http://www.ucl. ac.uk/anthropology/digital-anthropology/
The new MSc in Digital Anthropology- -begun in the Autumn of 2009–is well positioned for becoming a world leader in the training of researchers in the social and cultural dimensions of information technologies and digital media.
Digital technologies have become ubiquitous. From Facebook, Youtube and Flickr to PowerPoint, Google Earth and Second Life. Museum displays migrate to the internet, family communication in the Diaspora is dominated by new media, artists work with digital films and images.
Anthropology and ethnographic research is fundamental to understanding the local consequences of these innovations, and to create theories that help us acknowledge, understand and engage with them. Today’s students need to become proficient with digital technologies as research and communication tools. Through combining technical skills with appreciation of social effects, students will be trained for further research and involvement in this emergent world.
This MSc (…) brings together three key components in the study of digital culture:
1. Skills training in digital technologies, including our own Digital Lab, from internet and digital film editing to e-curation and digital ethnography.
2. Anthropological theories of virtualism, materiality/ immateriality and digitisation.
3. Understanding the consequences of digital culture through the ethnographic study of its social and regional impact and issues of the digital divide.
Started in 2009 but I've only just read about it. Sounds quite interesting and opportune. I'd be curious to know how the course is going.
I can only speak as the tutor for the programme (you'd have to get the real scoop from the students themselves), but I'd say at this point it's going swimmingly!
ReplyDeleteThis year's group of 24 enrolled students (from the US, Brazil, Colombia, Ireland, China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Greece (as well as the UK) has so far proven this to be an exciting and innovative field. The Anthropology of Games & Simulation course I taught for the first time this year couldn't have been a greater joy, and a number of our students and graduates are obtaining placements or making connections with organizations in the fields of design, information technology, digital media, and marketing. Others have already started applying to doctoral programmes (in anthropology and elsewhere).
Only question is how the new year will top the old one! Definitely get in touch with us if you're interested.