Communication / Information Science 320 -- New Media and SocietySpring 2008 -- Prof. Tarleton Gillespie
Paper #1
Digital media technologies tend to individualize us, to make us feel more separate; digital culture (i.e. the kinds of content those technologies give us access to and the cultural meanings that content regularly offers) tend to connect us, to make us feel more a part of something.This (double) statement is your provocation. Defend it, refute it, explain it, extend it, or challenge its assumptions. Most importantly, make an argument. This argument, whatever it may be, needs to be specific and well-supported, and must take account of opposing points of view. What will determine your grade will not be the position you take so much as the sophistication and rigor with which you support it
Your paper must be no more than 5 pages (double-spaced, reasonable font, etc). So the challenge here is to say something specific, thoughtful, and incisive in an efficient way. I'm looking for a cogent and well-written argument; clarity, organization, and style matter. Most importantly, I expect you to support your argument using the readings. This is an opportunity to demonstrate that you are tackling the readings, taking them apart so that you understand them, challenging the arguments they offer, and synthesizing them into a deeper understanding of the ideas in the course. Your paper is due Tuesday, April 15th, in class. Late papers without a legitimate excuse will be docked a full letter grade every day missed.
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