This two-part assignment builds on the notion of Techno-trash

DESCRIPTION: This two-part assignment builds on the notion of Techno-trash. You will write a ‘speculative historiography’ of a technological device you ‘depend’ on.

LENGTH: 1250-1500 words

PURPOSE: The purpose of the assignment is to think self-reflexively about/with a device that is embedded in your everyday life (your log from A1 should give you a clue as to what device this might be), and about how your personal patterns of consumption are implicated in a global fabrication of e-waste.

A GUIDE TO THE ASSIGNMENT

• Parts 1 & 2 are presented separately (under different headings) but work together.
• Part 1 and Part 2 should each be approximately equal in length to each other.
• In Part 1, you will write a ‘story’ about a device you use daily.
• In Part 2, you will offer background information that illuminates that device’s cycle of production. You will need to find and cite sources for Part 2 (further details below).
• You can choose any technological device that you like. For example: a cell/smart phone, iPod, iPad/Tablet, laptop, PC, gaming console. It is up to you to decide. The object should speak to you in some way. It should be meaningful to you: a sort of ‘partner’ you ‘depend’ on.

PART 1:

Before you begin writing, read the excerpt (see additional files) from Sherry Turkle’s Evocative Objects. The excerpt includes the introduction to this book and a few examples of different authors thinking with/about objects. The stories these authors tell about objects are to help you think about how you might like to tell the story of your object.

Think of a technological device that you is embedded within your life. Again, refer back to your internet log if you’re having trouble deciding. We want to unpack this notion of technological dependence; many students have noted in their assignments that they are ‘dependent’ on technology. Why do you depend on it? What if we think of this as embedded technology, or domesticated technology – it’s part of our daily experience (are we all cyborgs now?).

Thinking of Turkle’s argument, what is the special power of that thing? Now think of how many versions of that device you have been through over the years. Why did you change devices? Was it hard to decide to change from one device to another? What did you do with the discards or remains of the old one(s)? How is your device “a companion in life experience” (p. 5)? How does it “bring together thought and feeling” (p. 9)?

Based on the questions above, write a story about one device in your life.

PART 2:

• Before writing Part 2, watch Pyramids of Waste: The Light Bulb Conspiracy. http://bit.ly/2qJMdE6
• Using the same object from Part 1, delve deeper into that object’s cycle of production.
• This portion of the assignment requires that you research the suppliers of the object.
• What can you find out about their size, locations, labor force, and profits in 2016?
• Can you find any information about these companies’ intentions around recycling or disposing of the object you now possess? How many companies participated in making that product obsolete? Which companies have an  economic stake in planning for the disposal of that device? Based on these questions, add another layer to the story about the power of the companies involved in the creation and disposal of the techno-trash your device will  become one day.

Be wise about how you use your resources and support. Your story should have well supported facts in response to the questions above. Don’t only use the information provided by the company that created your device: show a level of criticality.

The outline of your paper should be: Introduction, P1, P2, Conclusion. Remember, your introduction outlines the discussion for the reader, the conclusion brings it all together and asks bigger/meta questions – what does my experience and analysis mean for our culture/society?

IN GENERAL:

• The word count (1250-1500) is for the entire assignment (excluding the title page, and the reference page). Plan your writing ahead of time. You want to ensure that you give equal weight to each section. This might be the most challenging part of the assignment.
• Start by reading and becoming familiar with Turkle’s piece and watch the Pyramids of Waste documentary.
• Write creatively in Part 1. Part 2 requires that you conduct background research into your object.
• Give creative titles to your sections – something other than “Part 1” and “Part 2” – so thatthe titles are representative of the story you are telling. Show your creativity in doing this.

GRADING RUBRIC

The assignment is graded as a whole – how the two parts create a unified story about a technological device.

• Writing style, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and paragraph structure are part of the grading rubric. Have someone proofread your work
• You are required to include at least two required course readings (any module) and three sources outside of the course in support of your analysis and discussion.
• Submissions that do not cite and reference material properly will not be accepted and will result in a zero. This means, if nothing is cited or referenced in your submission – it will not be accepted. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they are meeting university standards for academic writing, regardless of what your home department is.
• You are required to stay within the minimum and maximum word count or you will be penalized one mark.
• You can include a title page and running header; double space your work.
• Do not use any direct quotes in your module submissions. Instead, rephrase and cite properly, or you will be penalized one mark.
• Please name your A2 file properly with course number, last name, and assignment name. For example: 2F00LastnameA2.doc

A = 80% & Up

Top of the class. The assignment covers all that is specified and does so with clarity and precision. There is a logical progression of ideas from part 1 to part 2. Research is very well incorporated to support part 2. The writing is clear, organized and engaging. There are no issues with citing or referencing.

B = 70-79%

The assignment covers all that is specified. There is a logical progression of ideas from part 1 to part 2. Research is decently incorporated to support part 2 but could offer more depth in the analysis. The writing is mostly clear, but contains minor errors. Minor citing or referencing errors.

C=  60-69%

The assignment somewhat covers what is specified. The progression of ideas from part 1 to part 2 requires more focus and detail. Some research is incorporated to support part 2. The writing is disorganized and riddled with grammatical errors. Several citing and referencing errors.

D = 50- 59%

The assignment disregards the requirements in one or more ways. The progression of ideas from part 1 to part 2 is unfocused and lacks detail. Very little research is incorporated to support part 2. The writing is disorganized and riddled with errors. Numerous citing and referencing errors.

F= 49% & Under

The assignment does not meet basic acceptability expectations in multiple ways. Such lack of due effort and/or lack of due adherence to the instructions merits failure.

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