Introduction

The goal of this course is to introduce students to the rudiments of New Media “literacy.” Unlike what the word connotes, “literacy” in new media involves not just text but images and computer interfaces. Students will build rudimentary blogs and learn to appreciate internet culture and the web’s use as a research tool. Students will also learn about the creative uses of the computer in creating textual works as well as other forms of art, and will also consider the uses of technology in educational settings, for children and for adults. Basic readings in theory and the history of new media will be assigned, as will creative assignments. A major portion of the grade will be based on the blog and the final paper.

By the end of this class, students should be able to:
• maintain a basic blog and use it as a research and presentation tool
• understand concepts of digital art/textuality and how it differs from analog culture
• have a sense of the history of computers
• understand how computer technology has impacted community