Office: 1023 TEL
Phone: 416-736-2100 x88787
Email: jjenson@edu.yorku.ca

Background

This interdisciplinary course examines contemporary cultural conceptions and practices of gender in relation to patterns of competency with and uses of new technologies, both inside and outside of schools. It explores contemporary research, theory and online environments in relation to questions about identities, equity and digital media.

The under-representation of women in technological fields has been carefully documented by researchers for over two decades, and while many have attempted to suggest ways and means for remedying this inequality, little has changed. This course interrogates the persistence of gender issues in technology and education, focusing on the ways in which technologies, social and institutional structures inside and outside the school are mutually constructed. More particularly, it will explore issues relating to gender, embodiment, representation, new technologies and education, including current topics such as avatar development, critiques of technology, social practices and technological tools and technology and the body. While gender will be the primary emphasis, will be explored in relation to differences of culture, race, class, sexual orientation and ability.

Schedule

January 6 heading three

Topic: Gender/Technology/Representation
Activities:
Introductions and syllabus
Outlining the 'field'
A wee bit of film/video game footage
Setting up our class blogg.

Assignment for next week: heading four

Watch a science fiction film (any) and bring a clip (no longer than 3 minutes) to class which shows an evocative gender/technology relation.
*** THIS BIT IS FOR THE IN CLASS DISCUSSION*** For each of the readings choose a single quote which relates in some way to your film choice and describe (in no more than three sentences) how it relates.