Assignment: Taking a concept for a walk
Format: Written essay with images or links to media included if necessary (reference style APA)
Word count: 1000-1200 words
It is now time to consolidate some of the ideas you have learnt about so far, and figure out what you think and feel about issues raised in class. In this assignment, you are being asked to “take a concept for a walk”. This means from your own perspective show how an idea you have come across or learnt about shows up in different places and can be used to think about a range of different situations in the information science field.
For this assignment Choose ONE of the following concepts and write a 1000-1200 words reflective essay. You can include images, links, or screenshots to help illustrate your discussion:
Algorithmic bias
Racialization
Stereotyping
Matrix of domination
Discriminatory design
Whiteness
Gender codes
Default settings
Surveillance
Coded gaze
Here are some questions that you can use as guideposts for the writing process. If it helps, you can simply answer each one in order:
Where did you first notice or identify this concept in the course readings or class activities?
How was the concept discussed and defined? And why did this interest you?
Are there practical examples that help us to better understand this concept? (e.g. current technology, social media, analogies with other fields, examples from film, television, or contemporary art)
How is this concept theorized or explained by 2-3 other people? (e.g. scholars, designers, artists, activists)
What are some of the ethical challenges or cultural issues surrounding this concept?
In what ways could you use this concept to approach a potential group design project?
