ENGL/AMST 475 first readings

Jan. 11 - Defining digital diversity/ Analzing the digital divide

Read all of the articles below (a total of about 22 pages) and answer the following questions. Refer to specific passages from the articles to answer the questions. As you are reading, think about the connections that digital diversity and the digital divide have to your major.

1. Two of the articles are written by Andy Carvin--one from 2000 and one from 2006. Has Carvin's position or ideas on the Digital Divide changed? What evidence does he provide for the changes or for the lack of change?

2. The article by Marriot claims that the digital divide is closing. The other articles argue differently. What claims does Marriot make about the divide closing? How are those claims different from the arguments made in the other articles?

3. Which article(s) did you find most informative and convincing? Explain the reasons for your choice.

4. From what you have read so far, how does your major connect or relate to digital diversity and the digital divide? Be prepared to introduce yourself in class on Thurs. by talking briefly about this connection (or lack of it, if you cannot see a connection).

Carvin, "Minding the Gap: The Digital Divide as the Civil Rights Issue of the New Millennium"
Warschauer, "Reconceptualizing the Digital Divide"
Marriott, "Digital Divide Closing as Blacks Turn to Internet"
Deffree, "Digital Divide Deepens"
Carvin, "The Gap"
Sandrasagra, "Digital Divide Becoming a Vast Chasm"

Jan. 13 - Continuing the discussion--defining digital diversity/ Analzing the digital divide

Monroe, "Reconsidering the Terms of the Debate"

In one paragraph, explain Monroe's position on the digital divide. In a second paragraph compare and contrast her position to the positions take by two author's you read for last Thursday. The more thoroughly you articulate Monroe and the other two author's positions, the easier it will be to write a comparison/contrast. These paragraphs will be used for class discussion on Tuesday and are due at the end of Tuesday's class.