Specific Medium Or Technology - Essay Assignment

Internal Code: MAS5780

Essay Assignment:

Questions 1) How has a specific medium or technology (of your choice), produced an impact upon society? The purpose of the essay is to critically examine a medium or technology using themes and concepts from the unit's lectures and readings and additional research. 2) When and how did the medium/technology appear? Who and what was involved in its invention and development? What did people imagine would its main use and significance? How was it actually adopted, resisted or ignored? Was the medium/technology used differently by different groups or people or in different parts of the world? Who were the early/late adopters of the medium/technology and what impacts did this have? 3) What are the ideas or discourses associated with the medium/technology? What do people think they do with the medium/technology? What are the effects and emotions associated with the medium/technology? How is the medium/technology represented/portrayed and written and spoken about in the media? How are ideas about what media is and what it does change by this medium/technology? 4) How did/does the medium/technology fit into or disrupt existing media? Are there new companies and organizations responsible for delivering new kinds of media associated with the medium/technology? What are the features and characteristics of these new companies/organizations? What is the economics of production, distribution, exhibition, consumption and business models of these companies/organizations? Who are the audiences and publics that come into being or realign with the medium/technology? 5) How do/did people use the medium/technology? What is their actual experience of it, independent of the marketing/promotion of the intended experience of the medium/technology? What do they do with it and with whom? What are the particular cultures associated with the medium/technology? How does the medium/technology affect the larger culture and society? How are relations among different groups of people, and groups of things, altered, or believed to be altered, through the introduction of the medium/technology? Have there been associated with the medium/technology? What are the ethical issues/implications of the medium/technology?