Spreading the Word: Culture, Knowledge, Technology_AK/HUMA2920

Logistics

Jennifer Cypher jcypher [at] yorku [dot] ca, Course Director
Office hours: By appointment

Gita Hashemi gita [at] yorku [dot] ca, Course Director
Office hours: By appointment

Tutorials:
Tutorial 1: Fri, 2:30-4:30, FC 117
Tutorial 1: Fri, 10:30-12:30, FC 103

Course Description

This foundations course explores the social, cultural, and political implications of technologies of information and communication in their historical and material contexts with an emphasis on a Humanities approach. It examines the ways that information technologies have shaped a variety of forms of human experience, and conversely, the ways that ideologies and practices have shaped the development of technologies of production and circulation of knowledge. The course also explores some of the wider metaphysical implications of the role of technology in society and studies numerous examples of the social transformations engendered by technological developments. At root the course is designed to equip students for critical reflection, from a variety of perspectives on the role of information and communication technologies in society.

Each week there will be a 2-hour lecture and a 2-hour tutorial. Tutorials allow for dialogue and exploration of key themes in the course and the study material. TUTORIALS ARE NOT OPTIONAL, i.e. ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED. Each lecture has a set of associated readings; it is therefore imperative that you read the material before the tutorial.

As a critical reading and writing course, HUMA 2920 requires ongoing reading and weekly writing as assigned by Course Directors and Tutorial Leaders. We encourage you to seek the assistance of York��s Academic Writing Centre for supplemental writing and study workshops, and to take advantage of the writing tutors at Bethune College and other York colleges.

Grading and Evaluation

Evaluation will be based on your tutorial participation and performance in course assignments and exams. You are responsible for all course material including all audio/visual material used in lectures and online supplements, as well as lectures and tutorial discussions and activities.

You must complete all assignments and exams to complete the course.
All assignments are due at the beginning of lecture as listed in the schedule.
Extensions require a signed medical certificate or other valid proof of cause.
Tutorial attendance is required and will be reflected in the participation grade. You must attend at least 60% of the tutorials to receive a passing grade for attendance and participation.
York University policies on academic honesty will be enforced. Note policy sheets attached to this syllabus.
You will receive separate instructions for all major assignments.

Grade Breakdown

Module Responses (2 in each term)	10%
Mini Assignments (3)	15%
Term 1 Exam	15%
Research project (3 components)	30%
Term 2 Exam	15%
Tutorial participation	10%
Tutorial attendance	5%

Texts

HUMA 2920 9.0 Reading Kit (available at York University Bookstore)
&
Online readings and study material listed in the schedule and linked to course website