In an essay of 2000 words,

1. Summarize the content and central ideas of the book Ruling the Waves: Cycles of Discovery, Chaos, and Wealth from the Compass to the Internet, Deborah L. Spar, 2001, ISBN 0151005095.
2. Summarize the content and purpose of the web sites www.KurzweilAI.net and www.deadmedia.org.
3. Compare these viewpoints on the development and future of media technology in the world of the 21st century.
4. Based on what you have read, develop your own perspective on the relationship between media technologies and politics, economics, and culture.

In approximately 500 words, explain what you believe are the most important criteria for evaluating the future utility of new or emerging media technologies.

BACK TO SYLLABUS