ENG 231: New Media & Digital Culture
Technological Usage Awareness
The Smartphone Paradox
Technological Theory
Evolution of Technology
Marvel App Project
The Medium is the Message
Her Film Analysis
Watch Her by Spike Jonze and analyze how the current technological climate is related to/approaching the portrayed state of technology
Consider an issue that can be resolved and perfected by a new app
Use Marvel.com to create a prototype of this app to better understand the evolution of technology and the app making process
Piece written by Marshall McLuhan detailing how technology is shaping society, always has, and will continue to.
Technological Determinism
Marshall McLuhan
Idea that technological advancement drives society, as opposed to the other way around, which prior to technological determinism was the most widely believed idea.
Technological Determinist from the 1900s who wrote multiple pieces outlining his opinion of technological evolution and determinism in general, most notably his essay "The Media is the Message."
(Course Textbook)
Informative novel outlining Dr. Reid's take on technology and humanity's dependency on it.
Video Responses
Every chapter, record a 5+ minute video blog summarizing the week's chapter and providing a personal opinion and perspective regarding your reaction to the reading and how it has effected your thinking.
Written by course professor, Dr. Alan J Reid
Data tracking
Technological Mindfulness Project
Download app tracking daily-quarterly data usage keep track of recorded data to try and modify your usage throughout the semester.
Data collection
Blog entries
Record periodic blog entries on medium.com based on the prompt provided.
Use data from app to provide a credible argument for your smartphone usage.
Read and Respond
Weekly assignment designed to test knowledge and pull new ideas from students. Readings can be related to technological determinism, evolution, usage, dependency, and anything else relevant to the course.