NMDS
5312

Software & Difference

Schools of Public Engagement: Media

Liberal Arts
Undergraduate Course
Graduate Course
Degree Students
Software & Difference
Spring 2025
Taught By: Fabiola Hanna
Section: A

CRN: 14299

Credits: 3

In this course, we will explore what place difference occupies in software environments using the lenses from the fields of software studies, media studies, feminist studies, art, political theory, and computer science. Digital environments have contributed to already-existing polarizing effects described by some as echo chambers, walled gardens and filter bubbles. Early media scholars had hoped that the rise of the Internet would bring about more democratic forms of engagement as well as the inclusion of previously excluded communities. However, sameness has occupied a large space in mainstream software, undermining the potentials of the digital medium. This course begins with an examination of what software is and how difference is conceived. We will then study how difference is treated by software tasked with searching, seeing, listening, conversing, executing, reading, and translating. Assignments consist of short written experiments and a final media-based "talk-through" critique of a selected software piece. This project builds on a live-coding environment to present a critique of a software piece. No previous coding experience required.

Media Studies courses are open to all graduate students. Undergraduate Juniors and Seniors with permission from the instructor and BA/MA Media studies students should email mediastudiesadvising@newschool.edu for access.

College: Schools of Public Engagement (NS)

Department: Media (MED)

Campus: New York City (GV)

Course Format: Seminar (R)

Modality: Online - Synchronous

Max Enrollment: 9

Repeat Limit: N/A

Add/Drop Deadline: February 3, 2025 (Monday)

Online Withdrawal Deadline: April 15, 2025 (Tuesday)

Seats Available: Yes

Status: Open*

* Status information is updated every few minutes. The status of this course may have changed since the last update. Open seats may have restrictions that will prevent some students from registering. Updated: 2:00pm EST 11/21/2024

Meeting Info:
Days: Thursday
Times: 4:00pm - 5:50pm
Building: Online Course
Room: 999
Date Range: 1/20/2025 - 5/14/2025