From the very first alphabet to emerging virtual reality experiences, this course will explore the development, reaction, and impact of some of humankind's most transformative innovations – its forms of communication. How have these inventions, such as writing, printing, the telegraph, television, radio, the internet and beyond, influenced human behavior throughout the course of history. How have humans shaped their development and direction? And what role do they play informing our lives both today and tomorrow?

This course will focus on the role and application of communication technologies with a transnational cross-cultural lens. Beginning in ancient times and making our way to the present, we will analyze how, why, and to what effect innovations were adopted both geographically and culturally. In the first analysis paper, students will apply a lens of critical thinking to historical accounts related to their own individual cultures and backgrounds. In the second analysis paper, students will attempt to envision the implications of an emerging area of communication technology. A final project will challenge students to speculate and produce a vision of their own transformative innovation in this area.

Readings and discussion will cover communication theory, technical processes, sociological analysis, and creative application. Weekly writing assignments will traverse a variety of media forms and contexts. These written assignments will be paired with hands-on practical assignments where students will bring their analysis, ideas, and creativity to life. The world wide web will also act as a test bed for experiencing and experimenting with various forms of communication both old and new.

Laptops are permitted in class to take notes, follow along during demonstrations, explore references, as well as during times set aside for project work. All other devices are not to be used unless it is part of the class activity. Checking social media during class is prohibited unless it is part of the class assignment. Please refrain from emailing or messaging in class. Failure to follow these policies will adversely affect your Participation grade

Each week, in addition to assigned readings, students will explore and engage in written and hands-on exercises with different communication technologies and media. In some cases, you will be challenged to write in the style of a particular media. You are expected to utilize a web page to write responses, document your work, describe your experiences, and draw connections to course readings, presentations, and discussions. Your posts should include at least one page of original writing (300 - 400 words) plus any other requested media assets such as photos, sound, video, etc. All weekly assignments must be submitted on time. For each day an assignment is late, it will result in 1 percentage point deducted from your overall Weekly Assignment Grade.

In groups of four, students will create and share a lesson related to a course theme or topic. Lessons are meant to augment the classroom experience by allowing each group to focus on a specific question of interest and then share their findings with the class. Each group will be assigned a week in which they will present. The lessons should take up the entire class session. The lesson should be designed around an original "interactive experience" that engages the class with your topic of choice. Time should be allotted for class participation and, if applicable, any formal sharing of research. More details on the Deep Dive Lesson are available on the Assignments page.

Each student is required to write two 4-5 page papers (1200-1500 words), the first will include a draft and a re-write. More details on each paper assignment are available on the Assignments page.

The Future of Communication Technology. More detail available on the Assignments page.

Note, ALL papers and projects must be turned in on time. For each day a paper or project is late, it will result in 5 percentage points deducted from your individual paper or project grade.

NYU Abu Dhabi expects its students to adhere to the highest possible standards of scholarship and academic conduct. Students should be aware that engaging in behaviors that violate the standards of academic integrity will be subject to review and may face the imposition of penalties in accordance with the procedures set out in the NYUAD policy

In other words: Plagiarism is a serious issue. Attribute, attribute, attribute, in word and code. Plagiarism is grounds for failure.