General Course Information

Digital Media Culture — Fall 2017 — MSCR 2305:01 (MSCR 3420) CRN#17496
Class: TF 1:35pm-3:15pm (Ryder Hall 158)
Course Prerequisites: MSCR 1220
Course Attributes:UG Col of Arts, Media & Design (NU Core Writing Intsv in Majr)

N.B. This syllabus functions very much like a living document and the course website will reflect updates on assignments or changes to the timeline. The original version of the timeline provides a general plan for the course and deviations may be necessary. Thus, check the website regularly.

Course Description

This course explores critical social and cultural issues that have emerged parallel to the spread of digital technologies, from the 1960s to the present. We will analyze the impact of technologies ranging from the first computers to social media, surveillance and video games. We will ask critical questions about how our habits and ways of thinking change as we live our networked lives in a so-called information society.

Regarding the (forthcoming) “Core Writing Intensive in Major” designation: This course is designed for students to develop and demonstrate critical thinking through writing. In this class, “critical thinking” is defined as identifying, analyzing, and evaluating arguments and truth claims; and formulating and presenting convincing reasons in support of conclusions. “Writing” refers to skills in developing clear, well-organized, and grammatically correct English prose. The emphasis throughout the research and writing process will be on ensuring that each student’s project achieves her/his rhetorical ends. All students must clearly articulate their rhetorical strategies in writing and revise their strategies based on feedback.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

  • Read and critically analyze media studies scholarship.
  • Define terms, concepts, and theories fundamental to the study of digital media.
  • Employ terms, concepts, and theories about digital media in class discussion, media analysis, and academic writing.
  • Contextualize how digital technologies spread and impact identity culture(s) as well as economic and political understandings of society.
  • Plan, write, revise, and present an original argument about digital media, which should pursue a research question, proceed in an orderly fashion, engage with course readings/concepts, and rely on precise and relevant analysis of a media object.

 

Required Texts

  • Readings, available online.
  • Media screenings during and outside of class.

N.B. This course will contain materials some students may find offensive (e.g. controversial readings and/or media clips with foul language, nudity, sexual scenes, etc.). Review the syllabus carefully to determine your commitment to the course and all required readings/screenings.

Printable Syllabus (original version without web updates)