Description
1) Throughout the course we have explored various ways that the “self” is being shaped by digital technologies. Many of the theorists and thinkers that we have read this quarter are critical of these changes (boyd, Carr, Manovich, Turkle, Wolf, Humphreys, Noble, Haraway, Golding, and so on). Compose an essay that analyzes how digital media is transforming and reshaping our sense of ourselves. During your essay describe and analyze at least two examples from the readings and/or films that criticize how digital media is changing us. Do you agree or disagree with these examples? Why or why not? You must cite and reference two readings from the quarter even if your examples are based on films or media we have encountered.
2) Many authors that we have encountered this quarter such as boyd and also Gray and Leonard point out that digital media has not ushered in a post-race world but that racism and sexism continue to exist in new forms on the Internet, in video games, and so on. Compose an essay that analyzes issues of race, gender, or sexuality within new media and digital technologies. Your analysis might focus on the Internet, games, virtual reality, social media, or even earlier topics covered in the course such as coding or cyborgs. Your essay might also analyze films, games, or other media that we have encountered this quarter. Suggestions for sources include, but are not limited to, boyd, boyd and Caplan, Gray and Leonard, Noble, Vee, Ruberg, Turkle, Lovink, Haraway, Chien, Humphreys, and Golding.
Grading: See the syllabus for general grading expectations. In addition, you will be graded on: 1) How well and deeply you engage with course readings and concepts (Are you engaging the readings directly to define concepts and support your claims? Are you moving beyond summary and engaging in deeper analysis?) 2) The strength of your thesis, arguments, and support for your ideas (Have you constructed an inventive thesis? Do you provide strong evidence to support your arguments?) 3) The clarity of your arguments and ideas (For example, is your essay well-organized? Your writing clear? Do your paragraphs stay on topic and address distinct issues?) 4) Your essay’s presentation (Does your essay contain errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, syntax, etc.?)