Assignment on technology & culture (1500 word)

Write a 1500 word essay on ONE of the following questions. Topic 1:“The public sphere is a realm in which individuals gather to participate in open discussions. Potentially, everyone has access to it. No one enters in discourse… with an advantage over another” (RC Holub 1991: 3). Discuss whether the Internet realises an ideal public sphere, acknowledging arguments both for and against. Topic 2: Identify a number of the theoretical models and cultural studies approaches that have developed to understand the relationship between science, technology and culture. Compare and contrast these approaches acknowledging their strengths and weakness and how they are applied. Note, you do not have to single out one approach as the “best” approach, simply explore their relative merits. Topic 3: “There is a profound tendency to historical amnesia behind… the oft repeated assertion that the pace of change is now so fast as to be uncontrollable or that 'nobody could predict' this or that development” (Winston 1998, p. 15). As Winston suggests, it is possible to use past innovations to chart future shifts in the relationship between science, technology and culture. Using relevant examples, explore how studying a historical example can help us predict future developments in technological culture. Note, rather than providing a wide variety of examples it may be more productive to focus on a smaller number of examples and analyse in detail. Topic 4: As the phrase “Frankenstein Foods” suggests a lot of anxiety and confusion surrounds genetic engineering and related fields such as cloning and stem cell research. Identify how these contentious areas of research have been portrayed in mainstream media and/or fiction (novels, films, television shows etc.), suggesting reasons for these representations. Also reflect on how accurate these representations are as well as the responsibilities of the scientists, journalists and artists. Topic 5: The marginalisation of indigenous cultures and knowledge has historically been seen as a by-product of rapid scientific and technological development in “underdeveloped” nations. Discuss the impact that such development might have on indigenous cultures, using relevant examples to support your analysis. For example, you may wish to consider the Australian indigenous peoples as a case study upon which to base your discussion. Cite relevant readings provided in the unit, as well as appropriate additional readings from relevant and credible print and web-based sources. Your assignment should also include a 100-word abstract and a reference list. The essay must be submitted in a typed form with 1.5 or double line spacing. Please make sure that you include your name and student number, and tutor’s name, unit code on the cover page. You must draw on a minimum of six references. The word count is 1500 words. Assessment criteria: 1. Introduction (5) 1.1. Introduction and purpose of the essay 1.2. Issues you are going to discuss, why you will discuss them and the order in which they are going to appear 2. Analysis (body) (20) 2.1. Overview of arguments 2.2. Arguments are supported by scholarly references 3. conclusion (5) 3.1 The conclusion clearly summarises the argument that has been presented 4. Academic scholarship (10) 4.1. Structure of essay 4.2. Appropriate level of referencing 4.3. Appropriate referencing style