Andre Cedeno
Dr. Adam Johns
Seminar in Composition
November 10, 2008
My project is on how changes in communication technology have changed the relations between humans over time starting from cohesive family units and ending up as unconnected individuals. Examples include the Corrigan’s relationships with each other changing as more advanced communication systems come along such as the television and telephone, Bill McKibben’s belief that we rely too much on technology and are not as close-knit as we once were, and the completely redefined relationships in Lilith’s Brood along with their more advanced ways of communicating.
A counterargument to my thesis could be that as communication technology has evolved we have been able to communicate with people we never could have connected with before and that we can maintain relationships that were not possible before. Examples include communicating overseas through a business conference or keeping up with friends whom you no longer can see on online networking sites.
For my research I intend to use online catalogs to find articles and books relating to my topic. Such as articles and books on human relationships over time or communication technology.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
The curious thing here is that you have a counterargument without having an argument (thesis) in the first place. This does not indicate that your general idea is bad, because it isn't. It does indicate that you don't actually have a clear, working focus yet. At this point, you might be best off doing some research and *then* picking a clearer focus - but you do need to at least start working with the *goal* of a clear thesis (soon) in mind.
Andre,
I like your concept here, and my project sort of relates to how technology prevents families from being as close as they once were, and also leads to a loss of community. The counter argument is very strong, and can proved to be a better argument in a variety of ways. Since technology has made it so easy for families to stay in touch despite distance, it can be said that technology has made communication more accessible, and thus better. I really like the examples from McKibben's book, and i think this is were a majority of your argument should derive from. The examples from Jimmy Corrigan are fairly vague, as they relate basically to the development of technology in general, which is not specific to your argument. I think it is a good first proposal though.
There's a lot of material here to write about, as well as a lot of potential for personal anecdotes. If you have family that live far away; how does technology affect your communications with them? Does it keep you closer to them or does it dissolve your "cohesive family unit?" There's a lot of argument's and counter-arguments so i have no doubts you'll run out of material. This is a pretty common proposal for papers so just make sure you make it stand out from the rest.
Andre,
It seems, like the others have said, that it is a lot going on here. I understand what you are trying to bring to the forefront and it is related most to the class discussion on the "loss of community" as we dealt with in Jimmy Corrigan mostly, but also some of the other works. I think that in order to develop an argument, you should perhaps ask 'why' have changes in communication changed relations between humans, as well as what changes, how the changes have changed the community( with examples), and most importantly what you think about everything, including the why, when, how, and what. Obviously you aren't completely sure on your research but maybe after answering these questions in detail, it will be easier to find sources to back up your argument. I think its a really good proposal, i see the relationship to the class, and im sure you have great ideas you will incorporate.
Post a Comment