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Critical Perspectives in Technology Electives (CPT) are courses that will develop vocabularies, theoretical perspectives, and critical approaches relevant to technology. The fundamental goal of these courses is to develop a critical awareness of how technology impacts culture and society. These courses, which work as electives for the minor and Bachelor of Science in Creative Technology and Design (BS-CTD), challenge students to think critically about the effects of technology across a broad range of disciplines, perspectives, and methodologies.

Students in the BS-CTD program must complete 6 credit hours of Critical Perspectives in Technology electives, including 3 credits of upper-division coursework. These 6 credits may be selected from the list of CPT Electives found in a student’s degree audit. That is the most up-to-date list. The list below provides examples of courses we will accept for the requirement.

Students may also contact the CTD academic advisor to request consideration of additional courses to be accepted as Critical Perspectives in Technology elective classes. You will need to verify that you have met the required prerequisites for any CPT course you wish to take. Some may also require that you are a major in that department before enrolling in the course.ÌýIf so, contact an administrator in the department, explain your interest andÌýask for permission to enroll.Ìý

APRD 1000, Creative Industries
Explores creative and strategic thinking and the many industries involved in creating brand communication as well as these industries growing interdependence in a changing media landscape. Considers technology's impact and the effect of commercial culture on an increasingly diverse society

APRD 3000: Intermediate Creative Concepts
Explores both strategic and creative thinking and examines approaches to narrative storytelling as a tool for telling overarching brand stories. Students use the foundation to develop creative briefs and advertising campaigns. Instructor consent required.

APRD 3102, Copywriting 1
Explores the development of interactive concepts that meet the strategic brief's brand objectives. Emphasis is placed first on developing strong digital ideals. Students also master the styles appropriate for different digital media and then use those skills.

APRD 3301, Social Media Strategies
Emphasis on how social media and internet marketing influence public relations; understand the fundamentals and best practices in social media management, visual communication and mobile applications. Requires a prerequisite course of APRD 2002 (minimum grade D-). Restricted Strategic Communication (STCM) majors only.

ARCH 3214, History & Theory Architecture 2
Picking up after the Industrial Revolution and continuing through to today’s Contemporary Architecture, history is taught thematically to cover important structures, key figures, and movements that have shaped our modern world.

ARTH 3109, Art in Contemporary Society
Examines writings by philosophers and art critics as they address the question: What is art for? Readings focus on the 19th and 20th centuries, including current theories and some non-Western theories. Students are encouraged to develop their own responses to the question.

ARTH 3719, History of Media Arts
Surveys the development of technological media both as sources of information and as art. Photography and related media, film, video, holography, and electronic imaging systems are surveyed as art and as technologies, emphasizing major artists, movements, exhibitions, and other productions in the 19th and 20th centuries.

ARTS 4316, History & Theory of Digital Art
Explores the history and theory of digital art. Discussion topics include the emergence of Internet art, hypertext, new media theory, online exhibitions, web publishing, virtual reality, and the networked interface. Includes collaborative and individual projects.Ìý

ASEN 1969, Pathway to Space
Explore the many paths one can take to be a part of a space-related career in a unique, engaging and interactive course. Students will learn about the following topics: space science and exploration, human spaceflight and life sciences, aeronautics and near space, launch and spacecraft systems, climate and environment, space business, policy and politics, space arts, media, and history.

ATLS 2036 Introduction to Media Studies in the Humanities
Serves as an introduction to media studies specifically from a humanities perspective. Studies both histories and theories of media from the 20th and 21st centuries. Touches on methodologies for undertaking media studies (including distant ready and media archaeology). Objects of study may include such topics as film, radio, social media platforms and games, as well as digital art and literature. Same as ENGL 2036 and AHUM 2036.

ATLS 3173, Creative Climate Communication
We generate multimodal compositions on the subject of climate change, and engage with various dimensions of issues associated with sustainability. We work to deepen our understanding of how issues associated with climate change are or can be communicated, by analyzing previously created expressions from a variety of media (interactive theatre, film, fine art, television programming, blogs, performance art, for example), and then be creating our own work. Same as ENVS 3173 and THTR 4173.

ATLS 3529, Special Topics: Critical Perspectives in Technology

• History of Design
• Fundamentals of Social Media
• Remix
• Exp History of Digital Games
• Intro to Creative Tech & Design
• History of Art and Engineering
• Vantage Points

ATLS 4112, Neurohacking
Explores psychotechnologies for developing high level metacognition and individual sovereignty. We investigate the optimization of conscious human experience, mindfulness, and creativity through the lenses of neuroscience, cognitive science, evolutionary psychology, and philosophy. Students will learn to critique primary literature, experimental design, and be guided in developing a set of practices to enhance cognition and achieve various desired mental states. Same as ATLS 5112.

ATLS 4230, Case Studies in Social Impact
Students will evaluate case studies across a range of technologies and applications. Students will learn how to match available technologies to human and environmental needs and resources, be introduced to the seminal work and leaders in the field, and discuss the future of Creative Technology Design as an emerging area of academic focus. Same as ATLS 5230.

ATLS 4529, Advanced Special Topics: Critical Perspectives in Technology

• Digital Feminisms
• Critical Technical Practice
• Empathy and Technology
• Digital Media Theory
• Law and Technology
• History/Theory of Digital Art
• Representation in the Digital Age
• Technology and the Young
• Neurohacking
• K12 Comp Sci Educ Research
• The State of Technology
• Applied AI Ethics
• Community-Driven Technology

ATLS 4244, Empathy & TechnologyÌý
Explores how the creative integration of empathy and compassion with design and technology can benefit society. Reviews foundational neuroscience and evolution of empathy. Through readings, discussion, and reflection students will develop personal practices for fostering empathy and critically investigate: empathy as a finite resource, tribalism/polarization, the weaponization of empathy, and principles for designing social systems that promote well-being. Previously offered as a special topics course.

ATLS 4606, Critical Technical Practices
Surveys design theory and methods that can be used to question relationships between technology, culture, and the environment. Students will discuss readings and synthesize those readings through design exercises. The course will equip students with resources for thinking more critically and creatively about design and possible future human-technology relationships. Same as INFO 4606.

BUSM 4010, Entrepreneurship and Innovation
The Business Minor capstone focuses on the development of an entrepreneurial business plan using principles learned in earlier Business Minor courses. The course supplements business plan development with segments on professionalism and corporate social responsibility.

CINE 3104, Film Criticism & Theory
Surveys the range and function of film criticism, introduces major positions and concepts of film theory and focuses on students' abilities to write about film. Same as HUMN 3104. Formerly FILM 3104.

CINE 3603, Sound and Vision
Historical and aesthetic overview of sound in relation to film, ranging from Hitchcock's Blackmail to Mailick's The Thin Red Line. Pursues issues in sound design, mixing film scores, voiceovers, and film/sound theory in narrative, experimental, and documentary films. Among the filmmakers to be studied are Vertov, Welles, Altman, Brakhage, Lipsett, Eisenstein, Coppola, Scorcese, Stone, Leone, Godard, Nelson. Also explores a limited practicum using Pro Tools for sound design.

CMDI 1010, Concepts and Creativity 1: Communication, Media, Design, Information
Engages key principles and practices in the fields of communication, media, design and information. Emphasizes the analyses of new and old media, information technologies, verbal and visual literacies, communicative interactions and cultural practices through process-based learning and hands-on projects utilizing multiple modes of expression. First course in two semester sequence required for all first-year CMDI students. Formerly CMCI 1010.

CMDP 1400, Introduction to Contemporary Media Cultures
Prepares students for critical practices in contemporary media cultures in a global context. This course explores the diversity of media practices, including narrative and non-narrative forms, emphasizing aesthetics and visual studies. In lectures and labs students will explore video, sound, the internet, and other multi-media platforms of expression.

CMDP 2100, Approaches to Historical Media Practices
Investigate historical and cultural discourses in the formation of media practices. Examines practices such as performance media; cinematic media, media art, and their aesthetic alignment to cognate movements throughout history.

CMDP 3450, Critical Perspectives in Media Practices
Examines the contemporary landscape of media practices across platforms, such as film, social media, painting, video, and web art. This integrative exploration focuses on production contexts, circulation and reception through the lens of critical and interpretive frameworks. Drawing from key texts by major scholars and the works of media practitioners, students develop globally informed, critical perspectives for understanding.

CMDP 3600, Media Practices II
Focus on developing an understanding of the principles, forms and aesthetics of media production. Working in design groups on small-scale media preproduction and production exercises, screenings and critiques, students learn creative solutions to problems in realizing expressive media projects. Formerly CMDP 2600.

COEN 3210, Climate Change and Engineering
Explores the fundamentals of climate change science, but from an engineering perspective. After learning the fundamentals, the relationship between climate change and different engineering disciplines will be discussed. Topics covered include geoengineering, renewable energy, sustainable engineering, coastal engineering, building design, etc. Career options and entrepreneurial opportunities will also be discussed.

COMM 3610, Communication, Technology & Society
Presents theory, research, and exploration into computer-based technologies; studies implications for communication, interaction, and social relationships. Recommended prereq., COMM 1210.

COMM 4610, Communication Studies of Science & Technology*

• Keywords in Digital Culture
• Television Criticism
• Civic Engagement
• Comm Tech & Soc/Civic Engagemt
• Technology & New Workplace
• Communication and Social Media

CSCI 3002, HFundamentals of Human Computer Interaction
Introduces the practice and research of human-computer interaction, including its history, theories, the techniques of user-centered design, and the development of interactive technologies. Covers computing in society at large with respect to domains such as health, education, assistive technology, ethics, environment, and more.

CSCI 3702, Cognitive Science
Introduces cognitive science, drawing from psychology, philosophy, artificial intelligence, neuroscience, and linguistics. Studies the linguistic relativity hypothesis, consciousness, categorization, linguistic rules, the mind-body problem, nature versus nurture, conceptual structure and metaphor, logic/problem solving and judgment. Emphasizes the nature, implications, and limitations of the computational model of mind. Same as LING 3005, PHIL 3310, and PSYC 3005.

CSCI 4830, Special Topics in Computer Science*

• Big Data

CYBR 5830, Special Topics in Technology, Cybersecurity, & Policy*

• Technology Ventures

EDUC 3570, Learning with Technology In and Out of School
Examines ways digital media are changing the way young people learn, play, make friends, and participate in civic life. Studies widely implemented digital tools intended to support literary, math, and science learning of children ages 4-18. Involves brief internship (5 hours outside class) and design projects that integrate these tools to transform in either a classroom or after-school program.

EDUC 4706, Assessment in Mathematics and Science EducationÌý
Examines purposes and practices of assessment in mathematics and science education. Particular attention is given to application of theoretical foundations and contemporary research in the design and use of assessment techniques and tools to support teaching for student understanding. Addresses the role of effective formative assessment in teaching and learning.

EMEN 3100, Introduction to Engineering Management
Examines topics important to the management of engineering activities within organizations. Topics include the relationship of engineering to business and management disciplines, the functions of an engineering manager, principles and techniques for managing financial resource and business ownership. Explores best practices in global engineering management, process management, legal issues, ethics, organizational behavior and communications.

EMEN 4055, Designing for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Engineering
Students will focus on the historical narrative of institutions and structures that have shaped instances of inclusion and exclusion in engineering, how their own identity and background shape their thoughts and actions, how transformational leadership is enacted for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and how involving DEI in the strategic planning process of designing can create additional innovations and opportunities.

EMEN 4200, Engineering and Entrepreneurship for the Developing World
Use your engineering and problem solving skills, combined with market/industry research, customer interviews, design for manufacturability, stakeholder management and financial modeling to promote entrepreneurship and sustainable change in the developing world. Explore alternative energy, medical devices, phones, internet, recycling, cook stoves, clean water, sanitation and infrastructure.

EMEN 4800, Entrepreneurship and Marketing
Offers an in-depth exploration of entrepreneurship through the lens of "The Lean Startup" methodology. You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of key startup concepts like Minimum Viable Product (MVP), venture capital, and the dynamics of early-stage companies. The curriculum combines lectures, workshops, and hands-on projects to equip you with the critical thinking skills and practical experience needed to identify and seize business opportunities in the world. Guest speakers from leading companies will occasionally enrich the classroom, providing industry insights.

EMEN 4825, New Venture CreationÌý
Relevant to students seeking to acquire an entrepreneurial toolkit of knowledge and skills for working in the startup world or launching a new venture. Covers the techniques for evaluating the probability of success for a new venture and develops a methodology for entrepreneurial thinking that provides benefits for big and small ventures. The final deliverable is a professional pitch to a group of seasoned investors and the submission of a complete business plan. Same as ESBM 4830.

ENES 2120, History of Modern Science from Newton to Einstein
Surveys the great discoveries and theoretical disputes from Newtonian celestial mechanics to the theory of relativity. Includes physics, astronomy, chemistry, geology, and biology; closely examines scientific method, evolution, light and quantum theory. Uses original sources by Newton, Faraday, Lavoisier, Darwin, etc., for immediate contact with the great minds in science. Formerly HUEN 2120.

ENES 2210, Engineering, Science, and Society
Explores challenges that engineering and science pose for society plus the ways that societies shape or impede science and engineering. Case studies range from contemporary issues (global warming, nuclear weapons, and genetic engineering) to classic cases (the execution of Socrates). Core texts in the Western Tradition supplement contemporary articles and films. Formerly HUEN 2210.

ENES 3843, Special Topics in Engineering, Ethics & Society

• Sci Fi & the Human Condition
• Modern Sci and Tech Society

ENGL 3006, Digital Editions & Web PublishingÌý
Introduces students to the theories and practices involved in making a scholarly edition. Students create their own digital editions and learn the requisite skills to publish scholarly research on the web.

ENGL 3116, Topics in Advanced Theory*

• Computational Literary Anlysis

ENGL 3856, Topics in Genre Studies*

• Technology & Culture
• Global Culture & Media
• The Graphic Novel
• Comics and Graphic Novels

ENGL 4116, Advanced Topics in Media Studies*

• Digital Media Theory

ENVD 2001, Human Behavior and Design
Examines reciprocal relationships between people and their built and natural environments, tracing major issues and approaches in design research to understand how people are influenced by the environment and how they can create healthy, just, and livable places. Recommended co-requisites: ENVD 1004 and ENVD 1052.

ENVD 3212, Color Theory
Develops visual awareness and technical knowledge while exploring the significance of color in the design world. Color plays a crucial psychological role, evoking emotions and influencing behavior, making it essential for designers to use color intentionally and thoughtfully. Through hands-on activities, we examine contemporary uses of color and patterns, learning how to achieve color harmony in design.

ENVS 3032, Environment, Media & Society
Examines how mass media influence our society, specifically with regard to environmental issues and outcomes. Focuses on media influence over environmental politics and policy, environmental public opinion, popular culture, and environmental/scientific knowledge.

EPOD 2004, History and Theory of Environmental Products of Design
Explores the chronology of product design and how it has shaped our engagement with the everyday context. The course will explore impactful precedents and the design thoughts behind them. Surveys advances in production and material technologies that have propelled key product designs from regional exclusivity to global access. Investigate product design’s influence on cultural adaptations. Class discussions will give space to think critically about product design intent and perceived successes.

EPOD 3105, Human Centered Design and Entrepreneurship Strategies
Exposes students to innovation and entrepreneurial practices around the topic of Environmental Products of Design through human/user centered design strategies.

ESBM 4830, New Venture Creation
This course content is relevant to the student who wants the entrepreneurial toolkit, start a new venture, is interested in working in the startup world, would like to effectively evaluate the probability of success for a new venture and/or develop a methodology for entrepreneurial thinking that provides benefits for big and small ventures. The final deliverable is a professional pitch to a group of seasoned investors and the submission of a complete business plan. Same as EMEN 4825.

FYSM 1000, First Year Seminar*

• Selfie: Identity in Digital

GEEN 4400, Teaching DesignÌý
Examines teaching engineering design to a variety of audiences including secondary schools, project teams, and other communities. Students examine the process of teaching hands-on design including scoping, stages of team evolution, and iteration. Students also explore different design methods, the development of engineering identity, and the interface between engineering and society. Students practice integrating design thinking into local schools and companies, develop ready-to-use tools and resources, and explore the design education literature.

INFO 1101, Computation in Society
Introduces students to modern information and communication technology, the basic principles of software and programming, the fundamental role of algorithms in modern society, computational reasoning, the major organizations in the information sector and fundamental interactions between humans and information technology. Appropriate for students with limited prior experience with computing. Fulfills the CMCI computing requirement.

INFO 1111, Introduction to Information Science: Understanding the World Through Data
Provides a hands-on survey of key concepts and theories in Information Science, including the nature of information, everyday experience of data, technologies that generate data, and how data are conveyed and represented. Students will critically examine texts, systems, and interpretations of data from multidisciplinary perspectives. Through design explorations, activities, and group projects, students will develop facility representing and transforming information.

INFO 3101, History of Information, Science and Society
Focusing on two topics: the changing role of information in everyday life over time and the increasing role of information in disciplinary studies such as social science, engineering, computer science, mathematics, digital humanities. Examines information related academic disciplines, businesses, industries and technologies from multiple perspectives from the 17th century to the present. Same as MDST 3101.

INFO 3505, Designing for Creative Learning
Analyzes learning technologies, discusses learning theories and develops prototypes to investigate strategies for engaging people in creative and inclusive learning experiences. Students explore design, learning and technology by examining sociotechnical systems like construction kits, online communities and makerspaces with a critical lens on equity and inclusion. Studio format enables students to apply constructionist ideas into the design of technology-enabled environments.

INFO 4601, Information Ethics and Policy
Explores ethical and legal complexities of information and communication technology. By combining real-world inquiry with creative speculation, students will probe everyday ethical dilemmas they face as digital consumers, creators and coders, as well as relevant policy. Explores themes such as privacy, intellectual property, social justice, free speech, artificial intelligence, social media and ethical lessons from science fiction.

JPNS 3851, Japanese Popular Culture
Introduces aspects of Japanese popular culture from the early 1990s economic collapse until the present through a variety of artistic mediums including manga, anime, literature, live-action cinema, video gaming, music, and the visual arts. Taught in English.

JRNL 3651, Media Law and Ethics
Studies state and federal laws and court decisions that affect the media in order to develop knowledge of media rights and responsibilities and an understanding of the legal system. Provides students with an overview of the theories, ethics, codes, and analytical models that are used in journalism and introduces students to a variety of ethical issues that can arise in journalism.

JRNL 4011, Principles of Media Relations
Provides students with information about the ethics, history and practice of media relations (community affairs, community relations, customer relations, government relations, industry relations, internal communications, public relations, press agentry, public affairs, publicity, etc.). Introduces students from multiple academic disciplines to the genres of writing required for a media relations career.

LEAD 4000, Leadership in Context and Emerging Challenges: A Capstone
Integrates leadership topics and experiences students pursued through the Leadership Studies Minor. Using advanced critical thinking skills, the seminar requires students to evidence their knowledge, competencies and skills related to leadership theory and practice through examining contemporary leadership challenges. Further, the seminar directs students to justify decision-making processes, demonstrating their ability to synthesize prior knowledge to effect desirable, ethical outcomes.

LIBB 1700, The History of Communication from Caves to Cyberspace
Surveys the history, evolution, and nature of communication and communication technologies. Students learn about the ongoing media revolution and its broader context, considering the interdependence of communication, culture, and society. They critically examine utopian, deterministic, and pessimistic arguments about the influence of new technologies and arts. Course combines lecture, discussion, and group work in a seminar format.

MDST 2002, Media and Communication History
Examines the historical development of communication forms, tools, technologies and institutions (orality, writing, printing, photography, film, radio, television, computers, internet); their influence on culture (forms of expression and social relationships); and their impact on social and individual experience. Applies knowledge of communication history to contemporary social issues and problems in media and society, domestically and internationally.

MDST 2012, Hacker CultureÌý
Chronicles the evolution of hacker culture from its origins as a geeky subculture to a criminal underground to its adaptation by CEOs. Considers how hacker formations sometimes represent a new kind of politics, sometimes a rejection of politics. Explores the contested figure of the hacker in the past, present and science-fiction of the internet. Meets Practice Course Requirement.

MDST 3002, Digital Culture & Politics
Examines issues at the intersection of digital media, culture and politics, such as regulation and network architecture, piracy and hacking, and grassroots activism. Engage with a range of theories about cultural politics, democracy, liberalism and neo-liberalism in relation to digital information and communication technologies.

MDST 3201, Media, Culture & Globalization
Surveys the political and economic structures of media system in developed and developing countries and discusses the impact of privatization, ownership consolidation, and globalization on the flow of information across national borders. Also looks at how global media flows and counter-flows affect conceptions of nationhood and cultural identity.Ìý

MDST 3321, Media Industries & Economics
Focuses on the institutions and practices of the media industries. Surveys the histories, structures, and activities of these organizations and the contemporary issues surrounding them.Ìý

MDST 3711, Media and Popular Culture
Examines culture in the form of discourse, symbols, and texts transmitted through the media. Explores the relationship between such mediated culture and social myth and ideology.

MDST 3791, Media and the Public
Provides an overview of how publishing in print and electronic forms has been tied closely to democratic ideals for centuries. Explores how the idea of the public is central to the theory and practice of media politics, and how the contested concepts of "the public sphere" and "public opinion" have long been linked to debates about the proper relationship between media and democratic citizenship.

MDST 4331, Gender, Race, Class, and Sexuality in Popular Culture
Studies the construction, interconnections, and replications of gender, race, class, and sexuality in popular culture and how these constructs become cultural norms and mores. Uses critical methods with a focus on producing responsible viewers and readers.

MDST 4371 Media & Religion
Examines the way religion uses media as a social and political force. Introduces the major themes and trends in the mediation of religion and the religious inflection of the media in professional, popular, and emerging media contexts.

PHIL 2160, Ethics and Information Technology
Examines contemporary ethical issues concerning the use, misuse, and development of information technologies, with particular focus on the consequences such changes may have on the lives of individuals and on the shape of societies. Topics may include hacking and cyber crime; artificial intelligence; robotics and automation technologies, such as drones and self-driving cars; mass surveillance; use of personal information by corporate, law enforcement, and media interests; as well as gaming and virtual reality.

RLST 1850, Ritual and Media
Ritual continues to play an important role in contemporary societies in both religious and secular contexts. This course examines the elements and genres of ritual activity from African rites of passage to the Beijing Olympics, paying close attention to how the media documents, appropriates and transforms aspects of ritual.

WRTG 2090, Electives in WritingÌý

• Writing for Digital Media

WRTG 3020, Topics in Writing

• Comics and the Graphic Novel
• Changing Digital Communities
• Dystopias
• Social Media and the Mind

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