Technology and Culture: An Anthropological Approach
( 30 Modules )
Module #1 Introduction to Anthropology of Technology Introduce the field of anthropology of technology, its key concepts, and why it matters in understanding the impact of technology on society.
Module #2 Theories of Technology and Culture Explore various theoretical frameworks for understanding the relationship between technology and culture, including social constructivism, actor-network theory, and Foucauldian analysis.
Module #3 Ethnographic Approaches to Studying Technology Introduce ethnographic research methods for studying technology use and adoption, highlighting the importance of participant observation and cultural contextualization.
Module #4 The Rise of Digital Technologies:A Historical Overview Provide a historical overview of the development of digital technologies, highlighting key milestones, innovations, and social transformations.
Module #5 The Digital Divide:Social Inequality and Access to Technology Examine the concept of the digital divide, discussing how social, economic, and cultural factors shape access to and use of technology.
Module #6 Technology and Identity:Self-Presentation Online Analyze how digital technologies shape identity formation, self-presentation, and social interaction, with a focus on online platforms and social media.
Module #7 Virtual Communities and Online Sociality Explore the concept of virtual communities, discussing how online spaces shape social relationships, norms, and cultural practices.
Module #8 Cyberanthropology:Studying Online Culture Introduce the subfield of cyberanthropology, discussing its methods, ethics, and significance in understanding online culture.
Module #9 Digital Labor and the Gig Economy Analyze the rise of the gig economy, exploring the social and cultural implications of digital labor on workers, industries, and societies.
Module #10 The Anthropology of AI and Robotics Examine the social and cultural implications of AI and robotics, discussing their potential impact on human relationships, work, and society.
Module #11 Surveillance Capitalism and Data Privacy Critique the concept of surveillance capitalism, discussing the social, cultural, and economic implications of big data, algorithms, and data privacy.
Module #12 Technology and Environmental Sustainability Explore the relationship between technology and environmental sustainability, discussing the role of digital technologies in shaping eco-friendly practices and sustainable futures.
Module #13 Anthropology of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Analyze the social and cultural implications of VR and AR, discussing their potential impact on human experience, social interaction, and cultural production.
Module #14 Digital Storytelling and New Media Examine the role of digital technologies in shaping storytelling practices, exploring the intersection of technology, art, and culture.
Module #15 Technology and Cultural Heritage Discuss the impact of digital technologies on cultural heritage, including digital preservation, representation, and access to cultural artifacts and historical sites.
Module #16 Anthropology of the Internet of Things (IoT) Analyze the social and cultural implications of the IoT, discussing its potential impact on daily life, relationships, and societal structures.
Module #17 Design Anthropology and Human-Centered Design Explore the intersection of anthropology and design, discussing the role of ethnography in shaping user-centered design and innovation.
Module #18 Ethics and Responsibility in Technology Development Discuss the ethical considerations and responsibilities involved in technology development, highlighting the importance of anthropological insights in shaping tech ethics.
Module #19 Technology and Social Change:Case Studies Examine case studies of how technology has shaped social change, highlighting successes and challenges in using technology for social impact.
Module #20 Anthropology in Industry:Applied Anthropology of Technology Explore the role of anthropology in industry, discussing the application of anthropological methods and insights in tech development and innovation.
Module #21 Teaching Technology Anthropology Discuss strategies and approaches for teaching technology anthropology to students, highlighting pedagogical best practices and innovative teaching methods.
Module #22 Research Methods in Technology Anthropology Introduce advanced research methods in technology anthropology, including data analysis, research design, and methodological innovations.
Module #23 Collaborative Research and Co-Design in Technology Anthropology Explore the importance of collaborative research and co-design in technology anthropology, discussing the role of ethnography in shaping participatory research practices.
Module #24 Public Engagement and Science Communication in Technology Anthropology Discuss the importance of public engagement and science communication in technology anthropology, highlighting strategies for disseminating research findings to broad audiences.
Module #25 Future Directions in Technology Anthropology Explore emerging trends and future directions in technology anthropology, discussing the potential impact of new technologies on human societies and cultures.
Module #26 Practical Applications of Technology Anthropology Examine practical applications of technology anthropology in various fields, including healthcare, education, and business.
Module #27 Critical Debates in Technology Anthropology Analyze critical debates in technology anthropology, including issues of power, inequality, and ethics in the development and use of digital technologies.
Module #28 Technology Anthropology in the Global South Discuss the importance of technology anthropology in the Global South, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive and context-specific approaches to technology development.
Module #29 Indigenous and Postcolonial Perspectives on Technology Explore indigenous and postcolonial perspectives on technology, discussing the role of anthropology in centering marginalized voices and perspectives in tech development.
Module #30 Course Wrap-Up & Conclusion Planning next steps in Technology and Culture: An Anthropological Approach career
