GERST 1113

FWS: Participatory Culture

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2014-2015 Catalog.

The rise of online media in the late twentieth century has led to the formation of alternative public spheres, with new opportunities for active participation open to anyone with internet access and basic computer skills. While some celebrate the emancipatory potential of active consumerism, amateur criticism, fan culture, or social media activism, others are concerned about online harassment, censorship, or the future of intellectual property. In this seminar, we explore these different aspects of "participatory culture" by studying a variety of digital text forms, complemented by a number of thought-provoking theoretical texts.  We combine the practice of traditional academic writing with exercises in writing blogs and tweets, and explore the potential of social networking platforms for the publication and exchange of scholarly thought.

When Offered Spring.

Satisfies Requirement First-Year Writing Seminar.

Comments No knowledge of German is expected.

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