Politics, Policy and
the New Metamedia
POLS 3993 X1
Professor C. Alexander
Department
of Political Science
Acadia University
1. Contacting Professor Alexander
Office: BAC 318
Phone 585 1451
Email <<cynthia.alexander@acadiau.ca>>
2. Course Description: Plug In, Log On and Get a Grip on the New Wired World!
Whether you are aware of it or not, you are being processed into the bits and bytes of the Digital World. There are many unexpected socio-political and economic effects within this new 'wired world.' We will examine some of the effects of the convergence of powerful information and communication technologies for regional and national political economies, democratic processes, as well as their implications for gender, ethnic and class cleavages. Different theoretical approaches will be examined which are relevant to understanding the relationship between politics, science and technology. From an international comparative perspective, we will study an array of political and policy issues including:
This seminar course offers you the opportunity to look beyond the hype in media headlines and soundbites. You will gain an appreciation of some of the new moral, legal and ethical thresholds we face in a high-tech world.
While students will be expected to use the Internet and will be encouraged to hone a few computer skills, technical experience is not a prerequisite. Students who have never (or rarely) worked on a computer are encouraged to enroll...this is your chance to plug in and log on, and find out how your world is changing!
3. Key Learning Objectives of this Course
An ability to assess the strengths and weaknesses of alternative theoretical frameworks which can be used to explain the effects of the new informational and communication technological infrastructures impacts on social, political and economic structures and processes.
An ability to explain what makes the convergence of information and communication technologies (fax machines, video-conferencing, personal computers, super and ultra super computers, satellites...) "revolutionary ".
An awareness of the crucial value dimensions of seemingly value-free technologies.
The knowledge to explain the political and policy implications of:
An increased awareness of current and emerging political and policy implications of increasingly widespread applications of powerful information and communication technologies.
An ability to assess how new information and communication technologies are affecting political institutions and processes, socio-economic relations, ethical codes and legal systems in different political systems, in both developed and developing nations.
In addition, by the time each student has competed the course, he or she will have had the opportunity to acquire the following:
A perspective the relationship between traditional political and policy issues, such as health care, and the new metamedia.
A sense of the role that the newly converged information and communication technologies play in the international system.
A greater interest and confidence in accessing and applying the information resources available on the World Wide Web and similar sources.
And I hope, for the technological neophytes in the class, the acquisition of some useful computer skills.
The successful completion of this course will give you an awareness of the implications of the New Information Order for you as...
...a voter,
...a credit card user,
...a recipient of public services such as health care,
...a job-seeker,
...a Canadian citizen,
... and as a 'global villager'.
4. By the end of the fall 1997 term, it is expected that this course will have given you the opportunity to:
| A. Build Your Knowledge Base | B. Improve Your Analytical and Research Abilities | C. Hone Your Communication Skills |
| To what does the term, the "new metamedia,"
refer?
What are U. S. President Clinton and Canadian Federal Industry Minister Manley talking about when they speak of a national information infrastructure? What do early Canadian thinkers such as George Grant, Marshall McLuhan and Harold Adam Innis have to contribute to our theoretical understanding of these late-20th century technological developments? |
Can technological change lead us closer to direct
democracy?
What is technological somnambulism? Is there an ideology of the Information Age? You will be able to explain key political concepts. |
What's the difference between a thesis and a statement
of intent?
Why didn't I learn about You will learn how to |
| What's the difference between reality and hyper-reality?
Is technology value-free? If not, whose values are embedded in the hardware and the software? So what? How is technology affect the way we think? The way we see the world? The way we communicate? |
If the new technology is an image-based medium,
and images lead to emotive rather than rational responses, what are the
implications for democracy in the Electronic Era?
You will be able to draw linkages between different issues and ideas, and recognize political/policy patterns and relationships. |
How can I write about this indepth subject in
one page?
In both government |
| If technology is not value-free, then what difference
does it make that women and minorities are under-represented in the high-tech
sector?
McLuhan said the "Medium is the Message." How does this differ from saying that the "Medium Messages the Message?" |
What are the implications of our increasing dependency
on new technologies? For our memory? Our thought processes? Our communication
skills?
You will learn to look beyond the obvious and the hype. |
What's a lateral map?
Organizing ideas and |
| Politics on a Chip?
Who are the winners and the losers in the new Information Society? How does the technology affect democratic processes? Are the Americans or the Japanese leading the semi-conductor "chip" race? What's at stake? |
How are Canadian federal political parties using
the new technology compared to the Americans? How will technology affect
the '96 U.S. Presidential Election?
You will gain a foundation for undertaking comparative analysis. |
Politics on a chip: off in cyberspace.
Computer-related skills |
| What is the Surveillance Society? Who knows what
you buy, which videos you watch, where you travel, and how much you owe
in student loans?
Who is using the Internet? Who is not? Why not? Who are the 'Information Poor'? How is technology affecting policy fields such as education, health care, and national defence? How competitive is Canada in the new world information economy? |
Who has access to your health records? How can
you find out?
Half the challenge is knowing where to look for the most timely and accurate information. You'll become more aware of the difference between media sources, including the Internet, and you'll be able to find your way through government documents, academic journals, and other resouces. |
What do you mean by...?
There is an art to |
There is several different resource materials for this course, including books. Since technology is changing our world so rapidly and the implications are apparent throughout our lives, in a seminar course such as this one--where we will be sharing information and ideas--it is most appropriate for us to share one text and then for each of us to select two other books which we will read individually, and then share the authors' ideas in class. Therefore you need:
A) One
required Text for everyone:
Manuel
Castel. Power of Identity: Information Age--Economy, Society/Culture, vol.
2.
B) One
required reference reading book. Choose ONE from the following
three (YOUR choice):
either
Taylor and Saarinen's book, Imagologies...
or
Brockman's book,
Digerati...
or
the Krokers' book, Digital Delirium.
C)
ONE Book to Review:
Given the rate of technological innovation and
the rush to adopt powerful new systems throughout society, each student
will have the opportunity to read one book which addresses a particular
issue. To expand our collective knowledge base, you will present a comprehensive
commentary on the book to the class. You will have an opportunity to select
one of the books from the following list during the first class.
COMPUTER-RELATED RESOURCES
You will be encouraged to use your student computer account to: access information resources from the World Wide Web; to prepare and present essays using powerpoint software (one-on-one help will be provided, if necessary); and perhaps, to communicate with each other, with students at other universities, with scholars and community activists around the world, and with me.
RESERVE READINGS IN THE LIBRARY
The required readings are drawn from the texts as well as useful documents and articles which have been placed on reserve in the library. Doing the required readings prior to class is essential. While subjects addressed in the readings will be discussed during the succinct lecture which will introduce each class, I will typically go beyond the readings, bringing alternative perspectives and additional issues to your attention. Your comprehension of the lectures is dependent upon being well-prepared for class.
GUEST SPEAKERS, FILMS
Videos and films will be shown on appropriate topics. Guest speakers will be invited to address the class when possible. This fall, for example, I have invited Dick Miller, a CBC Radio Producer to speak to the class on evening.
6. Overall Grading Scheme and Assignment Due Dates.
There is no final examination!
| WORK ASSIGNMENT Overall "Discussion Preparation" Assignments -to ensure that you are abreast of the readings, that you have a keen awareness of the key concepts and ideas, and that you have really thought about the issues and are prepared to enter the class for a lively, well-informed discussion. Breakdown: Book Review
|
total 30%
Breakdown:
|
TBA updated weekly
|
Quizzes One surprise quiz will be introduced during class at any time in November. |
10% | Surprise! |
| One Major Analytical / Research Essay (total
value: 60%)
(app. 2500-3000 words) Your essay work will be broken down into the following series of steps which should ensure that you will not leave the work until the weekend before it is due:
|
September 24 TBA
|
IMPORTANT NOTE: A STUDENT MUST COMPLETE EACH COMPONENT OF THE COURSE REQUIREMENTS BEFORE A FINAL GRADE WILL BE ISSUED.
You will be asked to prepare one short essay assignment (250-500
words). is a thinking and writing exercise. The essays
will be based on one portion of the required text.
Assignments of the section which you will be responsible for will be posted
the day after our second class meeting, September 17, 1997.
This exercise is designed with several objectives in mind:
6. b) One Major Research/Analytical Essay
General Expectations:
In each term you will be responsible for writing a major research
paper of approximately 2500 words. It is your chance to study something
you're really interested in already or would like to learn more about!
Several key elements will determine the strength of your essay, including
the strength of your:
Typically, students tend to spend an all-night weekend just prior to the due date of the essay; as you probably know, this approach tends not to result in a student's best effort and leads to a serious drain on Wolfville's coffee supply. The essay 'assignment' therefore, has been broken down into a series of mandatory 'small step' assignments to encourage good time management. Such as process typically results in a better quality paper and a more rewarding experience.
Due Dates for the Major Research/ Analytical Essay Work:
An outline or a lateral map and an annotated bibliography (just enough to get you started) of your essay will due on September 24, 1997. A scheduled will be devised by Sept. 25, 1997 (and posted on this page) and you will then know when you will be asked to present your argument and key insights to the class in a 10 - 15 minute presentation and handout an accompanying lateral map. The feedback you receive from the class should be useful in revising your paper, as will the feedback you will receive from another student who will read your paper carefully. A final version of your essay must be handed in during class and posted on your website no later than November 26, 1997. You are welcome to hand it in at an earlier date. Of course, the papers will be composed in proper social science academic style and shall adhere to regulations concerning academic integrity (see the University Calendar). If you don't own one already, you may wish to purchase an academic style guide.
6. c) Possible Fall Term Major Essay Topics: List is Forthcoming ASAP
If there is another subject which you would very much like to investigate
in the fall term paper, please see me for approval prior to September 18,
1996. There is a chance that we can accommodate your special interest.
The inspiration for the following topics is to give you an opportunity
to extend your understanding of one of the weekly topics through the research
and careful consideration which the essay work will require.
| The implications of technological change for
our the electoral process in Canada or elsewhere. The promise of the technology to enhance democratic institutions and/or processes. The gender implications of technology in the health care sector (ie. in hospitals). The legal implications of medical expert systems. The ethical implications of medical expert systems. The employment implications of the Information Society. The moral implications of 'smart wars.' The human rights implications of the growing technological gaps between north and south nations. The privacy implications of technology in government and/or the private sector. The implications of technological change in education for minorities in Canada or elsewhere. The promise of technological change to enhance the political or social or economic lives of indigenous peoples in Canada or elsewhere. The effectiveness of Canada's industrial policy. The merits of the current strategy to develop National Information Infrastructure in the United States or elsewhere. An assessment of the value of investments in artificial intelligence. The security implications of wired governments. ...and so on...the possibilities are endless... |
6. d)Lateral Maps: Why bother learning how to do this?????
Cognitive Overload:
One of the challenges of the so-called Information Age, is the rapid flow of a flood of data and information. How can one manage such an onslaught? The following quotation from an article in the June 1996 issue in Equinox, entitled "Are Computers Changing How We Explore?," clarifies the need for organizing information in new ways:
| On the surface, the hypertextual environment
may not seem much different from nosing around in the library, but it does
revolutionize how quickly and easli6y you can move from one source to another.
And that, say some critics, may be moving us away from the analytic, linear
paths of thought associated with books toward a different, lateral way
of thinking. ...
According to Kosma's research, many hypertext users report getting "lost in hyperspace," unable to remember how or why they ended up where they did. And some are clearly dioriented by the overwhelming number of choices available. "If you don't have a lot of prior knowledge," says Kosma, "then you're going to have a lot of difficulty constructing that relationship--why you're where you are now when you were someplace else a moment ago." |
We will learn more about how information technologies may be contributing to a shift in our cognitive abilities in class. How are computers affecting the way we think, remember, and communicate? To learn more about lateral mapping, please read the policy document for The Digital Agora.
If you've never lateral mapped before, don't worry, we'll work on it together.
6. e) MESSAGE BOARD: WATCH HERE FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS!
By the 15th October, think about whether you think we should organize a
public panel....
| WEEK | CONT'G REFLECTIONS FROM FIRST 3 BOOKS...& MCLUHAN MOMENT |
BOOK REVIEW |
ESSAY PRESENTATION |
REQUIRED READING FROM CASTELL'S, THE POWER OF IDENTITY |
| OCTOBER 15 | CHAPTER 1 Christina | |||
| OCTOBER 22 | After Thought, Chrissy The Second Media Age, Katie |
Sandy ~ religion Lauren~democracy | CHAPTER 2 Heather | |
| OCTOBER 29 | BUILD OR REFINE | YOUR | WEBSITE | WORKSHOP |
| NOVEMBER 5 | Who Knows, Mike Angela Duane |
privacy essays: 1) Mike Kendall 2) Heather Smith |
CHAPTER 3: Lauren | |
| November 12 | The Whale and the Reactor,
Lauren |
Duane~`encryption debate | CHAPTER 4 Katie | |
| November 19 | Contributions to a Special Issue of The Political Byte | The Information Highway, Heather | Angela~international security | CHAPTER 5 Duane Sandy |
| November 26 | Final Draft of your Essay must be posted on your webpage | The Future Does Not Computer, Sandy | Christina~`literature, politicsand the Web Katie~state of the discipline |
CHAPTER 6 & CONCLUSION Mike Angela |
7. USEFUL LINKS TO GET YOU STARTED
SEARCH ENGINES:
search engines
If you're just getting started using the net, you might find metacrawler
particularly helpful.
Other useful search engines (remember, the words
you choose to enter for your search make a big difference in the "success"
of your search)
http://www.policywonk.com/links.html http://www.drudgereport.com/
http://www.vir.com/~sher/julian.htm http://home.netscape.com/escapes/search/netsearch3.html
http://www.metacrawler.com/
http://www.dogpile.com/
http://www.biotech.ca/engine/index.htm#why
Metacrawler
http://www.all4one.com/
http://www.highway61.com/
http://canoe2.canoe.ca/home.html
http://www.nlc-bnc.ca/caninfo/ecaninfo.htm
http://lycos.com/
http://index.opentext.net/
http://www.infoseek.com/
Northern Light
Interested in learning more about Innis or McLuhan? Start here:
Hear McLuhan
Professor Hibbitts'
hotlinks
Also interesting:
Media
Awareness Network Site
Gender and
Race in Media
The Centre for Democracy and Technology
Wired Magazine
Howard
Rheingold's Electric Minds
The Media Lab at MIT
Digital Time Capsule
WebMuseum
World-wide
E-Democracy Project Page
Europe
and the Global Information Society
Internet Statistics
Artificial Life Online
Cyberspace
and Websociology
Portraits
in Cyberspace
Electric Minds
Peacefire--a youth newsletter about
internet censorship
Cyber-liberties
(UK)
Baudrillard in
Cyberspace
The
Economist's Survey, A Connected World, Sept 21- 27 1997
MIT Media Lab
Graduate Seminar...student papers etc.
MIT
Technology Review Homepage
Identity and Community:
Sherry Turkle's Homepage,
The Internet Anthropologist
Sherry
Turkle, Who Are We? in Hotwired
Implications of the Internet in France
EFF Net Culture and Cyber-Anthropology
Archive
Freenets
and the Politics of Community in Electronic Networks
Computers and Pressure Groups:
Mark
Bonchek's Harvard Ph.D. Thesis, From Broadcast to Netcast
Feminist Activist
Resources on the Net
Canadian Women's Internet Association
Canadian Green Page
Green Parties of North America
EarthFirst!
World Watch Institute
Environment and Security Issues
DOD: Environmental
Security and National Security
Fourth World Documentation
Project Homepage
Hawai'i: Independent
and Sovereign State
Computers and Religion
Technopaganism
Reinventing
God
Beyond Humanity
God,
The Scientist
Indigenous Peoples
The Assembly of First Nations
Main
Menu: Native American Everything
Aboriginal SuperHighway
Fourth World Documentation
Project
Artic Circle
Nunatsiaq News Home Page
GOOD EXAMPLE OF A STUDENT WHO CREATED A HYPERLINKED ESSAY AT SFU http://www.sfu.ca/~prodrigu/gilpge.htm
A Master's
Thesis by Elizabeth Reid
How to Build
a Website
Why personal
webpages?
Glossary-English
Writing Tips and Tools
For Fun: Send a card!
Byte-sized greeting cards
9. Annotated Internet Address Book:
There are many useful information resources available online. One of
your responsibilities is to keep track of the interesting and important
websites you find in your cyber travels. The information you'll need to
record is:
Title of the Website:
Author of the Website:
URL of the Website:
Date you accessed the Website:
Annotation (in one or two sentences describe what one finds on this site
and rank its value out of scale of 10)
10. To Do Well: Forthcoming ASAP
a) General Observations about Doing Well
b) Major Essay Marking Guide
c) Typical Errors to Avoid
d) A Thesis Statement versus a Statement of Intent
e) A Sample Annotated Bibliography
f) A Sample Essay Outline
b) Essay Marking Guide
Professor Alexander Department of Political Science Acadia Fall 1996
The following marking guide is one which I will use when I am marking your major research / analytical paper. From the notations listed below you can gain a sense of what I will be looking for in your work.
Student's Name: __________________
Argument
Strength of introductory statement:
Clarity, development and originality of thesis statement:
Identification and definition of key concepts:
Theoretical foundation:
Historical overview, when appropriate:
Development of argument:
Key ideas are well-substantiated?
Originality:
Synthesis of ideas:
Strength of concluding paragraph:
Research
Documentation:
Effective use of quotations:
Diversity of sources:
-use of academic journals:
-use of government documents:
-use of the Internet:
Bibliography
Presentation of Ideas
Originality and Effectiveness of the Title of the Paper:
Overall English Usage:
Proofread?
Spelling Mistakes?
Flow and structure of ideas:
Concluding Comments
Final Grade ___%
11. A C A D E M I C I N T E G R I T Y *
Academic integrity demands responsible use of the work of other scholars. It is compromised by such practices as plagiarism and cheating.
Cheating is the copying or the use of unauthorized aids or the intentional falsification or invention of information in any academic exercise or the presentation of a single work in more than one course without the permission of the instructors involved.
Plagiarism is the act of presenting the ideas or words of another as one's own. While it may be argued that few ideas are original, instructors expect students to acknowledge the sources of ideas and expressions that they use in essays. To represent them as self-created is dishonest and academically reprehensible.
One may quote or paraphase other writers if they have stated an idea strikingly, as evidence to support one's arguments or conclusions, or as a point against which to argue, but such borrowing should be used sparingly and always indicated in a footnote. The aim of scholarship is to develop one's own ideas and research and only by trying to develop one's own thoughts and arguments will one mature academically.
To provide adaquate documentation is not only an indication of academic honesty, but also a courtesy enabling the instructor to consult sources with ease. Failure to do so constitutes plagiarism. Furthermore, a student who knowingly helps another to commit an act of academic dishonesty is also guilty of cheating.
Questions or comments should be directed towards 002190s@axe4.acadiau.ca, webmaster for these pages. Original gifs and background images © Krista L. Spurr, 1996.
