History of the Information Age — Fall 2011

These projects are roughly aligned with each part of the course. Each project will eventually be plugged in to the main course timeline at http://infoagetimeline.umwblogs.org. —  Part one & two – Select one of the following by September 15.

• A–Actually use an early system of communication to convey information (demonstrated to the class)
• OR B–describe the process and complications of using such an early system to convey information.  (300-500 words, plus sources, posted to your blog)
• OR C–research and discuss the significance of an information technology in the life of a specific individual before 1950.  (300-500 words, plus sources, posted to your blog)
• OR D–create an infographic with information about an early system of communication from Parts I or II (with sources, posted to your blog)
• Individual project – Value is 10% of course grade
• To avoid overlap, each topic must be submitted for approval by September 15.
• Project due September 29

 Approved topics for Part I/II:  

1. Charlie — Infographic on Pony Express [D]
2. Kyle — Use system of cuneiform [A]
3. Mike– Use a cave painting to convey information [A]
4. Abbey — Describe the process and complications of using the telegraph to convey information. [B]
5. Christine — Research and discuss the significance of Radio in the life of Edward Murrow.  [C]
6. Nicole — Infographic on Cave paintings [D]
7. Ashley —   Process and complications of using the printing press to convey information. [B]
8. Andrew — Process and complications of using the first US postal system to convey information [B]
9. Ken — process and complications of using early American Newspapers to convey information. [B]
10. Caitlin — infographic on early photography. [D]
11. Joe — Talking Drums [A]
12. Riley — Research and discuss the significance of newspaper production (printing and distribution) in the life of Joseph Pulitzer. [C]
13. Claire — process and complications of using early telephones to convey information. [B]
14. Anthony — process and complications of using Bell’s photophone to convey information. [B]
15. Patrick — Research and discuss the significance of the printing press in the life of Martin Luther. [C]
16. John — process and complications of using daguerrotypes to convey information. [B]

— Part three – Create your own advertisement/commercial/print ad related to the history of information to be shared. – Group– 10%

• Group 1 –Radio Advertisement for Gutenberg’s printing press.
• Group 2 — Tupperware in print form, reflecting information spread through gatherings in women’s households.
• Group 3 — Weight-gain products, reflecting 1940s advertising styles
• Group 4 — Jukebox advertisement w/magazine style ad.

• Ad Assignment Due Thursday, Oct. 20, when we’ll do brief in-class presentations (May be completed by Monday Oct. 24, if extra time is needed).
• Revisions to the timeline entries due Tuesday, Oct. 25

— Part four – Make a documentary (5-10 minutes) on topic from this period – Group – 15%

• Due Thursday, November 17

— Part five – 5%– Help improve the timeline – Aspect must be preapproved before work starts on it.

• A) Work on the overall structure/format/presentation of the timeline.
• B) Pick any point on the timeline to expand on (with research) – Can take form of video, brief, essay, infographic, oral history, etc.
• Individual, unless a case can be made for group work here.
• Due the last day of class, December 8 (or the following Tuesday, if needed).