Communication 397SC - ST- Sidewalks and Screens

Starting from debates over digital media and publicity/public participation in the city, this class examines the ways media technologies shape, and are shaped by, the built environment. Drawing on historical and ethnographic case studies, it will focus on the city as media, symbols as well as embodiments of particular ideas and values, and the impact that media technologies have had on how people experience urban life. In addition to reading responses and a midterm paper, students will complete a research project that ethnographically analyzes an urban institution, issue, or a movement of their choice.

Open to Senior and Junior Communication majors only.