INF2243H 0.5 Credits

Histories of Information Technologies

Course Description

This course explores the histories of information technologies broadly defined. Drawing on current and emerging historiographical approaches, we will consider historical examples of the technologies, systems, infrastructures, and practices that have shaped the ways we collect, structure, analyze, transmit, regulate, and understand information. We will draw upon theoretical frameworks from fields such as media studies, science and technology studies, feminist technology studies, political economy, policy studies, book history, memory studies, and social and cultural history. We will also consider the connections between information technologies and forces of social change and upheaval, such as colonialism, industrialization, late capitalism, globalization, and social justice movements. Our central concern will be to understand the difference that historical knowledge can make in changing times.

This course can be used to fulfil the “Critical Perspectives” Professional Requirement.

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