COMM12022 Technology, Communication and Culture

Communications technologies have changed culture in profound ways, and have determined the shape of many cultures. At the same time, people play a role in determining how such technology is utilised. This course examines the history of communications technologies from the advent of language, through to the printing press, and then the telegraph, radio, television and the internet, critically tracing the changes that paralleled these technologies. The use of these technologies in underdeveloped countries is examined, and the course concludes in consideration and examination of a question: Does technology determine the nature of culture, or do the needs and desires of people determine the technology?