Download PDF:
IAT206W-1b-2012.pdf
Credit Hours: 3
Instructors:
Michael Filimowicz
Location: SFU Surrey, Room 2600
Semester: Spring 2012
Course Description:
This course develops a discursive framework and introduces media practices from many cultural settings. We begin with a characterization of 'new media', an overview of relevant historical, theoretical and critical approaches including post-modern, post-colonial theory, new media history, questions of access and democracy in the context of globalization. In the next section of the course, we will examine case studies from different contexts ranging from mainstream media art, Japanese new media to Indian interface design, community computing, Southeast Asian media art and Islamic networking. Throughout the course, we will engage in a dialogue that will include your personal reflections, arguments and perspectives.
Topics Will Include Such Topics As:
- What is New Media?
- Interface, Community and Media as Message
- Postmodernism and Postmodernity
- Orientalism and Postcolonial Theory
- New Media Historiography
- Globalization and the Digital Divide
- Case Study I: Tradition in Japanese New Media - Anime
- Case Study II: Tradition in Japanese New Media – Device Art
- Case Study III: Culturally Reflective Computing in India
- Case Study IV: Community Computing, Crossing the Digital Divide
- Case Study V: Islam in the Digital Era
Course Objectives:
The aim of this course is to help you develop an understanding of the cultural and social specificity of forms, contents, contexts at the junction of art, design, culture and technology. After finishing this course, you will be able to:
- Define and distinguish new media from old.
- Understand and reiterate key critical and theoretical approaches.
- Apply these approaches across a range of culturally-specific new media case studies.
- Synthesize the approaches and case studies to develop a position on the utility of a new discursive framework for media practices in a global context.
You will demonstrate your mastery of these concepts by participating in face-to-face and asynchronous discussions, by writing a formal essay, through weekly close reading and writing exercises, and by developing a collaborative project.
Learning Outcomes:
This course explores new media as culture. At the completion of this course, you will have gained an ability to interpret, negotiate and engage with new media in diverse settings, with an awareness of the significance of cultural difference.
Delivery Method:
Lecture (LEC) and Workshop (WKS)
Texts, Resources + Materials:
Required Texts:
“The Other” (2009) by Ryszard Kapuscinski, Jones Lloyd, Neal Ascherson; Verso; ISBN 9781844674169
“New Media: The Key Concepts” (2008) by Nicholas Gane, David Beer; Berg Publishers; ISBN 9781845201333
Course Pack (extensive readings in media and culture)
Writing Manual – access card can be purchased here: http://www.bedfordstmartins.com/Catalog/product/writershelp%28twoyearaccesscard%29-firstedition-hacker
Prerequisites:
Completion of 18 credits.
Last Updated: December 6, 2011
These course outlines are drafts and are subject to change.
