The syllabus is divided into five main sections.

You are required to write and post (details as to location to come) brief reaction papers to the first three sections. A final take-home exam will focus on the last two sections.

I expect all students

  1. to read the required texts. This is essential. None of these texts are to be used as "textbooks" summarizing common knowledge in the field. I always chose original powerful texts that are significant statements to be criticized and incorporated in the development of one's own understanding. The notes and the questions at the end of each session are designed to help one do so
  2. to interact with me and other students through the postings of the reaction papers

The final grade will be determined first by the cogency of your reaction papers and your answers to the final examination and, second, by the quality of your participation in class.

 

Specifically

  1. Each reaction paper should be between 500 and 1000 words long. Each should minimally focus on one of the issues raised in one of the required readings in term of one of the other required or recommended readings. Maximally, and particularly as the course progresses, the reaction papers should cross reference more of the required or recommended readings, including those for earlier sections.
    1. As the course progresses and you see what other students have posted, this cross-referencing

  2. You are required to post three of these reaction papers (500 to 1000 words) on the following schedule:
    1. - by June 6th (on your understanding of "technology" and "culture" as introduced by Marx, Latour, and in my work with Ray McDermott) on Moodle site for the class [there, look under "latest news" and 'reply' to topic #1)]
    2. - by June 13th (on your readings of Goody and Wittfogel) on Moodle site for the class [there, look under "latest news" and 'reply' to topic #2)]
    3. - by June 20th (on Ong and Conklin) on Moodle site for the class [there, look under "latest news" and 'reply' to topic #3)]
  3. A take-home exam will be distributed on June 22nd and will be due on the last day of class, June 29th. This exam will present you with five questions of a general nature about matters discussed in class and in the readings. You will have to chose one of these and write an essay answer in 2500 to 3500 words (10 to 15 double spaced, 12 point font, pages)
  4. EVERYTHING, including the postings must be handed in to me in hard copy.

Notes