Courses:

The final project for this class is a twenty-page, double-spaced essay on one of the topics listed below. In some cases, with the consent of the instructor, it may be possible to substitute a substantial, well-defined project prepared in a different genre or medium.

The goal of the project is to allow you to think broadly and synthetically about the class material we cover this term or, alternatively, to consider one set of issues in some depth. Please submit a hard copy version of your paper. I will ask you to submit a one-paragraph proposal for your final project in class on Session 9. The final project is due in the instructor's office no later than the first day of Final week.

The in-class presentations for your final projects will take place between Sessions 12 and 13, and on Session 13. The presentations will be graded; their evaluation will count for ten percent of your final grade, as per the syllabus. We will allot thirty minutes for the discussion of each project. You should plan to speak for 10-15 minutes, followed by discussion with your classmates. Please present your project in as detailed and coherent a fashion as possible in the time allowed. (You may wish to practice your presentation in advance, so that you do not exceed the 10-15 minute limit.)

The goals of the presentations are two-fold. First, this will be your opportunity to tap the collective wisdom of the class as you prepare your project. Second, I suspect the variety of projects will provide us with a fairly comprehensive overview of the issues and ideas we have discussed during the course of the term.

Topics

• Drawing on examples from our readings and discussions, evaluate the concept of "revolution" as an organizing principle for media transition. You must consider the "print revolution" of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, and you must compare it either to the changes brought on by the introduction of electricity in the nineteenth century, or to the "digital revolution" today. In other words, does "revolution" adequately explain changes in media in Europe 500 years ago, and throughout the world in the nineteenth century or today? If not, what alternative model of media change would you propose?
  
  
• Write an essay in which you consider the readings for one class session in depth. In addition to the common readings, you must also read and consider at least four of the supplemental readings. How do the readings frame the main issues? Is there consensus or disagreement among the authors? What are the future avenues of research? (N.B.: You may not write on the readings from the week of your class presentation.)
  
  
• Propose a topic of your own devising, based on our joint work this semester. I reserve the right of final approval. You may wish to consult me about your proposal prior to submitting it on Session 9.

Representation and Space: The Quest for the "Total" Medium. (PDF) (Courtesy of Marianthi Liapi. Used with permission.)