Spring 2008 - Course Goals
This course introduces graduate students to several philosophers and historians of technology whose works are useful in forging connections with rhetorical theory. Though the course covers early statements on technology, such as those by Plato, Aristotle, Bacon, Kant, Comte, and Marx, its primary focus will be on more recent philosophers of technology and their critiques of the modern technological landscape.
Topics include historical attitudes toward technology, technological determinism, instrumental/substantive views of technology, the relationship between democracy and technology, and the sustainability of technological systems. Assignments include two short position papers, contributions to a class Wiki, and a final 25- to 30-page research paper. Readings include eight books and a few PDF articles.
Attendance
Because this is a graduate seminar course with limited enrollment, it is essential that you attend class on a regular basis and contribute to class discussion. I understand that things come up during the semester. Therefore I allow (2) unexcused absence; that's all. Each absence beyond that will reduce your final grade 5 points. More than six (6) absences during the semester will result in automatic failure.
Participation
During class, you must show evidence that you have read the textbook assignments by being able to discuss them intelligently in class. You will also be expected to lead one of our class discussions during the semester based on a rotation system I will explain later.
Meetings
You are always welcome to make an appointment during the office hours listed in the website footer. Rather than just dropping by, it usually works better if you schedule an appointment ahead of time so we can both prepare for our discussion. Just consult my public calendar to see what times I have available, then email me for an appointment. If you have an urgent need to talk, you are still welcome to drop by, but it works best for me if you make an appointment.
Late Assignments
Avoid them. However, you can receive an extension for good cause if you submit a formal memo via email before the assignment is due. In this memo, you should explain the reason for the delay and propose a reasonable deadline (less than one week), which you will then be expected to meet. This memo will serve as a contract between the two of us; failure to meet the new deadline violates terms of the contract and results in a failing grade for that assignment. You can submit late assignments no more than twice during the semester. Oral presentations are excluded from this option and are due on the assigned date.
Academic Honesty
Unless you are working with others on a collaborative assignment, the work you turn in for this class must be your own. If you use others' work without crediting them, you will receive a failing grade for the assignment, and most likely for the course. While you certainly can ask for feedback from others, you should not allow anyone to write any part of your assignment for you. For further information, see the ISU Student Handbook's discussion of academic dishonesty.
Disability Accommodation
If you have a documented disability and anticipate needing accommodations in this course, please make arrangements to meet with me as soon as possible —no later than the end of the first week of class or as soon as you become aware. No retroactive accommodations will be provided in this class.
Also, please make sure a Disability Resources staff member sends me an SAAR form verifying your disability and specifying the accommodation you will need. The DR office is located on the main floor of the Students Services Building, Room 1076, ph. 294-7220; TTY: 294-6635. I look forward to working with you and will try my best to accommodate your needs.