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

Topic

Imagining The Internet: Fiction, Film and Theory

Instructors

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

Meeting Info

Kresge Cent. Hall 2-380 Kaplan: Mon, Wed 11:00AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

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. We will look examine films predicting the internet, cyberpunk fiction predating the www, and early websites from many sources. In addition, this quarter we will consider various generative AI programs, assessing their strengths and weaknesses. 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? 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.

Registration Requirements

Attendance in first class mandatory. Class is participatory and based on attendance.

Teaching Method

Class participation in activities. Reading for class prep. Two presentations, one can be group. Class attendance and participation in class activities mandatory.

Evaluation Method

Attendance, class participation, presentations, peer assessment

Class Materials (Required)

In Canvas

Class Attributes

Ethical and Evaluative Thinking Foundational Disci
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area