RTF 309 Communication Technology and Society

Faculty: Phillips, D.

Class Time: MWF 1-2

Room: CMA 2.320

Writ Comp: No

Comm/Cult Req: No

Cross-listed: COM 309, TLC 311

Prerequisites

RTF 305 for all RTF majors. For all other students, none.

Consent requirements

This course does not require consent. Registration is open via the online registration system to all students.

First class day policy

Students must attend the first class day.

Course description

This course takes a historical approach to understand how communication technologies spring from, support, or change other cognitive, cultural, economic, and political structures. Several exemplar communication systems will be selected, ranging from the dawn of history to the mid 20th century. Through readings and class projects, we will question how each system was embedded in changing patterns of money flow, military power, and social knowledge. We will relate it all to current issues in networking and information technologies.