Cultures of New Media

Catalog description

Anthropological look at 'new media' - their varied forms and histories, how they are used and understood, and their meanings and effects within different communities of users. Charts a number of technologies deemed 'new' in their day and the social meanings and communities that such technologies generated. Explores new media in domains of art and literature, as well as issues of race, gender, sexuality and how other indices of difference come to bear on new media and its use. Grounded in anthropology, readings will also draw on media studies, visual studies, cultural studies and critical theory, queer and gender theory, history and geography.