School of Arts & Sciences Course Syllabus
Course Title/credits: HUMU 250: Humanities in the Digital Culture (3 credits)
Catalog Course Description: This course provides an introduction to the evolving field of digital humanities. It examines the
cultural and social impact of digital technologies from the perspective of the humanities. Students will analyze the ways in
which digital technologies transform our experience of time, space, privacy, and social engagement.
LEARNING OUTCOMES and ASSESSMENT:
Learning Outcomes are statements that specify what learners will know, understand, or be able to demonstrate at the end
of a learning experience.
Types of Learning Outcomes include:
Course Learning Outcome – Result of finishing a course.
Program Learning Outcome – Result of finishing a program.
Institutional Learning Outcome – Result of finishing a degree at an institution, reflecting the core learning values
and experiences of all graduates.
A Signature Assignment is an assignment used to measure a student’s mastery of a program or institutional learning
outcome. If a course you are taking includes a Signature Assignment, it will be clearly marked (**SIGNATURE
ASSIGNMENT**).
Access the following link(s) for information on the Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) and Curriculum Map related to this
course:
Click Here for Learning Outcomes
Access the following link(s) for information on the Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs) and Curriculum Map related to
this course:
Click Here for Learning Outcomes
Prerequisites: None
Restrictions: None
Essential Equipment and Facilities: By the end of the first week of class, students must have the ability to
access MyBrandman, the Blackboard portal to their class site, and other key locations necessary to meet course
requirements. Individual browser preferences vary, and, at times, some work with Blackboard better than others.
Therefore, if you try one browser, such as Firefox, and you have difficulty, try another browser, such as Internet Explorer.
Since versions of Microsoft Office vary, students who do not use the most recent version may need the free conversion
software available via the Microsoft.com website. Java is also required for courses. Students who do not have Java may
download it for free at java.com.
Last Revision Date: 4/25/2020
Academic Integrity: As a learning community of scholars, Brandman University emphasizes the ethical responsibility of all
members to seek knowledge honestly and in good faith. Students are responsible for doing their own work. Academic
dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated. Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to, cheating,
plagiarism, or misrepresentation of information in oral or written form. Plagiarism means presenting someone else's idea or
writing as if it were your own. If you use someone else's idea or writing, be sure the source is clearly documented. Further
information may be found in the Brandman University Catalog available under Academic Resources in MyBrandman.
Americans with Disabilities Act Statement: According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, an individual
with disability is defined as having functional limitations resulting from a diagnosed disability and applies to an individual
who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the individual’s major life activities; has a
record of such an impairment; or is regarded as having such an impairment. In compliance with ADA guidelines, students
who have any condition, either permanent or temporary, that may impair or impact their ability to successfully complete
assignments, tasks or satisfy course criteria are requested to notify their Advisor or Campus Director in order to understand
how to apply for Student Disability Services. If and when the student is granted formal approval by the Director of ADA
Services, both the student and professor will be notified. It is highly suggested that the student contact their professor to
discuss the accommodations during the first week of the session. The granting of accommodations will not be retroactive
and cannot jeopardize the academic standards or integrity of the course.
University Policies: Students are responsible for complying with university policies including, but not limited to:
incompletes, course drops, and student conduct. Information may be found in the Brandman University Catalog available
under Academic Resources in MyBrandman.
Online Brandman Library Resources: Click on red “Library” button in Blackboard.
Texts are available at the Brandman Online Bookstore: See “Bookstore” under Academic Resources in MyBrandman.
Required Text: None. Students will be expected to complete weekly online readings.
Course Learning Objectives:
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. Identify key concepts and influences of digital technologies upon modern culture.
2. Explain the impact of current digital technologies from a variety of cultural and social perspectives.
3. Analyze the history of digital technologies and the stakeholders that are a part of that history.
4. Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of emerging digital technologies.
5. Design an online digital project using various digital resources.
Major Study Units:
1. Digital Technologies history and background
2. Digital Technologies and Relationships
3. Digital Technologies and Politics
4. Digital Technologies and Education
5. Digital Technologies and Privacy
6. Digital Technologies and Medicine
7. Digital Technologies and Social Engagement
Last Revision Date: 4/25/2020
Attendance Policy:
Requirements for students’ attendance and participation will be defined by each instructor based on the following policy:
• Monday of the first week is considered the first day of class for online and blended instruction. This includes
instruction for fully online classes and online instruction supporting blended classes.
• Regular onsite attendance is expected for student success. If a student misses more than one onsite class or one week
of engagement in an online class, the student may, at the discretion of the instructor, fail the course. Students are
expected to attend all classes, particularly the first night of class.
• Students should consider withdrawing from a course if they will be absent more than once. Instructors may, but are
not obligated to, accommodate students under extraordinary circumstances, but the student must request
accommodation and provide requested supporting documentation. Students enrolled in blended courses must attend
at least one class during the first two weeks of classes.
• If a student misses a portion (e.g., arriving late or leaving early) of an onsite course, the student’s grade may be
adversely affected. Students who are not in attendance for at least 75 percent of any scheduled class may be
considered absent for that class. Students should discuss missing portions of a class with their instructor to determine
how their grade may be affected.
• Regular online attendance/participation and engagement is expected for student success in both fully online and
blended courses. Online participation is evident through posting to a discussion board, blog, completing assignments
including journal entries, or taking quizzes and exams.
• Schools and programs may have different attendance policies. Refer to school and program specific information for
additional attendance policies.
Letter Grade/Percentage Equivalents:
Grade Point System
(Rounded up at .5 and up)
A = 94%-100% B = 84%-87% C = 74%-76% D = 64%-66%
A- = 90%-93% B- = 80%-83% C- = 70%-73% D-= 60%-63%
B+ = 88%-89% C+ = 77%-79% D+ = 67%-69% F=59% and below
Methods of Evaluation for Determining Grades (Blended): Discussions, Essays, Research Project Draft and Final.
Methods of Evaluation for Determining Grades (Online): Discussions, Essays, Synchronous Meeting, Research Project Draft
and Final.
Assignment Detail (Blended):
Online Class Assignments - Refer to Rubric(s) in Course Information on Blackboard Possible Points
Discussion Forums (8 @ 25 points each) 200
Last Revision Date: 4/25/2020
Essays (2 @ 150 points each) 300
Research Project Proposal 50
Online Students: Mandatory Online Meeting (Instructor will schedule two, students must 50
attend one)
Blended Students: Progress Report
Research Project Multimedia Presentation Script (w/photos or video links) 50
Research Project Mini-Presentation (2 slides with audio) 50
Research Project Multimedia Presentation Peer Evaluation 50
Research Project Multimedia Presentation 200
Total: 1000
Blended Class Assignments - Refer to Rubric(s) in Course Information on Blackboard Possible Points
Discussion Forums (8 @ 25 points each) 200
Essays (2 @ 150 points each) 300
Research Project Proposal 50
Research Project Multimedia Presentation Script (w/photos or video links) 100
Research Project Mini-Presentation (2 slides with audio) 50
Research Project Multimedia Presentation Peer Evaluation 50
Research Project Multimedia Presentation 200
Total: 1000
Class by Class Outline (Online and Blended):
Week Topics Assignments
Week 1 Background Readings/Preparation
for course;
Video: Carr, N. (2015). Our automated lives.
Cognition
https://youtu.be/2HkHrcksub0 (19:46)
Video: Shirky, C. (2010). How cognitive surplus will change the world.
Last Revision Date: 4/25/2020
https://youtu.be/ornAxs33jD0 (13:38)
Assignments Due this Week
1. Complete the introduction assignment/podcast in the discussion board. Due Sunday by 11:59
pm.
2. Complete assigned discussion prompt(s) by Thursday at 11:59 pm; respond to a minimum of
two student posts in the discussion forum by Sunday by 11:59pm.
3. Complete Research Presentation Proposal by Sunday at 11:59pm
**Please do not just post once on Thursday and again late Sunday—participate in the
discussion early and continue as it unfolds in order to earn full points—these are really
interesting topics, but the class will be boring if you don’t engage with them and each
other!
Week 2 Education Readings/Preparation
Video: Wesch, M. (2011). Rethinking education. http://youtu.be/5Xb5spS8pmE (6:47 min.)
Video: Mitra, S. (2013). Build a school in the cloud.
https://www.ted.com/talks/sugata_mitra_build_a_school_in_the_cloud
Assignments Due this Week
1. Complete assigned discussion prompts; respond to a minimum of two student posts in
each folder.
2. Essay One due Sunday by 11:59pm.
Week 3 Social Media Readings/Preparation
and Politics
For online courses only: 30 minute class meeting this week: Instructor will announce the time,
you must attend one of the two sessions (one is in Week 3, the other in Week 4—you may attend
both but are required to attend one). Meetings will take place in the instructor’s Zoom Classroom
The login information will be posted in the announcement, so login early in the week to check out
the times and the place.
Bring any and all questions about the rest of the course—questions about the final project, the
draft, rubrics, whatever you are concerned about. Your instructor will go over the final project and
the assignments leading up to it.
Video: (Just for fun, a spoof on social media). “Gotta Share! The Musical” (ImprovEverywhere):
http://youtu.be/soAk3F0wX9s (3:00 min)
Last Revision Date: 4/25/2020
Video: Figueria, J. (2020). Simple, effective tech to connect communities in crisis. (9:56 min.)
Video: Turkle, S. (2017). We are having a crisis of empathy. Aspen Ideas Conference Presentation.
https://screentimenetwork.org/resource/sherry-turkle-we-are-having-crisis-empathy
(3:26 min.)
Review the options for presentations, either a program you already use or one listed on the
Multimedia Design page: https://www.brandman.edu/why-brandman/dedicated-
resources/center-for-instructional-innovation/student-support/multimedia-writing-and-design-
support
Assignments Due this Week
1. Complete assigned discussion prompts; respond to a minimum of two student posts in
each folder.
2. Multimedia Presentation Script Due Sunday by 11:59pm
3. For online courses only: 30 minute class meeting this week: Instructor will announce two
meeting times and you must attend one of the two sessions. Meetings will take place in
the instructor’s Zoom Classroom (the address will be posted in an announcement, so login
early in the week to check out the times and the place.
Bring any and all questions about the rest of the course—questions about the final
project, the draft, rubrics, whatever you are concerned about.
Week 4 Online Dating Readings/Preparation
and
Relationships For online courses only: 30 minute class meeting this week: Instructor will announce the time,
you must attend one of the two sessions (one is in Week 3, the other in Week 4—you may attend
both but are required to attend one). Meetings will take place in the instructor’s Zoom Classroom
(the address will be posted in the announcement, so login early in the week to check out the times
and the place.
Bring any and all questions about the rest of the course—questions about the final project, the
draft, rubrics, whatever you are concerned about.
The School of Life (September 27 2018). History of ideas: Dating.
https://youtu.be/Ob14PcHtazQ
Taylor, C. (2019). Online dating isn’t a game. It’s literally changing humanity. Mashable.
Last Revision Date: 4/25/2020
https://mashable.com/article/online-dating-change-world/
Assignments Due this Week
1. Complete assigned discussion prompts; respond to a minimum of two student posts in
each folder.
2. Mini-Multimedia Presentation (Two slides complete with audio). Due Sunday by 11:59pm.
3. For online courses only: 30 minute class meeting this week: Instructor will announce two
meeting times and you must attend one of the two sessions. Meetings will take place in
the instructor’s Zoom Classroom (the address will be posted in an announcement, so login
early in the week to check out the times and the place.
Bring any and all questions about the rest of the course—questions about the final
project, the draft, rubrics, whatever you are concerned about.
Week 5 Digital Readings/Preparation
Technologies
and Privacy Video: Martino, N. (January 26 2016). Privacy in the Digital Age. TedTalk.
https://youtu.be/PuhifEL5VsU (12:35 min)
Wired. (2019). The Cambridge Analytica story, explained.
https://www.wired.com/amp-stories/cambridge-analytica-explainer/
[The above is a brief slide show offering a quick explanation of the scandal]
Lapowski, I. (March 17 2019). How Cambridge Analytica sparked the great privacy awakening.
Wired. https://www.wired.com/story/cambridge-analytica-facebook-privacy-awakening/
Assignments Due this Week
1. Complete assigned discussion prompts; respond to a minimum of two student posts in
each folder. (25 points)
Week Digital Readings/Preparation
Six Technologies
Katella, K. (2019). Can 3D printing improve your medical care? Yale Medicine.
and Medicine
https://www.yalemedicine.org/stories/3d-printing-in-medicine/
Newman, L.H. (2019). These hackers made an app that kills to prove a point. Wired.
https://www.wired.com/story/medtronic-insulin-pump-hack-app/?
itm_campaign=BottomRelatedStories_Sections_1
Last Revision Date: 4/25/2020
Assignments Due this Week
1. Complete assigned discussion prompts; respond to a minimum of two student posts in
each folder. (25 points)
2. Research Project Multimedia Presentation DRAFT (should be a complete presentation).
DUE Sunday by 11:59pm (submit to the Week Seven #2 Discussion Board)
Week 7 Digital Readings/Preparation:
Technologies
Takayama, L. (April 2017). “What it’s like to be a robot. TedTalks.
and Robots
https://www.ted.com/talks/leila_takayama_what_s_it_like_to_be_a_robot (12:55 min)
Lee, D. (April 2017). Why jobs of the future won’t feel like work. TedTalks.
https://www.ted.com/talks/david_lee_why_jobs_of_the_future_won_t_feel_like_work (10:07
min.)
Commercials for five robot products: https://youtu.be/0XmUaHf-11A (15:36 min.)
(There are non-robot ads in this clip too, so watch for the “skip ads” link).
Assignments Due this Week
1. Complete assigned discussion prompts; respond to a minimum of two student posts in
each folder. (25 points)
2. BY THURSDAY NIGHT: Watch and respond to two presentations using the Evaluation
document posted in Week Seven (choose presentations that do not yet have two
reviewers)
3. BY SUNDAY AT 11:59PM: Answer any questions your reviewers have asked about your
presentation. (evaluation and revision: 50 points)
4. Final Multimedia Presentation DUE Sunday 11:59pm. (200 points)
Week 8 Digital Readings/Preparation
Technologies
and Social Anderson, J. and Ranie, L. (2019). Experts optimistic about the next fifty years. Pew Research
Engagement Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2019/10/28/experts-optimistic-about-
the-next-50-years-of-digital-life/
Everyone should read page 1, then choose one of the other pages (2, 3, 4, or 5) and use that page
to answer the DB prompt(s).
Assignments Due this Week
1. Complete assigned discussion prompts; respond to a minimum of two student posts in
each folder. (25 points)
2. Essay Two: What’s Next? DUE Sunday by 11:59pm (150 points)
Last Revision Date: 4/25/2020
Last Revision Date: 4/25/2020
