web ethics
publishing problems and prospects
Print texts for the class:The Internet stands to be an immense force in both personal and professional communications. How does it differ from other media?More than publishing, this class examines the current future of the Internet, specifically the World Wide Web, in commercial and communal, individual and institutional expression. We will consider inclusion, voice, politics, economics, ethics, education through the study of existing web sites, as well as relevant print texts.
Participants will be trained in the basics of web site design and production. Writing assignments are due most weeks, often in the form of a web page.
This course will develop both critical and creative skills for evaluating and interpreting online media. Beyond examining existing examples, students synthesize the material in an ongoing web site, reflecting their conception of online expression.The first week or so will be spent developing the basic skills of online research and design.Subsequent classes will explore particular avenues of computer mediated communication, both personal and institutional.
Weekly writings will be read and reviewed by the class. In addition, consider this syllabus tentative; additional materials to be suggested by the participants, and folks will be asked to take responsibility for leading exploration of a particular aspect of the curriculum.
- Understanding Comics, by Scott McCloud
- concerning visual perception and visual narrative design
- Resisting the Virtual Life, edited by James Brook and Iain A. Boal
- a collection of essays examining computer ethics (or the lack thereof).
- Life on the Screen, Sherry Turkle
- exploring the multiple personality potential of the digital age.
- Virtual Community, Howard Rheingold
- what are the new online communities?
Additional conceptual material will be drawn from the web, case studies, sites supplied by the group.Class will meet twice a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8.30am.After reading and discussion, students will be expected to perform web work exploring the week's format and issues, as well as a web based final project synthesizing the breadth of online expression explored.
By the end of the term, students will have a sense of the current state and future potential of online media. The breadth of material surveyed will equip them with context otherwise lacking in random websurfings. They will be prepared to analyse and evaluate online expression, moreover, they will be equipped to implement their visions.
first class, browse the readings and discussweekend between
second class, explore assignments and discuss
how to make a page, scan pictures, record sounds
site structure, thoughtful user-interface design. Toolbars, navigational aids.reading
Web Publishing Tutorial site structure assignment
create a web page.
No test, a final project, on the web. Pick a topic from one of the last few weeks, or something to suits you and the group, and build a web site that reflects your vision.
Howard Rheingold's Tomorrow
Critical Art Ensemble
Lewis Mumford's "The Myth of The Machine"
Joseph Weizenbaum's "Computer Power and Human Reason"
Leon James
Justin's Internet Evangelism
HTML Writers Guild
"Age of the Techno-Toddlers" by Mark Slouka. It was in the 8/13 /95 edition of the SD Union Tribune.