Based in a multimedia computer laboratory, the E-Crit Design Lab engages students in the practices and theories of "Digital Culture" by emphasizing a critical approach to technology. Students study theoretical approaches to new media and apply their own critiques in Web projects, digital audio and video, and multimedia presentations.

This section will be taught partly in collaboration with the other section of 491. In turn, this course asks you to think about the relationship between the body and digital culture. The term "body," however, may refer to the physical body, the textual body, the cyber body. How we negotiate these differences in our reading and writing practices will be the focus of this course.

In order to understand the nature of the body regarding digital writing, we'll experiment with a form of writing I call cyborgography.Cyborgography asks us to consider the complex relationships existing between writing and the digital, self-expression and code.

This course requires students to write for the Web (i.e. construct web pages). However, no prior experience with web writing is required. We will review basic HTML and Dreamweaver skills necessary to make a web page.

All students must have a University of Detroit Mercy FTP account and an email account.

Except where noted, you will need to purchase the following books at the campus bookstore:
"A Cyborg Manifesto" - Donna Haraway (to be handed out in class and available here)
The Medium is the Massage - Marshall McLuhan
Barthes by Barthes - Roland Barthes
Neuromancer - William Gibson

Additional Readings
Usage of online digital code libraries (HTML, DHTML, javascript)
Access to a writing handbook (for grammar, citation, punctuation)

1. Attendance is mandatory. Class discussion depends on the entire class being present. Because this course meets once a week, you are allowed one unexcused absence throughout the course. After that, your final grade will drop by one letter grade for each additional absence. Prolonged absences due to illness or absences due to having to attend a university sponsored event (athletics, theater, music, field trip) will be excused if you provide me with proper documentation from an appropriate authority. You are responsible for all work due for any missed class as well as for the homework for the following class. You are also responsible for any work covered during the class you missed. You should get the phone numbers of a couple of your classmates in case you miss a class. You can also contact me by e-mail.
2. Don't be late to class. The class depends on your presence in order to conduct peer review and other in class activities. Three tardies will count as one unexcused absence.
3. Assignments are due on the class day they have been assigned for. Late work will not be accepted.
4. All assignments (unless otherwise noted) must be typed on white 8 1/2 X 11" paper, be double spaced, have 1" margins, and be according to MLA style.
5. All students are expected to honor the University's Honor Code. All work must be your own. Copying work without giving credit is considered plagiarism. Evidence of plagiarism will be dealt with according to the university's regulations.
6. Turn off your cell phones when you come to class. There is zero tolerance for cell phones going off in class and points will be deducted from your final grade if your phone does go off.
7. Many different opinions will be expressed in this class. Students are expected to respect the views of other students. Sexist and racial hate speech will not be tolerated. A difference of opinion will naturally result and is expected and encouraged. But students must still respect the view points of the other students in the class.
8. The classroom is not a space for public grievances. If you are upset with a grade or some other class related issue, you should make an appointment with me so that we can discuss the problem. If you are not satisfied with the results of that meeting, you can then follow university procedures for grievances. Do not, however, make the class space or the email listserv a place for your complaints. Doing so will result in grade penalties. Anyone who uses the class listserv in order to complain about me, a grade, class, or other students will be removed from the listserv and given a 0 for email as well as a 0 for participation.