Communication 797P - ST- Media Archaeology

This course provides an introduction to an emerging area of research in media studies, known as media archaeology. Combining materialism and structuralist understanding of message productions, media archaeology has proven powerful in illuminating media messages as effects of what is called cultural technique. More than that, it has also opened many sites of exchange between old and new media and between media and cultural practices that are not discursive in nature, such as architecture and design. In this seminar, we will focus on the writings of writers who, mostly German in origin, are responsible for laying the foundation of this archaeological approach to media. They include, F. Kittler, B. Siegert, J. Vogl, M. Krejewski, and others. We will also, if time permits, explore how this media archaeological perspective helps us better understand the digital environment in which we live.

Open to Doctoral & Masters students only.