PHI 1112 Digital Media and Critical Thinking (P)

This course teaches critical reasoning as it relates to new forms of digital media and communication, including social networking programs, digital journalism, simulations, gaming, and virtual reality. The course explores theoretical and practical issues relating to the ways in which new technologies alter our conception of communication, formation exchange, knowledge and problem-solving. Theoretical issues include questions of how intellectual standards for scholarship are changing as a result of the open framework of the Web, the possibility of new forms of discourse supported by multimedia and the connection between these areas and the theory of critical reasoning. Practical problems covered include the impact of information abundance and digital representation on problem-solving, public rationality, and civic discourse. Students demonstrate college-level writing skills through multiple assignments.