Prospectus Example
For my first project, I plan to write about the differences between the supersession model of technology, as defined by Paul Duguid, and the hybridization model of technology, as defined by Marshall McLuhan.
I think the supersession model, which is very popular, is wrong because it is too simple and often inaccurate. There are some things about which it is correct. But there are many things about which it’s wrong. McLuhan’s model works better for communication, as he demonstrates. I will apply it to other kinds of computer and writing technology.
I need to read the McLuhan more carefully to see just how his model is different. I know, as said in class, that the quote &ldquothe content of any medium is always another medium” is one way to express his theory. I will do more work to learn more about the specifics.
But if that doesn't work out, I have a backup plan. Manovich ended the first chapter of The Language of New Media with a cool quote about experimentation. My idea would be to write about the role experimentation has played in new media—from the weird writing style of McLuhan, to the kind of playing around Manovich talks about, to very scientific experiments with technology. This last stuff isn’t described in detail in any of the books in this class, but from readings on the history of science I’ve done in another class.