KMDI - Knowledge Media Design Institute
Knowledge media are building blocks of a knowledge society
Past Courses
2007-2008 | 2006-2007 | 2005-2006 | 2004-2005 | 2003-2004 | 2002-2003 | 2001-2002
2007-2008
KMD1001H F
Knowledge Media Design: Fundamental Concepts (Formerly Fundamental Concepts in KMD)
Ron Baecker
Fall term, Sept-Dec. Thursdays 10 am-1 pm
Room BA 7231 Bahen Centre
Syllabus [course website]
Knowledge media are systems incorporating computer and communications technology that enhance human thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, and learning. Examples include the Web, email, instant messaging, blogging systems, knowledge management systems, digital libraries, collaborative virtual environments, video conferencing environments, and webcasting systems. This course reviews the emerging field of knowledge media design, and the use of digital media for communication, collaboration, and learning. The course includes topics in human-centred design; knowledge media technologies; social implications of knowledge media; examples and applications of knowledge media; and the future of knowledge media, and is organized via themes of design, media, and knowledge.
KMD1002H S
Knowledge Media Design: Contexts and Practices (formerly Research Frontiers in KMD)
Gale Moore
Spring term, Jan-April. Wednesdays 1-4 pm
Room BA 7231 Bahen Centre
Syllabus [PDF: new window] Reading List [PDF: new window]
This course complements the survey begun in KMD1001F by considering the multiple contexts in which KMD is situated – personal, organisational, institutional community, etc. The goal is to explore how, and in what ways, the design and use of both media and media technologies are informed by a KMD perspective grounded in a philosophy of human-centredness and methodologies of participation. This focus calls for reflexive inquiry into the practice of KMD itself – first on the concepts of collaboration and interdisciplinarity that inform it; second, on the multiple modes of inquiry and the diversity of methods that characterise it; and third, on what constitutes a defensible knowledge claim in this area.
Throughout the course, students will reflect critically on their use of knowledge media and knowledge media technologies.
KMD2001H F
Human-centred Design
Robert Luke / Kate Sellen
Summer term, May 7-June 18. Wednesdays 5:30-8:30 pm
Significant interactive online learning component in addition to meetings
Room BA 7231 Bahen Centre
Syllabus [PDF: new window ]
KMD 2001H, Human-centred Design, will be taught in a distributed learning modality over the May-June semester. Online communication (e-learning) will be used to facilitate course work and communication in the course. Recognizing that distributed communications are an integral part of the design and use of information systems, the course will use these media as a mechanism for team discussions, analysis of readings, and presentations of findings related to course activities. Each week over the 8 week semester will feature an in-class tutorial complemented by online discussions and other activities related to course requirements.
The purpose of this course is to provide students with both theoretical foundations and practical experience in developing information systems that are driven by the needs and active participation of users. It will prepare students for collaborating with users in a variety of settings to develop their own systems. In contrast to conventional rationalistic approaches to information systems development, in this course information systems will be regarded as fundamentally social processes that can be supported by information technologies. It views systems design as an on-going, multi-faceted process involving the balancing of conflicting social and technical opportunities and constraints requiring experience within the actual use context.
The main focus will be upon the development of relatively small scale information systems and knowledge media applications with relatively well-defined and accessible user communities using networked personal computers and popular software packages. This is currently the scene of rapid growth, largely without the benefit of appropriately user-oriented development techniques.
KMD2002H F
Technologies for Knowledge Media
Mark Chignell
Fall term, Sept-Dec. Thursdays 5-8 pm
Room BA 2179 Bahen Centre
Syllabus [PDF: new window]
Our goal in this course is to gain experience in designing knowledge media, with a focus on case studies in communication, collaboration, and information access. The focus will be on requirements analysis, prototyping, and evaluation. We will interpret “technologies” broadly in this course to include methods as well as tools.
KMD2003H F
Knowledge Media & Learning
Jim Slotta
Fall term, Sept-Dec.
Wednesdays 5-8 pm
Room BA 7231 Bahen Centre
Course URL
In this course, we will think deeply about learning and instruction in the classroom, on the playground, in the museum, online, or anywhere else that learning may happen. We will start with the research on cognition and instruction. What is known about how people learn? Why should we even think that technology should expedite learning? If we do believe it, then what are the guiding principles of technology-enhanced curriculum?
We will also think deeply about classrooms - both K-12 and higher education. What should be happening in the culture of today's classrooms, and how can technology make an impact? What should the role of the teacher be, in the ideal world? How can we develop "smart" educational content that helps teachers with assessment and helps scaffold students in otherwise challenging pedagogical structures?
We also need to discuss different methods for evaluating technology-enhanced material, and how research can help us develop purposeful and meaningful learning material. What are the different research methods used in education, and in which contexts are they most effectively employed?
In addition to class discussions and readings, there will be a design component of the course where students work in groups to develop a theoretically grounded lesson, using technology-enhanced media. And finally, there is a wiki element, where we gradually construct a living and working document that we can use within the course.
KMD2004H F
Knowledge Media, Culture & Society
Andrew Clement
Fall term, Sept-Dec.
Tuesdays 1-4 pm
Room BA 7231 Bahen Centre
Syllabus [KMD2004F 2007]
The development and widespread implementation of new technologies is frequently disruptive and controversial, at least in their early days. This is especially so for the most prominent information and communications technologies and related knowledge media, as they inevitably interact with established power relations and communication patterns.
This course examines contemporary controversial technologies in context. Explicitly resisting the conventional but overly simplistic notion of ‘social impacts of technology’, it treats technological development as a complex socio-technical phenomenon with multiple stakeholders vying with each other to shape trajectories of development and to define ‘success’ and ‘failure’.
2006-2007
KMD1001F
Knowledge Media Design: Fundamental Concepts
Ron Baecker
Fall term, Sept-Dec. Wednesday 9 am-12 noon
Room BA 7231 Bahen Centre
Syllabus: [PDF; new window]
Knowledge media are systems incorporating computer and communications technology that enhance human thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, and learning. Examples include the Web, email, instant messaging, blogging systems, knowledge management systems, digital libraries, collaborative virtual environments, video conferencing environments, and webcasting systems. This course reviews the emerging field of knowledge media design, and the use of digital media for communication, collaboration, and learning. The course includes topics in human-centred design; knowledge media technologies; social implications of knowledge media; examples and applications of knowledge media; and the future of knowledge media, and is organized via themes of design, media, and knowledge.
top
KMD1002S
Knowledge Media Design: Contexts and Practices (formerly Research Frontiers in KMD)
Gale Moore
Spring term, Jan-April. Wednesdays 2-5 pm
Room BA 7231 Bahen Centre
Syllabus [PDF: new window]
This course complements the survey begun in KMD1001F by considering the multiple contexts in which KMD is situated – personal, organisational, institutional community, etc. The goal is to explore how, and in what ways, the design and use of both media and media technologies are informed by a KMD perspective grounded in a philosophy of human-centredness and methodologies of participation. This focus calls for reflexive inquiry into the practice of KMD itself – first on the concepts of collaboration and interdisciplinarity that inform it; second, on the multiple modes of inquiry and the diversity of methods that characterise it; and third, on what constitutes a defensible knowledge claim in this area.
Throughout the course, students will reflect critically on their use of knowledge media and knowledge media technologies.
KMD2001H
Human-Centred Design
Robert Luke
Spring term, Jan-April. Wednesdays 9-12 am.
Syllabus [PDF: new window ]
The purpose of this course is to provide students with both theoretical foundations and practical experience in developing information systems that are driven by the needs and active participation of users. It will prepare students for collaborating with users in a variety of settings to develop their own systems. In contrast to conventional rationalistic approaches to information systems development, in this course information systems will be regarded as fundamentally social processes that can be supported by information technologies. It views systems design as an on-going, multi-faceted process involving the balancing of conflicting social and technical opportunities and constraints requiring experience within the actual use context.
The main focus will be upon the development of relatively small scale information systems and knowledge media applications with relatively well-defined and accessible user communities using networked personal computers and popular software packages. This is currently the scene of rapid growth, largely without the benefit of appropriately user-oriented development techniques.
top
KMD2002
Technologies for Knowledge Media
Not offered in 2006-2007.
top
KMD2003H F
Knowledge Media & Learning
Jim Slotta
Fall term, Sept-Dec.
Wednesdays 5-8 pm
Room BA 7231 Bahen Centre
Course URL
In this course, we will think deeply about learning and instruction in the classroom, on the playground, in the museum, online, or anywhere else that learning may happen. We will start with the research on cognition and instruction. What is known about how people learn? Why should we even think that technology should expedite learning? If we do believe it, then what are the guiding principles of technology-enhanced curriculum?
We will also think deeply about classrooms - both K-12 and higher education. What should be happening in the culture of today's classrooms, and how can technology make an impact? What should the role of the teacher be, in the ideal world? How can we develop "smart" educational content that helps teachers with assessment and helps scaffold students in otherwise challenging pedagogical structures?
We also need to discuss different methods for evaluating technology-enhanced material, and how research can help us develop purposeful and meaningful learning material. What are the different research methods used in education, and in which contexts are they most effectively employed?
In addition to class discussions and readings, there will be a design component of the course where students work in groups to develop a theoretically grounded lesson, using technology-enhanced media. And finally, there is a wiki element, where we gradually construct a living and working document that we can use within the course.
KMD2004H F
Knowledge Media, Culture & Society /
FIS2165: Social Issues in Information and Communications Technologies
Andrew Clement
Fall term, Sept-Dec.
Tuesdays 1-4 pm
Room FIS 307
Syllabus [KMD2004F 2006]
The development and widespread implementation of new technologies is frequently disruptive and controversial, at least in their early days. This is especially so for the most prominent information and communications technologies and related knowledge media, as they inevitably interact with established power relations and communication patterns.
This course examines contemporary controversial technologies in context. Explicitly resisting the conventional but overly simplistic notion of ‘social impacts of technology’, it treats technological development as a complex socio-technical phenomenon with multiple stakeholders vying with each other to shape trajectories of development and to define ‘success’ and ‘failure’.
2005-2006
KMD1001F (course description)
Fundamental Concepts in KMD
Ron Baecker
Fall term, Sept-Dec. Wednesday 9 am-12 noon
Room BA 7231 Bahen Centre
Syllabus: [DOC; new window]
A study of the technologies and technical infrastructure required to construct and use knowledge media including Internet programming languages and environments, hypermedia, database technologies, and multimedia environments.
A popular course. Space is limited. Admission into the course may need to be restricted by permission of instructor. Students enrolled in the Collaborative Program are guaranteed placement; other students are asked to bring a CV with attached transcripts (photocopy or unofficial copy acceptable) to the first class.
KMD1002S (course description)
Research Frontiers in KMD
Gale Moore
Winter term, Jan.-Apr. Wednesdays 2 -5 pm
Room BA 7231 Bahen Centre
Syllabus [PDF; new window]
This course complements the survey begun in KMD1001F by considering the many contexts in which KMD is situated, including sectors such as health and education; communities, institutions and organisations. The course explores how, and in what ways, KMD contributes to informing and framing both design and debate across a range of contemporary issues at the social/technical nexus. This shift in focus calls for reflexive inquiry into the practice of KMD itself first on the concepts of collaboration and interdisciplinarity that inform it; second, on the critical issues for researchers and practitioners such as the recognition of multiple modes of inquiry and the diversity of methods that characterise it; and third, on what constitutes a defensible knowledge claim in this area.
Throughout the course, students will reflect critically on their use of knowledge media and knowledge media technologies. The development of proposal writing and presentation skills - from academic research to consulting projects is the focus of the major assignment.
KMD2001H
Human-Centred Design
Robert Luke
Spring term, Jan-April. Wednesdays 9-12 am.
Syllabus [PDF: new window ]
The purpose of this course is to provide students with both theoretical foundations and practical experience in developing information systems that are driven by the needs and active participation of users. It will prepare students for collaborating with users in a variety of settings to develop their own systems. In contrast to conventional rationalistic approaches to information systems development, in this course information systems will be regarded as fundamentally social processes that can be supported by information technologies. It views systems design as an on-going, multi-faceted process involving the balancing of conflicting social and technical opportunities and constraints requiring experience within the actual use context.
The main focus will be upon the development of relatively small scale information systems and knowledge media applications with relatively well-defined and accessible user communities using networked personal computers and popular software packages. This is currently the scene of rapid growth, largely without the benefit of appropriately user-oriented development techniques.
KMD2002S
Technologies for Knowledge Media
Mark Chignell
Fall term 2007
Tuesday May 9 - Tuesday June 13, BA 2165
Syllabus [PDF: new window] This syllabus may be revised and additional readings included when the course begins.
KMD2003
Knowledge Media & Learning
Not offered in 2005-2006.
KMD2004S
Knowledge Media, Culture & Society
Not offered in 2005-2006.
2004-2005
KMD1001F (course description)
Fundamental Concepts in KMD
Ron Baecker
Fall term, Sept-Dec. Wednesday 2-5 pm
Room BA 7231 Bahen Centre
Syllabus: [DOC; new window]
Knowledge media are systems incorporating computer and communications technology that enhance human thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, and learning. Examples include the Web, email, instant messaging, blogging systems, knowledge management systems, digital libraries, collaborative virtual environments, video conferencing environments, and webcasting systems. This course reviews the emerging field of knowledge media design, and the use of digital media for communications, collaboration, and learning. Topics include human-centred design; knowledge media technologies; cultural and social implications of knowledge media; use of knowledge media for learning; examples and applications of knowledge media; and the future of knowledge media.
This semester's version will be organized around the three themes of design, media, and knowledge, and will end with an examination of some of the social, cultural, political, and legal aspects of the open source and free software movements.
This is one of the two core seminars of the Collaborative Program in KMD. Like 1002S it draws a range of participants across the disciplines, from incoming Masters students to professionals with considerable career achievements. The resultant environment is involved, challenging, and always dynamic. Having relevant academic or work experience is an asset, but breadth of interest is a greater benefit than a specific focus. Students should be fully committed to class interaction and collaboration, including working in cross-functional research teams, and demonstrate a genuine enthusiasm for comprehensive study in the field.
KMD1002S (course description)
Research Frontiers in KMD
Gale Moore
Winter term, Jan-April. Wednesdays 2-5 pm.
Room BA 7231 Bahen Centre
Syllabus [PDF, new window]
This course continues the survey begun in KMD1001F but shifts the focus to the research frontiers of knowledge media design and critical issues for researchers in this field. These include: recognition of multiple modes of inquiry, the diversity of methodological approaches, the significance of interdisciplinarity, team-based research and practice. Throughout the course, students will reflect critically on the use of knowledge media and knowledge media technologies by researchers themselves. The course will be oriented by the concepts of collaboration and openness which have currency on the intellectual landscape and are of particular relevance to research and innovation in KMD.
This is one of the two core seminars of the Collaborative Program in KMD. Like 1001F it draws a range of participants across the disciplines, from incoming Masters students to professionals with considerable career achievements. The resultant environment is involved, challenging, and always dynamic. Having relevant academic or work experience is an asset, but breadth of interest is a greater benefit than a specific focus. Students should be fully committed to class interaction and collaboration, including working in cross-functional research teams, and demonstrate a genuine enthusiasm for comprehensive study in the field.
KMD2001H (course description)
Human-Centred Design
Not offered in 2004-2005.
KMD2002S (course description)
Technologies for Knowledge Media
Mark Chignell
Winter term, Jan- April. Tuesdays 3-6 pm.
Room BA 2165 Bahen Centre
Syllabus [PDF, new window]
A study of the technologies and technical infrastructure required to construct and use knowledge media including Internet programming languages and environments, hypermedia, database technologies, and multimedia environments.
KMD2003S (course description)
Knowledge Media & Learning
Jason Nolan
Julia Dicum
Summer 2005
Room BA 7231 Bahen Centre
July 5 to August 11, 2 days per week
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9:00 am - 12:00
Syllabus: [http://www.jasonnolan.net/kmd2003/syllabus.html]
Web page: [http://www.jasonnolan.net/kmd2003/]
Knowledge Media Design and Learning will explore how Knowledge Media revolutionize how we conceptualize learning and construct learning environments. Drawing from diverse perspectives, including educational research, curriculum studies, and constructivist theories of learning, this course will consider Knowledge Media as both tools we use and learning environments we construct in formal and informal learning contexts, past, present and future.
KMD2003 will focus on the application of information and communication technologies (ICT) to knowledge building, problem solving, planning, education for lifelong learning and workplace-based training. A specific emphasis is placed on knowledge management, distributed learning, and the use of multimedia and collaborative environments. A unique focus on learning and using complex software to bridge a variety of digital divides in which barriers are economic, physical, cognitive, and/or social is emphasized.
Graduate Students interested in developing their ideas on technologies related to the social construction of learning will find this course useful. Students from any background are encouraged to participate. This course is most likely to appeal to students from fields such as information studies, museum studies, education, computer science, medicine, mechanical and industrial engineering and knowledge media. No background in curriculum studies, educational theory or technology is required, but an interest in these areas and a willingness to reflexively explore ones own attitude toward learning is expected.
Prerequisites
Permission of the instructor and home department, and registration via ROSI are required to confirm a place in the course. [If you are unable to access ROSI due to the restrictions of your department, contact the instructor].
KMD2004S (course description)
Knowledge Media, Culture & Society:
Contemporary Issues in Cyberculture Studies
Megan Boler
Spring term, Jan-April, Thursdays 6-9 pm.
Room BA 7231 Bahen Centre
Syllabus [PDF, new window]
This particular offering of KMD2004 surveys key debates in cyberculture studies. Particular emphasis is placed on knowledge media. Illustrative examples will be come from media systems intended to enhance human thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, or learning. Drawing on philosophical, sociological, and political theoretical analyses of cyberculture, we will explore: How are notions of community and identity changed through computer-mediated communication? How does increased access to information and means of production and communication change how we conceptualize human and social relations? What forms do cyberactivism take and how do we evaluate these in light of narrowed media ownership, debates about digital democracy and digital divide? How do cyberculture scholars research and theorize the implications of new media technologies on social practices? Readings will include edited collections Communities in Cyberspace (eds Smith and Kollock) and selected readings by authors including Alluquere Stone, Donna Haraway, Sadie Plant, Sherry Turkle, Howard Rheingold, Jayne Rodgers, Rob Shield, Kevin Robins, and Ken Hillis.
2003-2004
KMD1001F
Fundamental Concepts in Knowledge Media Design
Ron Baecker
Wednesday evenings, 6-9 p.m.,
Room 7231, Bahen Centre
Lectures and Discussion, 6-8; Tutorials, 8-9
Starts Sept. 10, finishes Dec. 10
Web site: http://www.kmdi.toronto.edu/kmd1001F/kmd1001f.htm
Knowledge media are systems incorporating computer and communications technology that enhance human thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, and learning. Examples include the Web, email, instant messaging, knowledge management systems, digital libraries, collaborative virtual environments, video conferencing environments, and webcasting systems. This course reviews the emerging field of knowledge media design, and the use of digital media for communications, collaboration, and learning. Topics include human-centred design; knowledge media technologies; cultural and social implications of knowledge media; use of knowledge media for learning; examples and applications of knowledge media; and the future of knowledge media.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. The core seminar of the Collaborative Program in KMD draws a range of participants across the disciplines, from incoming Master s students to professionals with considerable career achievements. The resultant environment is involved, challenging, and always dynamic. Having relevant academic or work experience is an asset, but breadth of interest is a greater benefit than a specific focus. Students should be fully committed to class interaction and collaboration, including working in cross-functional research teams, and demonstrate a genuine enthusiasm for comprehensive study in the field.
Space is limited. Interested students should contact the Program as soon as possible at kmdi.collab@utoronto.ca. In your email include a statement of interest (one paragraph), describing your academic goals and explaining how this course fits into your study program; also indicate whether you intend to take the complementary elective, KMD1002S. In addition, please provide a CV and recent academic transcripts (a ROSI record, or a summary if an electronic version is not available).
KMD1002S
Research Frontiers in Knowledge Media Design
Jason Nolan
Wednesday evenings, 6-9 p.m., Jan-April
Room 7231, Bahen Centre
Web site: http://jasonnolan.net/kmd1002
Syllabus
Research Frontiers in Knowledge Media Design continues the survey through an in-depth examination of the critical issues facing researchers in the field, an exploration of new perspectives on research and inquiry, and the developing of research programs in knowledge media.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Space is limited. Students enrolled in KMD1001F will be accepted into KMD1002S, though a signature will still be required.
KMD2001H
Human-Centred Design
Andrew Clement
Summer 2004, Tuesday afternoons 1-4PM
Starts May 4, finishes August 3
Room 7231, Bahen Centre
An approach to design grounded in understanding the real-world practices of users and communities. The course draws most heavily from the 'participatory design' school, in which the prospective users play a vital collaborative role throughout all stages of the development process. Students work in teams with a 'real' user group developing a prototype knowledge media application
KMD2002H
Technologies for Knowledge Media
Mark Chignell
Tuesday mornings, 9-12 a.m
Starts Sept 9, finishes Dec. 9
Room 2145, Bahen Centre
A study of the technologies and technical infrastructure required to construct and use knowledge media including Internet programming languages and environments, hypermedia, database technologies, and multimedia environments.
KMD2003H
Knowledge Media & Learning
Jason Nolan
Monday evenings, 6-9 p.m., Jan-April
Room 7231, Bahen Centre
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor
Web site: http://jasonnolan.net/kmd2003/
Syllabus
Knowledge Media Design and Learning will look at how Knowledge Media have revolutionized how we look at learning. Drawing from various perspectives, including educational research, curriculum studies, and constructivist theories of learning, this course will consider Knowledge Media as both tools we use and learning environments we construct in formal and informal learning contexts, past, present and future.
ENG6900S
Cybertext: Theory and Practice
Ian Lancashire
Tuesday evenings, 7-9 p.m., Jan-April
Room 7231, Bahen Centre
Web site: http://www.utoronto.ca/english/graduate/course03/2003des.htm#6900s
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor
This is an English Department course. By special arrangement, it serves as a KMDI elective and provides a course credit for students in the Collaborative Program.
2002-2003
KMD 1000Y
Core Seminar in Knowledge Media Design
Thursday, 12-3 pm/ Bahen 7231
Ron Baecker and Jason Nolan
Homepage: http://kmdi.utoronto.ca/kmd1000
KMD 2001H
Human Centred Design
Spring, Thursday 6:30-9:30 PM
Andrew Clement
(Students taking this course cannot also take FIS 2169H User-Centred Information Systems Development)
KMD 2002H
Technologies for Knowledge Media
Spring, Wednesday 6:30-8:30 PM
Mark Chignell/Elaine Toms
(Students taking this course cannot also take either FIS 2179H Interacting with Information Systems or MIE 1404H Human Factors in Information Technology)
KMD 2004H
Knowledge Media, Culture & Society
Summer, Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:30-9:00 PM
June 24-Aug 7
Ann-Barbara Graff
Room 7231, Bahen Centre 40 St. George St.
Course Syllabus
In this course, students will analyze the interplay between technology (specifically knowledge media) and society drawing attention to the ways in which social and cultural institutions and processes simultaneously shape and are shaped by technological developments. A variety of theoretical and analytical perspectives from sociology, communications, information studies, political science, literary, gender, and cultural studies are used to explore topics such as: the nature of the "Knowledge Society," the role of media, public policy in an innovation culture, the changing nature of community, work and employment, the balance of public and private good, privacy, and intellectual property.
2001-2002
KMD2002H
Technologies for Knowledge Media: Design for Media Enriched Collaborative Effectiveness
Cross-listed with MIE 1404: Human Factors in Information Technology
Wednesdays 6-8 pm/ Room MC 310 (First class January 16)
Mark Chignell
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Recent advances in wireless technology and associated protocols and distributed services are driving an evolving model of mobile computing. As the technological structure falls into place, the limiting factor becomes the design and development of applications that people need and can use. KMD2002H responds to this pivotal concern by providing the necessary information for building mobile applications that work, using a user-centred design approach that is grounded in established principles of ergonomics and models of human capability and behaviour.
KMD2004H
Knowledge Media, Culture & Society: Urban Utopia/Urban Myth: Remodelling the Technopolis
Mondays 6-8 pm/ Room TBA
Ann-Barbara Graff
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Course Syllabus
The ancient philosophers imagined the city-state as the ideal form of society. In the age of modern urban(e)-ism, the spatial metaphor of the city-state emerges as a conceptual model to examine the interaction of culture, society and knowledge media, embodying the spatialised logic that continues to define the increasingly virtual world. In KMD2004H, we will explore the nature of the "Knowledge Society," the impact of knowledge media on identity, gender, politics, and the construction of the social "good" from a variety of theoretical and analytical perspectives, including those deployed in sociology, information studies, political science, as well as literary, gender, and cultural studies. We will ask what can knowledge media do? What do we implicitly want knowledge media to do? Are our expectations reasonable? Are we posing the wrong questions? What is the social, psychological, economic, and human costs? In interdisciplinary design teams, students will be met with the design challenge of modelling a modern utopia.
Copyright © 2006 KMDI, a research institute in the School of Graduate
Studies, University of Toronto.
Privacy | Accessibility | Sitemap