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Welcome to English 597
This
course will
offer an in-depth look at the emerging field of writing in
hypertextual environments. Hypertext, some critics claim, is
revolutionary. It will liberate us from linearity and hierarchy and
free us from the tyranny of print culture and of the book. Others claim
that hypertext, as instantiated in the World Wide Web, is the
equivalent of an electronic MTV. It will further fragment our thinking and
get us lost in a web of meaningless data -- "data" which has replaced
knowledge and
wisdom.
We will examine the theoretical claims about and the practice of
hypertext.
We will think about these claims as they relate to education in general
and to writing, specifically. What is happening to technologies of
inscription?
The course is organized in five sections.
- The History of Writing and Hypertext
- Hypertext and Theory
- Hypertext in Practice
- Hypertextual Fiction and Narrative
- Cyberculture
You do not need much computer experience to participate. You will need
access to email and to the World Wide Web.
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