Digital Cultures

Course Description

This introductory course will combine theory and practice to help students develop a rich understanding of the constantly evolving US digital culture. We will survey a variety of information and communication technologies (ICTs), and their modes of production, distribution, and consumption by individuals and institutions including traditional media, business, and government. Specifically, we will examine the impact of social and mobile technologies on how we consume, share, resist, and participate in digital culture. Students will also develop basic technical and media creation skills. The general theme of the course is analyzing contemporary cases to understand the significance of new ICTs in shaping our identities, behaviors, language, imaginations, and society. Students will read texts authored by some of the most formative thinkers examining the impact ICTs on society, and apply these core concepts in our analysis of digital cultures. Students will actively use microblogging, RSS feeds, social networking and other Web 2.0 tools to produce and consume content, interact with peers, and reflect critically on this experience. This course will emphasize awareness of current events and technology trends, as well as critical thinking skills and the ability to frame and explore issues through written, visual and verbal communication. This is an introductory course in IST and COMM, and meets the requirements for a Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) and Humanities (GH) Course. This course is delivered with significant student and instructor interaction with computers and digital media.