Cognitive Science 0131 - Technologies of Mediatization

Mediatization theory argues that as media become ubiquitous, their visibility as discrete devices lessens and their audio-visual functionalities recede into the environment. So, for example, a mirror might detect your blood pressure while you comb your hair, transmitting it to your doctor who could send instructions to your electronically enhanced pill container to change the dosage. Mediatization theory also claims that media "logics" are an increasing source of power, one that influences other social institutions, like politics, to align themselves to the special conditions of media representation and simulation: more and more social activities become media events. This course explores these theoretical claims with a special emphasis on the new-media technologies - like the internet of things, wearables, smart buildings - that are the engines of this transformation. Working in groups, students will specialize in one technology, writing an essay and a final paper.

Mind, Brain, and Information 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.