Prof. Cameron Blevins

Introduction to Digital Studies
HIST 3260/5260 | COMM 3081/5081
M/W 2:00-3:15pm
North Classroom 1608
Office Hours: W. 3:30-4:30pm
TA Office Hours: M. 12:30-1:30pm

Note: only for graduate students signed up for HIST 5260 or COMM 5081.

Assignment Overview

You will choose one class period during the semester to review a real-world general project that is related to that day’s topic. You will then: a) present an overview of the project to the entire class, and b) write a review of the project on your website.

Presentation

At the beginning of one class during the semester, you will present a short (5 minute) overview of a real-world digital project related to the week’s topic. You will provide a short introduction to the project along with how it (loosely) relates to the week’s theme or readings. You are welcome to discuss its background, strengths or shortcomings, etc. but keep in mind that you do not have very much time. Plan out ahead of time exactly what you need to convey to your classmates so that they can understand the project and its relationship to the theme for that day. Once classmates have had a chance to ask any questions about the project, you are going to end with an open-ended discussion question related to the project and the other readings/topic for that day.

The goal of this assignment is two-fold. First, it will provide the class with a series of real-world examples of particular method or topic “in action.” Second, in trying to find your project you will get exposed to a wider body of digital studies research and production. I will have grad students select their class during the first two weeks of the semester. Please email or Slack DM me with the specific project you are thinking of doing at least two days before before class so that I can approve it.

You should post a URL to the project & your kickstarter discusison question to the #assignments Slack channel prior to the start of the class.

Written Review

In addition to your presentation, you will write a 700-800 word page in your Wordpress site that offers a formal written review of the project. Make sure your post includes screenshots or other visuals that illustrate your point.

Submit a URL to your page on Canvas by the beginning of whichever class you’ve selected.