Essay 1
Biology and Biotechnology
For this paper, you should write about a technological instrumentalization of biology, either another example of something we discussed in this thematic unit (reproduction, race, radiation, GM food) or something we did not read about (e.g. cloning, bioterrorism). You must use some of the theoretical tools offered in the readings for this section (e.g. Marx, Malinowski, Martin, Haraway) to analyze your case. Provide a bibliography, formatted in the way you see sources cited here in the syllabus.
Essay 2
Computers and Information Technologies
For this paper, you should write about some aspect of computer and information technology, either another example of something we discussed in this thematic unit (computers and the self, artificial life, electronic music) or something we did not read about (e.g. cell phones, computer games). You must use some of the theoretical tools offered in the readings for this section (e.g. Edwards, Pfaffenberger, Rose) to analyze your case. Provide a bibliography, formatted in the way you see sources cited here in the syllabus.
Essay 3
Technological Infrastructure and Social Forms
For this paper, return to our discussions of Edward Bellamy's technological utopia Looking Backward and, referring also to Neal Stephenson's dystopia, The Diamond Age , imagine a future technology and the sorts of technological infrastructure and social forms that might accompany it. You must use some of the theoretical tools offered in the readings for this section (e.g. Latour) to think through your ideas. Provide a bibliography, formatted in the way you see sources cited here in the syllabus.
Also be prepared to deliver a brief account of your paper on our final day of class. More than being part of your participation grade, this informal presentation will be a convivial way to revisit and extend with your classmates some of the concepts we've encountered this term.