Technology and the American Imagination, Spring, 2000 T, H 9:30-10:45 Old Chapel Room 401

Holly Allen Adirondack 219 (hallen@middlebury.edu) (w)2042; (h)545-2567 until 9:30pm office hours: M 10-11:45, F 1-2:15

DESCRIPTION:

This course explores the influence of various technologies on American life and culture. Topics range from the imaginative consequences of mechanization in the nineteenth century, to the impact of automobiles and radio on an emerging mass culture, to Cold War anxieties about nuclear war, and finally to current debates surrounding the internet and other computer technologies. Course materials will span a range of disciplines, including literature, history, radio, film, and television.

TEXTS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE:

Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451

Aldous Huxley, Brave New World

Neal Stephenson, Snow Crash

Sherry Turkle, Life on the Screen

Kurt Vonnegut, Cat's Cradle

AC103 Coursepack