English R1B

Other Readings and Media

"a course reader

George Orwell, 1984

Don DeLillo, White Noise

Joseph Gibaldi, MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers"

Description

"George Orwell�s 1984 envisions a world where language, thought, and information are controlled by the ruling Party. Reading 1984 as a primer of media and information control, this class will examine the new challenges that mass media and the internet present in the so-called �information age.� Although we will engage the issues of access, the democratization of information, and the credibility of sources, we will primarily focus on the problems that arise when journalists, researchers, and students limit their information to that which is �googleable.�



To examine the limits of search engines such as google, and promote the research orientation of this class, students will design and undertake individual research projects that will span the course of the semester. Students will begin by proposing a set of related topics, compiling bibliographies, and composing a research prospectus. Student research will culminate in a final expository essay of 7-10 pages. These essays will undergo at least two revisions; in the revision process, a strong emphasis will be placed on feedback and self-evaluation. We will dedicate a number of class periods to visiting the numerous campus libraries, and exploring the various campus collections and research material-- including scholarly journals, digital libraries, microfiche, etc. "