Hello and welcome to Topics and Perspectives in Emerging Technology!

I’m looking forward to having a productive semester in which we have a chance to think through how technology shapes us and in turn how we shape technology.

This is a hybrid course but the majority of the classes will be held in person. Please refer to the syllabus for online days. I will also give you ample warning!

Before we get started a bit of housekeeping:

This is the online hub to the class. Specific readings, and details about the assignments will be provided here on a weekly basis. I will also be posting screenings, and relevant resources as they arise.

I will provide each person with a Google folder. All work should be turned in there.

This is course is a writing intensive with a lecture and lab component.

Due to the nature of the subject, I will be providing new readings and resources as the semester progresses. Your ideas and thoughts are always welcome! This is your learning community.

Here are some additional resources

Here is a link to City Tech’s Library databases.

Here is a link to all City Tech Technology Resources and to Student resources.

For more information about the V-217 on the second floor V-217 High Tech Open Lab

Please see here for Emerging Media Advisement: Entertainment Technology Department Advisement

Also CUNY students have free access to the NYTimes, Wall street Journal, to many NYC museums and access to Microsoft Office!

Inclusivity Statement:

This course consists of individual work and group discussion. It is the intent of City Tech, the department, and this course to well-serve students from all diverse backgrounds and perspectives, that students’ learning needs be addressed both in and out of class, and that the diversity that the students bring to this class be viewed as an asset, resource, strength, and benefit, rather than a checklist item or worse, a hindrance. Materials and activities presented in the course will respect diversity: gender identity, sexuality, disability, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, nationality, religion, and culture. Your suggestions and feedback are encouraged and appreciated. Feel free to reach out to the instructor.

Reading

The Language of New Media (2001)

Lev Manovich – The Language of New Media (pg 21-26)

Charles Babbages Analytical Engine used punch cards
Computer Experts Building 1830s Babbage Analytical Engine - The New York Times
Universal Turing Machine
Alan Turing: How His Universal Machine Became a Musical Instrument - IEEE Spectrum

Principles of New Media:

  • Numerical Representation – any asset can be represented numerically
  • Modularity – nonhierarchical organization of information, parts can accessed, modified or substituted
  • Automation – rule-based systems to neural networks

Class Challenge: Details will be provided in class.

Homework:

Society and Networked Technology

You may choose to draw the map or use: Googles Mymaps to make a map that charts all the places you used networked technology from your house/apt to City Tech.

Step. 1 take notes

Step 2 design map

Be prepared to discuss in class.