Cognitive Science 0264 - New Media

Do new media change the world? How can we forecast new media? Nearly every modern medium of communications has been heralded for its utopian potential, from the nineteenth century telegraph through tomorrow's 4G cell phones. But seeing what's coming is harder than you think. This course will examine several case studies in the history of electrical and electronic communications to understand the complex process of introducing and adopting new media, including issues of technology forecasting, technology standards-setting, the role of the state in fostering media development and the invention of unpredicted media uses by media users. Students will write short, informal responses to readings and a mid-semester essay, and they will complete a final project and present it to the class.

Independent Work Writing and Research In this course, students are expected to spend at least six to eight hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time. This time includes reading, writing, research.