and participation are mandatory. No experience needed, only a willingness to take risks and share work.

Learning Objectives

Cultural biases embedded in internet and social networking platforms related to gender, sex, sexuality, race, ethnicity, ability, and location.

Teaching Method

Class participation, demonstrations, discussions, viewings, group work, presentations, online work

Evaluation Method

attendance, participation in synchronous and asynchronous activities, midterm presentation and group final presentation and written submission.

Class Materials (Required)

All course materials will be provided on Canvas.

Class Attributes

Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area