Reading: Interpreting and reinterpreting online expression

We discuss the role of literature in shaping a response to the role of technology in our lives. Following this overview, we examine cyberpunk fiction and its examination of the manner in which humans and machines have become blurred in contemporary society. Drawing primarily from the fiction of William Gibson and Donna Haraway's notion of the "cyborg," we explore a world that looks vaguely like the future but actually serves to warn us about the present. Following a discussion of cyberpunk's ambivalent relationship to "the future," we outline three common themes to this literary form: rejection of flesh, fear of multinational corporations, and obsession with speed. Turning to film in popular culture, we first review significant movies that deal with technological themes before focusing on six "internet-era" movies: 2001: A Space Odyssey, Tron, WarGames, Blade Runner, RoboCop and The Matrix. A process that begins to unfold in these films is a collapse of human abilities to control their machines, seems to end with the obsolescence of humans to cultural narrative altogether. However, as the latter two movies indicate, popular culture artifacts haven't given up on humanity's ability to control its machines quite yet. This exploration, ultimately, seeks to explore ways in which internet communication is situated in a larger cultural discourse about an increasingly technological society.

Off-campus webpages

Alt.Cyberpunk.FAQ - "The best Cyberpunk works are distinguished from previous works with similar themes, by a certain style. The setting is urban, the mood is dark and pessimistic. Concepts are thrown at the reader without explanation, much like new developments are thrown at us in our everyday lives. There is often a sense of moral ambiguity; simply fighting 'the system' (to topple it, or just to stay alive) does not make the main characters 'heroes' or 'good' in the traditional sense."

Pop culture studies turns 25 - David Jacobson - "When Ray Browne founded the first department to study "Star Trek" semiotics and cartoon aesthetics, he expanded the boundaries of academic study forever."

Note: These pages exist outside of San Jose State University servers and their content is not endorsed by the page maintainer or any other university entity. These pages have been selected because they may provide some guidance or insight into the issues discussed in class. Because one can never step into the same electronic river twice, the pages may or may not be available when you request them. If you have any questions or suggestions, please email Dr. Andrew Wood.