n this course, we will analyze how the Internet, new media and computer technologies have altered the contemporary cultural landscape. To do so, we will employ the methodologies of cultural studies, focusing on the social, cultural, and political interactions that occur in online settings, the ways in which electronic media convey and contest particular ideologies, the possibilities and limitations of virtual communities, and the economics of participation in cyberculture. Course readings include literary and cinematic representations of cyberspace as well as theoretical writings. Students will also examine a range of digital texts, including social networking platforms, virtual reality environments, blogs, and online gaming sites.

Texts Please note that list is still tentative at this point.

Texts:

• Cronenberg, David. Cronenberg, David.
• Gibson, William. Neuromancer or Pattern Recognition.
• Silver, David and Adrienne Massanari, eds. Critical Cyberculture Studies.
• Wachowski, Andy and Larry Wachowski. The Matrix.

Photocopied course packet