MDA10006: Innovation Cultures for Perspectives on Science

Task:

Assignment Details/ Essay question: 

Essay question: Critically analyse the development from a broadcast culture to today’s so-called 'participatory culture'. Focusing on key media and communications technologies, identify the factors that gave rise to the introduction and diffusion of these innovations, as well as the impact that these technologies have had on society.

Rather than discussing broadcast culture in isolation from participatory culture, try to identify continuities and similarities between these two epochs, while still acknowledging the distinctions.

The assignment should be informed by at least six scholarly (academic sources) many of the readings in the learning materials for weeks 5-8 will be helpful in this regard.

Additional resources

Critical analysis is an evaluation of the arguments being made in scholarly texts. It involves forming a critical opinion (your own argument), which is created through the examination of all sides of various arguments, and through reflection on issues in the scholarly texts in a thoughtful, clear and well-balanced manner. This involves making a reasoned critique of arguments being made, by identifying both false and/or biased assumptions, and credible and convincing arguments, based on evidence.

Your own argument can agree with and/or challenge the arguments being made in the scholarly texts. You will support your own argument through bringing in examples other than those being made in the scholarly texts.

Assignment overview: 

In writing your essay you should be ensuring that you are, either directly or indirectly, addressing learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, and 4 by examining and identifying the role of today's media and media industries from a socio-historical perspective regarding the development of participatory culture; constructing and justifying logical arguments about the relationship between science, technology and culture; critiquing received views through the application of key theoretical concepts to identify the similarities between the two epochs of broadcast and participatory culture; and applying the critical distance and historical perspective as needed to show an anticipated shift and rise from broadcast to participatory culture. 

Unit learning outcomes to be reflected in essay. 

1.examine and identify the role of today’s media and media industries from a socio-historical perspective

2.construct and justify logical arguments about the relationship between science, technology and culture

3.critique received views through the application of key theoretical concepts

4.Apply the critical distance and historical perspective necessary to anticipate future shifts in science, technology and culture.