136-305 Cybersociety (Science 3)

Students who have completed 103-210/310 Cybersociety: Information Technology, Society and Self (or 103-005/136-205 Cybersociety) are not eligible to enrol in this subject. Only available at science third year; for other levels see 136-205 Cybersociety. This subject is based on 136-205 but involves additional work.

Usually two second year HPS subjects.

In this subject students will engage in a study of high-technology and information systems in a social and cultural context, and will examine critical issues which lie at the intersection of the social and the technical. Topics covered include cybernetics, cyberspace, cyborgs and other 'cybers', virtual lives and virtual communities, the information economy, privacy and surveillance, digital convergence, multimedia and hypermedia, and techno-utopian and dystopian visions. Students will participate in theoretical work and 'hands-on' experience. Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to critically analyse and evaluate controversial issues relating to information systems in the social context, argue credible positions in relation to these controversies, and be able to identify and draw upon the major theoretical and methodological discourses through which the relationship between information systems and society might be understood.

• be able to conduct independent research;

• make appropriate use of primary and secondary sources in mounting an argument.

An essay of 2000 words on a chosen topic 35% (due at the end of semester), an essay of 2000 words relating your science major to a chosen topic 35% (due at the end of semester), an essay of 1000 words 15% (due in week 4), a seminar presentation of 800 words 10% (due throughout the semester) and contribution to an on-line discussion 5% (due throughout the semester).

A subject reader will be available.

• W Gibson, Neuromancer. Grafton Books 1986.
• N Stephenson, Snow Crash. Penguin 1993.