CMSI 161 Computing in Popular Culture


3 semester hours

Common stereotypes and assumptions about computing, as reflected in art, entertainment, and conventional wisdom-and the truths and fallacies behind them. Deeper study of particularly seminal popular representations of computing concepts. Critical study of the depiction of computing in film (e.g., 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Matrix, War Games), literature (e.g., Neuromancer; I, Robot, The Soul of a New Machine; The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy), and mixed media (e.g., "Spock's Brain," Max Headroom, and Univac's 1952 presidential election forecast).

Lecture, 3 hours.




Print-Friendly Page (opens a new window)