AP/SOSC 1731 9.00

Cybercities: Community And Communication In Changing Urban Areas

Technology’s impact on cities is examined, with an emphasis on institutions and landscapes. Changes of metropolitan form, issues of community formation, and emerging patterns of work, leisure and urban life are explored in the context of shifting modes of electronic communication. Sections of the course include: urban infrastructure and technology; the city as a communications nexus; the changing role of urban institutions; changing spatial organization and urban form; there goes the neighbourhood! (community and neighbourhood formation in the information age); effects on individuals at work, school, play and home and in respect to privacy and access to information; the politics of technology (what is happening to national boundaries?); what’s next? (speculations about the future of cities).

Students must be familiar with the use of browsers (e.g. Netscape or Internet Explorer) and e-mail. Registered students must activate their York University e-mail accounts before the start of class.