History of Communications Technologies
MOO presentation of a causal argument
One of the major themes of this class is to discuss how information can be represented in multiple formats. For this project, I would like you to construct a MOO space presenting a causal argument showing a social effect(s) of a communications technology developed before 1950.
You will be asked to build at least one room (most students find it easier to present their arguments if they create several rooms) populated with objects in the Hall of Student Projects on Cheshire MOOn. In addition, you should turn in a 1-2 page argument analysis of your project. We will be covering how to use the MOO in class and some class time will be dedicated to independent work on your projects.
Possible technologies you might research: Writing, Printing Press, Telegraph, Telephone, Photography.
Social effects you might explore: Gender, Social Class, Family, Government, Law, Education, Religion, Economics, Recreation.
You may work with a partner on this project. Projects that are co-authored do not have to be twice as long as individual projects, but they should be substantially more thorough and should discuss the topic in substantial depth.
Dates:
Thursday, Sept 9. Post a brief description of your thesis to the project message forum at
http://www.cwrl.utexas.edu/~wolfe/critical_tools/e309m_fall_1999/discussion/project1/
Thursday, Sept 16: Rough draft due. Bring in two paper copies of the argument analysis accompanying your project and a list of works referenced.
Thursday, Sept 23: Final draft due. Bring in one paper copy of the argument analysis accompanying your project and a list of works referenced.
Project Goals:
¥ Create indirect arguments by describing specific objects and experiences in persuasive language.
¥ Work on developing an active and visual writing style with descriptive verbs and adjectives.
¥ Experiment with transforming information across different media.
¥ Provide and receive feedback on a non-traditional writing assignment.
¥ Develop a rough understanding of the basic principles behind object-oriented programming.
Example:
Below is an excerpt from a previous student's project describing how television has made people superficial and less connected with their history and cultural traditions. The student achieves this effect through the contrast in his descriptions of two homes.
Holton's
As you walk in the room, you notice the vaulted ceilings and the numerous volumes of books filling shelves which line every wall of the room. The floor is a soft forest-green rug and the walls are a dark glossy wood. The opposing wall contains large windows bordered with cream-colored cotton curtains stitched with an ivy design that mimics the color of the rug. An older couple sitting at each opposing corner of the room with a soft yellow reading light warming their shoulders calmly flip through book pages. A Leather Couch is here.
You see a fireplace, an antique table, a stack of newspapers, and a Stack of Books here. Obvious exits: Coat Room...
Madison's
The floor of the room is a glossy imitation wood paneling. As you look down you can see your melancholy face in the reflection. The walls are painted white with no immediate features. Two windows camouflaged in the wall do not shed any light due to the closed shutter blinds. In the corner you see a simple potted tree-plant, and you notice that it is fake due to the plastic bright green leaves. On the opposing wall of the couch, is an enormous 54-inch projection television that fills half of the wall and demands the attention of the room as it spoon-feeds images to the room's occupants. You can hear every minute squeak or sound of the sitcom on the television, for it is accompanied with surround sound system with speakers dangerously jutting out from each corners of the wall. A middle-aged couple, hypnotized by the screen, lay as if paralyzed on a vinyl couch. A couch is here.
You see a Fireplace, an Ottoman, and a Magazines here.
Obvious exits: Coat Room...
Possible Readings:
Writing (Literacy) & Printing Press:
Telegraph:
Telephone:
Photography: