This course investigates the relationships between language and computers. It does so by addressing the entanglements of human-to-human interfaces, human-to-machine programs and machine-to-machine protocols. Through readings in media studies—specifically software studies—and short programming experiments, we will discuss how computing technologies can be used to frame what we say, and how we say it, and therefore question the extent to which our discourses are technologically determined.
The theoretical part will start from the computer’s linguistic abilities. As a machine that manipulates symbols to represent other machines, and allows the processing of any kinds of messages, how did it get there, and how effective is it? We will see how such a conception was constructed at the expense of meaning and materiality, and consider how interfaces attempt to recreate both meaning and materiality.
The practical part will involve short programming exercises, in order to illustrate the realities of computer writing, as well as a final essay written on a web platform. However, no previous programming experience will be assumed.
The theoretical part will start from the computer’s linguistic abilities. As a machine that manipulates symbols to represent other machines, and allows the processing of any kinds of messages, how did it get there, and how effective is it? We will see how such a conception was constructed at the expense of meaning and materiality, and consider how interfaces attempt to recreate both meaning and materiality.
The practical part will involve short programming exercises, in order to illustrate the realities of computer writing, as well as a final essay written on a web platform. However, no previous programming experience will be assumed.
- Dozent/in: Pierre Depaz