LIT318 Digital Futures: Questioning Texts in Literature and Philosophy (8)

Can computers write poems? Can humans be fully digitised? Is it wrong to murder in computer games? In this subject, we will respond to such questions by engaging with a range of texts about the future of humanity and its relationship with technology. New technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, social media, deep fakes, and cybernetics raise vital questions about how we make meaning and shape our conceptual understanding of the world. By engaging with texts (such as computer games, films, podcasts, poems, and social media posts) that address these questions, we will develop our understanding of the digital humanities, with a focus on how future technology may shape and challenge literature and philosophy.

No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2021.

Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to critically investigate the key problems and opportunities raised by future digital technologies;
  • be able to examine, analyse and discuss a range of texts using research methods derived from literary studies, analytical philosophy and digital humanities;
  • be able to critically evaluate research methods derived from literary studies, analytical philosophy and digital humanities; and
  • be able to apply knowledge and skills to communicate complex ideas within the context raised by future digital technologies.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Introduction to research skills and methods in literary studies, philosophy and digital humanities
  • Key problems, questions and opportunities raised by future digital technologies (e.g. questions raised by the emergence of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, social media, deep fakes, and cybernetics)
  • Analysis of various texts relating to future digital technologies (e.g. film, podcast, computer game, graphic novel, short story, poem, virtual reality experience, song, and discursive essay)
  • Application of research skills to a range of literary, philosophical and digital problems
  • Challenges and opportunities to literary studies and philosophy from future digital technologies

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2021. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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