ENC 1101: Issues in Technology Course Objectives

To develop and enrich the students’ knowledge of technological innovation in its cultural, intellectual, philosophical, educational, socio-political-historical contexts, its continuing contemporary relevance, and its influence on the history of cultural production. To develop and enhance the students’ critical and analytical ability to read and understand cultural and artistic texts. To develop and enhance the students’ ability to think critically and creatively and to write and to speak effectively about technology. To develop an appreciation for the diversity of ideals, values, perceptions, and expectations, exemplified not only various class explorations, but also as represented by the course participants. This course is beneficial for students wishing to enrich and deepen their knowledge of technology and how it influences who we are as humans. It will be valuable for students with a variety of general and specific interests, e.g., literary and cultural contexts; social, educational, religious, political, philosophical, and intellectual history; generic development of various types of art. This course will require active student involvement, close consideration of the primary texts, the compilation of a project which meets the course standards and requirements, and the fulfillment of all other requirements as specified on the syllabus and under course policies. Instructional Activities: Active Learning Our study will attempt to emphasize creating a supportive classroom and virtual climate for active learning through a positive group building process. Since active learning is student orientated and may appear to involve risk-taking, the course will focus on establishing trust, confidence, and respect between the instructor and students and among the students. To advance this climate and encourage the positive outcomes and benefactors of risk-taking, we will be clear, organized, current, and well-prepared, but flexible and personal. we will minimize the pain of student error making by separating learning from evaluating, and we will provide graduated and individualized risk-taking opportunities that will make learning worthwhile and exciting. Students will participate in this cooperative effort to build a supportive classroom atmosphere by coming to class on time and prepared with thoughtfully completed reading/writing assignments, by asking pertinent questions and sharing experiences and viewpoints, by reaching out personally to the professor and other students, by showing cooperation and respect, and providing positive feedback to the professor and peers. Projected Outcome The projected outcome of this course is that, based on an enhanced knowledge of current technological innovation and a broad understanding of its cultural contexts and subsequent importance, an expanded an enlightened vision will emerge as to meaningful approaches to subsequent discourse and interaction with the day to day use of technology. Moreover, the course subject and approach is intended to Nurture a general love for learning Empower students with positive sense of competency, skill, and autonomy Encourage a curious, investigative spirit and creative, independent thinking Foster a deepened and expanded understanding an appreciation of literature as a humanistic discipline Enrich students’ technological literacy and appreciation for multimedia as learning tools Forum Interactions This course will use a combination of traditional classroom interaction, in-class electronic interaction and research, and a distance component using the Internet, Littalk, and LitMUSE for continued discussion and research beyond the classroom.

© 1999 by Gerald R. Lucas Made with Macintosh 24 June 1999 Technology | Home | Teaching | Links | Literature | Projects | Info