1) A written report of approximately 30 pages. The report will include sections on:
Origins: Who created this technology and why? What previous technologies did it build on? What factors shaped its design?
Technical aspects: How does it work? How did its design evolve over time? What are the main technical problems?
Use: Who uses this technology? What are their reasons for using it? Does it work as intended? Have people created unexpected uses for it?
Effects on society: What are the consequences of adopting this technology--intended and unintended? Who benefits and who loses from this technology? What symbolic meanings has it acquired (e.g., does it figure in political debates; how is it represented in popular culture)?
In addition to presenting information, your paper should have an organizing thesis--an original argument derived from your research that ties the paper together.
2) A poster that summarizes and illustrates your report. We will supply poster boards and explain the format to be used. There will be a public display of the posters for the entire university community, during which members of the team will stand by their poster and be prepared to explain the project and answer questions from visitors.
* During the week of April 3-7 teams will present progress reports during workshop. Also during this week, teams will send out letters of invitation for the poster session.
* Project milestone #2 (draft of paper) is due in workshop the week of April 17-21.
The draft will consist of:
1) an introduction stating the questions you will address and your overall thesis
2) a detailed outline of the body of the paper, including specific examples from your research.
* During workshops in the week of April 24-28, teams will present their posters to the class as a "dress rehearsal" for the public poster presentation next week.
* The Poster Session will take place May 2 from 10-4 in the atrium of the student union. Each team will need to have at least one member standing by their poster at all times to answer questions about their project. In addition, each person will fill out an evaluation sheet commenting on the posters of your classmates and the other Gemstone 101 section.
* The final project paper is due in class on May 16.