A lecture/seminar satisfying the second half of the Reading & Composition requirement, R4B offers structured and sustained practice in the processes used in reading, critical analysis, and writing. Students engage with thematically-related materials from a range of genres and media. In response, they craft short pieces leading to longer expository and/or argumentative essays. Students develop a research question, draft a research essay, gather, evaluate, and synthesize information from various sources. Elements of the research process--a proposal, an annotated bibliography, an abstract, a works cited list, etc.--are submitted with the final report in a research portfolio. Students write a minimum of 32 pages of prose.

Who are we? How do our tools filter how we see the world -- and shape what we are becoming? This is a research writing and critical thinking course that encourages you to choose your own adventure -- increasingly leaning into the controversies and dynamics that intrigue you -- as we examine surreal, funny, strange, heartbreaking complexities in society’s relationship with technology. We’ll explore multimedia longform journalism on the rapid rise of generative artificial intelligence like GPT-4 and DALL-E and what this might mean for creativity, intellectual integrity, loss and longing; the centrality and fluidity of internet culture in an era in which people feel increasingly disconnected and disaffected; the history of memes, conspiracy theories and public health misinformation; technological trends that affect people at every level and the powerful economic drivers at play; creative nonfiction, short fiction, podcasts and academic writing that explore the digital boundaries of the playful and the grotesque. You’ll work with a number of digital platforms, have rich discussions with your peers, develop stronger analytical skills, and conduct research on a sustained project of your own choosing: the complexity of technology and social justice / environment / public health / politics / disinformation and conspiracy theories / internet shaming / social media and the body / music / memory / mortality / immigration / travel / gender / gentrification / dating / education / [insert your passion here!]. Texts: All of our reading will be free: digital links to essays, articles, longform pieces, podcasts, interviews, film clips and more – all accessible on our bCourses site. Craft of Research (Booth) -- EAN 9780226239736 Digital library version available here Digital Course Reader (free, accessible on our class bCourses site) Films & Video: Excerpts from Everything Everywhere All at Once, Bojack Horseman, Black Mirror, Wall-E, Metropolis

Enrollment is restricted to students who have satisfied the first half of the Reading and Composition requirement. This course satisfies the second half of the Reading and Composition requirement.

Requisites

• Previously passed an R_A course with a letter grade of C- or better. Previously passed an articulated R_A course with a letter grade of C- or better. Score a 4 on the Advanced Placement Exam in English Literature and Composition. Score a 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Exam in English Language and Composition. Score of 5, 6, or 7 on the International Baccalaureate Higher Level Examination in English.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Requirements class fulfills