During the last 20 years, human lives have become increasingly shaped by digital media and technology. This interactive course offered by the Global Studies in the Arts & Humanities program at Michigan State University focuses on a specific set of current issues that have developed specifically with the growing importance of digital media and technologies in the contemporary world. These issues range from the clandestine collection of data to surveillance, from networks to piracy, from cyborgs to whistleblowers. Even though access to digital technology has not expanded equally across the global, digital media and technology have transformed almost every aspect of human life on a global scale.
This course asks the following questions: What is the role of digital media and technology in the world, in individual lives, and in communities across distances and inequalities? How do digital media and technology enable and complicate human interactions and the formation of community at the local, national and global levels? How is digital technology changing what it means to be human? In what ways are humans developing new forms of knowledge, cultural practices, and practical skills through everyday uses of digital media and technology? How can we use technologies to examine digital media? How can we construct effective media projects (including websites, blogs, podcasts, graphics, games, virtual spaces, audio and video recordings, etc.) that express an awareness of the complex relationship between humans and machines.
Sean Pue, former director of the Digital Humanities program at MSU, teaches this course. He is currently an associate professor of Hindi Language and South Asian Literature and Culture at Michigan State University. Professor Pue blogs at www.seanpue.com.
This course is taught by Full-Time MSU Faculty, providing you with the opportunity to work with experts the in Digital Humanities and utilize the Digital Scholarship Lab at MSU. Our faculty look forward to teaching ASP courses and often remain connected to students long after the course finishes.
Students will live on campus at Michigan State University’s Owen Hall
To learn more about Owen Hall and see some photos, click here.
Accommodation Includes:
Internet Access in Owen Hall
Owen Hall Security
Amenities
Day trip to Chicago or Cedar Point
Students may explore ‘The Windy City’! Chicago is the 3rd largest city in the US and has one of the tallest skylines in the world with the Willis Tower (110 Story) and the John Hancock Center (100 Story) observation decks offering amazing views of the city. Chicago is home to over 250 theaters, however, our favorite is The Second City a comedy club with over 50 years of history some of the most famous comedians got their start right here including Bill Murray, Tina Fey, Joan Rivers, Steve Carell, and Mike Myers.
Cedar Point is a 364-acre amusement park located on a Lake Erie peninsula in Sandusky, Ohio. Opened in the late-1800s, it is reported to be the second-oldest operating amusement park in the United States. The park features a world-record 72 rides, including 17 roller coasters – the second-most in the world.
Tour of the Michigan Capitol Building
Lansing is just down the road from MSU, and it is our state capital. Tour the historic building and learn about Michigan’s history and how our government works.
Lansing Lugnuts Baseball Game
The Lansing Lugnuts are Lansing’s own minor league baseball team, and we’ll go to a game and cheer them on! Experience the traditional American sport of baseball, eat hot dogs at the ball park, and try to get a picture with the Lugnuts’ mascot “Big Lug”. Before we go to the game, our interns will lead you in a game of kickball to help you understand the basics of baseball.
Explore Michigan Excursions
Michigan is home to diverse cities and beautiful parks and lakes, and summer is the best time to explore! We will travel to different areas in Michigan to help you explore both our cities and our landscapes. Potential excursions include city tours of Detroit, and beach day on Lake Michigan, or a day trip to Mackinac Island in Northern Michigan.
American Cuisine Demonstration
Learn about American cuisine while watching a demonstration by one of our chefs at Brody Square.
Graduation Ceremony
Celebrate with your new friends the completion of your American Semester Program Short Course! Take part in an American style graduation (after decorating your grad cap!), celebrate with your professors, and eat dinner at out Kellogg Conference Center and Hotel.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this course students:
Assessment
LOCATION Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
Michigan enjoys all four seasons, and in July, MSU is typically very warm with lots of sunshine. Pictured here is an MSU landmark, Beaumont Tower.
PROGRAM DATESJune 27 - July 17, 2020
• June 27: Student Arrival
• June 28: Student Orientation
• June 29: Classes begin
• July 3-5: Day trip to Chicago or Cedar Point
• July 10: Michigan Outing
• July 16: Classes End, Graduation Ceremony
• July 17: Student Departure
Other activities yet to be scheduled include: BBQ at Lake Lansing Park, Lansing Lugnuts Baseball Game, Excursion to Detroit and Outlet Mall
PROGRAM COST:$3,800 USD
Includes:
• Program Orientation and Tuition
• On-Campus Meals
• On-Campus single room housing
• Excursion to Chicago, Illinois
• Lansing Lugnuts baseball game
• Michigan Cultural Excursion
• Outlet Mall Shopping Trip
• Graduation Ceremony
Apply online to a Short Course program through our online application system (click here). After creating your Traveler Profile, you can find this program and begin your application! Before you begin your application, however, please prepare the following (you will not be able to complete your application without them):
The American Semester Program is looking for applicants who are in good standing at their home universities. Your application will be closely reviewed, and if you have several failed courses, you may be asked to submit additional materials to support your application. The faculty instructors of each course have the final admissions decision and they reserve the right to deny admission.
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