Technology and the Body: Course Requirements

This course is designed as a discussion-based seminar and to work effectively it will require faithful preparation and active participation from all class members. You should do all assigned readings before class and also actively engage with digital culture (the web, computer games, etc.), looking for examples from contemporary media to supplement course materials. Class time will be divided between brief lectures, longer discussions, labs, and screenings. Your grade will be determined as follows:

1. Participation and attendance are required. Missing more than two classes will significantly lower your grade. In addition to being physically present, you'll be expected to contribute to discussions each week. I will call on you at random, so be prepared to contribute. Your attendance in discussion sessions and screenings is also required. Discussion sessions will often require outside preparation as well. (15%)

2. Throughout the term, you'll be required to participate in an electronic discussion group to which you will post responses to course readings and other materials. These responses should engage critically with the course content and with other posts and should demonstrate both a grasp of the material and your own considered response to the same. Simply saying you liked or didn't like something is not sufficient; you should demonstrate careful, analytical thinking. Feel free to draw on materials outside of the course as well, integrating them into our discussions and analyses. During the semester you'll be expected to post a substantial response to the list during at least 8 different weeks and to keep up with reading the list. We can talk in class about what a 'substantial post' might be. Of course, you should feel free to post more often. (20%)

3. Two short papers (4-6 pages) will be required during the semester. We'll discuss them in more detail later. Due dates are 2/10 and 4/11. (30%)

4. The course also requires a final 'creative media' project which applies the issues raised in the class to a topic which you will choose in consultation with me and your TAs. You may choose to work individually or in groups of 2-3 for this assignment. You will present your idea for the project during the last week of class. Projects are due during the scheduled final exam time on 5/4. (35%)