College Seminar - American History (102-7-20)

Topic

A Social, Political, and Non-Technical History of

Instructors

Keith Mako Woodhouse
847/467-3776
Harris Hall 215

Meeting Info

Harris Hall L05: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

Topic: Social History of the Internet

This first-year seminar will consider the history of the internet from the mid-twentieth century to the present. This will not be a technical history of the computer science or actual infrastructure that constitute the internet, but rather a history of the social and political ideas contributing to a worldwide system of networked computers and protocols. In particular, the course will discuss the culture surrounding the internet - the ways that the Cold War, the counterculture, libertarianism, and environmentalism all fostered a set of beliefs that helped define Silicon Valley and continue to shape companies that call for revolution one day and place their trust in the market the next.

Learning Objectives

The history of the internet and internet culture; How to think about technology in social and political terms; How to read and think critically about a variety of texts; How to make, sustain, and support an argument in writing

Evaluation Method

Discussion of assigned reading, and several papers ranging from very short to medium-long.

Class Attributes

WCAS College Seminar