Cyberpunk/Technoculture

Catalog description

Students in this class will read and discuss "cyberpunk" science-fiction and related writings; meaning, writings that consider the recent, current, and near-future states of the relationship between technology, humanity, and culture (technoculture). Throughout the semester we will explore the impact of technocultural aspects such as social media, smartphones and other cyber-technology, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality, and immersive online environments (e.g. massive multiplayer online games) on our world and selves. Students will consider the benefits and dangers of humanity's increasing interweave with such technology and online/virtual realities—with the way that humanity is becoming post-human or cyborg. In addition to studying fiction and related writings, students will study and discuss other relevant media: e.g., tech-media, Technology/ Entertainment/ Design (TED) talks, and other visual media depicting cyberpunk and other technocultural stories and situations (e.g., Black Mirror ).